Agriculture with Livestock Science

Course overview

If you want to progress into an agricultural management career, helping to find solutions to the world's most pressing issue of food production and land use, then this course focusing on livestock production is ideal for you.

You don’t need to have an agricultural background; you simply need the passion and drive to work within a fast-changing industry and make that difference.

You’ll how to build a productive, resilient and sustainable industry - whether as a farm manager, agronomist, economist, policymaker, researcher, scientist or consultant – career opportunities are diverse. The extensive industry experience of lecturers, an on-campus commercial farm that supplies Müller, Sainsbury's and Glencore, as well as a modern Agri-Tech Centre will prepare you to make that positive impact on the future.

You'll have access to 400 hectares of commercial farmland, offering plenty of opportunities to get hands-on. This, alongside real-world business briefs and industry placements. You’ll benefit from up to 300 hours engaging in and with the industry as part of your degree.

This includes a supported work placement during the first year of study that counts as credits towards your degree meaning you'll graduate ready for employment.

What you'll study

This course covers a broad range of fundamental agricultural topics through core modules. From the introductions to livestock science, sustainability, agricultural technologies, economics and soil management, to livestock health and disease, nutrition, developments in livestock science and the management of the supply chain with business management and sustainability embedded throughout.

Level four (year one)

Your first year will focus on introducing and developing your underpinning scientific knowledge of livestock production, soil and grassland management, sustainable production systems and economics. You’ll also develop your academic, professional and transferable skills that will equip you to study at higher levels. Although the programme focuses on livestock, you’ll gain an insight of how crop production impacts on livestock production. This will allow you to understand the link between the two key sectors in the industry. You’ll also complete 280 hours of placement within industry to support your development.

Level five (year two)

Core modules include farm business management and agricultural policy, livestock nutrition, livestock health and disease, forage crops, industry engagement and a research process module.

Integrated placement year (optional)

The optional integrated placement year between your second and final years gives you the opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice and gain valuable industry experience.

Level six (final year)

Your final year core modules allow you to focus on a research project aligned to your own area of interest, developments in livestock science, agricultural social licence and one health, the supply chain and strategic management.

Please visit our document library for more module information.

How you'll study

We're committed to supporting you to fulfil your unique potential, which is why you'll receive a minimum of 15 hours of scheduled teaching time per week in your first year - this is 25% above the UK average.

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions, as well as supported work placement learning as part of many courses.

Your career

Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory and optional modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career.

Further details

Field trips and guest lecturers

Field trips and industry professionals in lectures form an important part of your learning, enabling you to experience different businesses, careers and best practices. Recent field trips have included trips to Somerset and Devon as part of the sustainable agriculture module, ADAS field trials, livestock farms, food processors and Dairy Tech. Extra fees are required – please see the fees tab.   

Recent guest lecturers have included livestock nutritionists and agricultural managers within the banking and supermarket sectors.   

Graduate destinations  

As a Hartpury agriculture graduate, you could progress into a range of careers including:  

• Livestock nutrition
• Herd/flock health planning
• Biosecurity
• Agricultural policy   
• Research 
• Farm manager 
• Food security and safety 
• Agricultural consultancy 

Tuition fees and financial support

Please visit our student finance page for information on tuition fees and student loans, as well as non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships, eligible to different groups, to support with study costs.  

Skills Development Bursary  

Agriculture students have access to a skills development bursary (£1,000 per student) to support with developing a range of practical and vocational skills during their programme of study.  

Below, you'll find extra costs associated with studying this course.

Clothing and footwear (circa £100)  

You’ll need to purchase appropriate clothing and footwear before you enrol, or during enrolment week. We’ll let you know exactly what you need to purchase in your enrolment guide – everything is available from our supplier’s online shop for approximately £100.  

Optional field trips  

Students are encouraged to engage in various trips and visits as part of the programme. While many of these are included in the course fees, there is the opportunity to engage in additional study tours with additional costs involved. In year one the sustainable agriculture field trip will cost in the region of £40 per student.   

Short Courses  

Hartpury also subsidises optional short courses for a reduced cost that allows students to gain relevant experience and qualifications prior to graduation. Short courses include PA1, PA2, PA6, All Terrain Vehicle training, chainsaw maintenance and basic operations and Telescopic Handler (RTTLT Loadall).  

Performance Sports Academy membership

Find out costs and details for joining one of our performance Sports Academy teams.

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Hartpury gym

Find out about costs and details for joining the Hartpury gym.

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Accommodation and living costs   

Please visit our accommodation page