BSc (Hons)

Agriculture

UCAS Code: D401

Typical offer: 96-112 UCAS tariff points or equivalent

Duration: 3 or 4 years full time; part-time available

Placement year: Optional

Awarding body: Hartpury University

Apply for this course here: https://www.hartpury.ac.uk/university/courses/undergraduate/bsc-hons-agriculture/bsc-hons-agriculture-2023/

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Overview

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 is the ideal course 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 learn 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 Muller, Sainsbury's and Glencore, as well as our £2 million Agri-Tech Centre, will prepare you to make that positive impact on the future.

You'll have access to 400 hectares of commercial farmland, real-world business briefs and industry placements. You’ll benefit from up to 300 hours working and applying your knowledge as part of your degree. This includes a supported work placement in the first year of study and periods of industry engagement in years two and three that count as credits towards your degree meaning you'll graduate ready for employment.

How to apply Contact us: +44 (0)1452 702244

What you'll study

This degree covers a broad range of fundamental agricultural topics through core modules. From the scientific principles behind crop and livestock production systems, to management of the supply chain with business management, technology and sustainability embedded throughout.

Level four (year one)

This year will focus on developing your underpinning knowledge of the science behind modern sustainable crop and livestock production, soil management, livestock science, animal husbandry, and technologies. As well as this, you’ll develop your academic, professional and transferable skills that will equip you to study at higher levels. You’ll also complete 280 hours of placement within the industry to support your development.

Compulsory modules

The Skills Development for Agriculture module supports students in developing key professional, personal, academic and employment skills and competencies. This is to ensure students maximise the benefits of their degree programme and improve their employability prospects on graduation. The following areas are covered: academic skills; work placements and employability; technical agricultural competencies; research process and projects; reflective thinking.

This module provides you with an introduction to livestock health and husbandry, in particular discussing the interaction between anatomy and physiology, ethics and welfare, disease, reproduction and legislation. The module will cover both ruminant and non-ruminant livestock. Practical skills will be taught and developed (in handling and carrying out routine husbandry tasks) using the livestock enterprises on the university’s farm.

This module provides the student with an overview of crop production both in the United Kingdom and globally. Opportunities will be provided to see how scientific principles are applied in crop science, including; how plants grow in the field. Students will discuss how crop production is influenced by biotic and abiotic factors, how crop genetics are utilised in breeding and developing varieties and biotechnology.

The aim of the module is for students to become familiar with the principles and practices of soil and grassland management focussing on sustainable agricultural production objectives, but also considering ecological purposes.

The module offers an introduction to the varied technologies involved in current agricultural production and how these can contribute to environmental sustainability, increased animal welfare and efficient business performance.

Optional modules

There are no optional modules during this year. Your learning is focused on compulsory modules to ensure you have a thorough understanding of key topics to prepare you for module choices in your subsequent years.

Level five (year two)

Alongside your core farm business management and agricultural policy and research process modules, you will have the opportunity to study agronomy, livestock health and disease and engage with industry. These modules will develop your further knowledge and understanding of key scientific principles, production strategies, policy and legislation and how these are applied in a modern sustainable industry.

Compulsory modules

This module provides you with an introduction to the principles of business management and how they are applied to the modern agricultural business. This will enable you to plan and manage staffing, capital and resource use on the farm, and prepare effective budgets and business plans for the future development of the business. In addition, it will allow you to consider the legislative and policy boundaries that the modern farmer has to work within, enabling them to understand, manage and plan within guidelines and offer consultation to others.

This module introduces you to the process of academic research, methods of research and analysis,
helping to prepare you for reading research literature and conducting research projects in the future.

Vegetable and Soft Fruit Production OR Agronomy

Agronomy

The module will expose students to the importance of crop production and crop protection in a sustainable agricultural context. Students will engage with crops and crop trials on the University farm, explore a wide range of crops within industry and prepare agronomy recommendations that meet the demands of production and food safety within the sustainable business environment.

Vegetable and Soft Fruit Production

The module focuses on the key principles of sustainable crop husbandry and crop production within field vegetable and soft fruit production. You will develop your knowledge and skills through theory sessions, interaction with facilities at the university and industry engagement with a range of producers in the locality.

The module will provide students with an overview of current issues surrounding livestock health and disease and support them to develop scientific strategies that will enable industry relevant solutions.

The focus of this module is to develop students’ autonomy in an industry context through practice of personal, applied, and professional skills gained through a period of engagement aligned to their future career direction.

Optional modules

Integrated placement year (optional)

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

Level six (final year)

The final year focuses on your individual research project aligned to your particular interests as well key developments in crop and livestock science. Alongside this you will investigate the role of social licence and one health in the modern agricultural industry. Alongside your core modules, optional modules will allow you to investigate the agricultural supply chain, strategic management or livestock nutrition.

Compulsory modules

This module involves independent research and analysis in an animal or agriculture‐related field with one
to‐one support from an academic.

The module investigates the concepts of social licence and one health within the agricultural industry and their impact on all stakeholders and decision making related to sustainability.

Students must achieve at least one from the following two modules:

Developments in Crop Science

The module will investigate a broad range of topics that will allow the student to gain further knowledge and understanding of the key scientific developments within sustainable crop production, crop protection and crop management and be able to critically analyse and evaluate the scientific impact of developments on all stake holders in the industry (producers, processor and consumers).

Developments in Livestock Science

The module will investigate a broad range of topics that will allow the student to gain further knowledge and understanding of the key scientific developments in sustainable livestock production and management and be able to critically analyse and evaluate development impact on all stake holders in the industry (producers, consumers and animals).

Optional modules

This module allows students to explore the strategic practices and principles utilised by global companies. Through an appreciation key external and internal impact factors students will put theory into practice and create a new strategic direction for an allocated organisation.

In this module students will discover the mechanisms by which the agrifood supply chain takes our food supply from farm to fork. They will discuss current research and contemporary issues affecting, the agrifood supply chain which will enable them to grasp current practices and trends and consider the impact these may have on the producer. They will learn about the relationships between actors in the agrifood supply chain and how these influence the business practices currently employed. They will analyse and evaluate supply chain management practices with a focus on the drive towards sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) and the mechanisms by which this can be delivered. The module will also involve a non-assessed project that enables students to gain hands on experience within the sector. Previous projects have included the making of their own cider with a local cidermaker to be marketed by the students.

The module develops student knowledge, understanding and application of the complexities and the scientific principles that underpins nutrition of ruminant and non-ruminant farm livestock preparing them for feed analysis, diet formulation and feed management.

Please visit our document library for more module information.

Further 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

You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

On successful completion of your modules, you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain in your second and third years may contribute towards your final degree classification.

The modules contain a mixture of scheduled learning – lectures, workshops and practical sessions. You are expected to dedicate at least two to three hours of independent study per contact hour. Your course may also include work placement learning as part of some modules.

The course is taught in English.

Year	Contact learning	Placement learning	Independent learning
Level four (year one)	24%	17%	59%
Level five (year two)	26%	0%	74%
Placement year (optional)	1%	80%	19%
Level six (final year)	17%	0%	83%

You’ll receive a minimum of 15 hours scheduled contact time per week in your first year. In subsequent years, scheduled contact will vary depending on the modules you select but is typically around 12 hours per week.

You’ll be assessed through a mixture of written exams, practical exams and written assignments. Many of the modules will be marked based on a mixture of assessment types, whilst others will be based solely on one type of assessment. Feedback will be given in person through individual 1:1 tutorial, through group tutorials and online through the VLE.

Year	Written exam	Practical exam	Coursework
Level four (year one)	13%	37%	50%
Level five (year two)	29%	40%	31%
Placement year (optional)	0%	0%	100%
Level six (final year)	0%	58%	42%

Each year of this course is taught over two semesters, normally consisting of 12 weeks of scheduled teaching and then assessment weeks, with an overview below:

Scheduled teaching takes place between 8:30 to 20:30 Monday to Friday
Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities
Work placements may entail different days and hours
Part-time students may need to attend learning activities five days each week, depending on modules selected
Timetables are available during enrolment week

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Employability

Your career

Industry opportunities on this course are diverse, to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Many of our students get their graduate roles with their work placement employers.

Work placements and experience

These form part of core modules, alongside an optional integrated placement year. We’ll support you to find a placement in your first year within a sector of the industry to match your interests and career goals. Placements can be paid or unpaid, depending on the position. Students have worked with organisations such as the ADAS, Woodheads, Foyles as well as on a range of commercial farms and enterprises.

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 agricultural module, ADAS and Agrii field trials, livestock farms, dairy tech and crop-tec. Extra fees are required – please see the fees tab.

Recent guest lecturers have included plant breeders, grain marketers, 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:

Agronomy
Livestock nutrition
Biosecurity
Agricultural policy
Research
Farm manager
Food security and safety
Agricultural consultancy

Facilities

World-class facilities

You’ll have access to a diverse range of facilities while you’re here, many of which are newly built and world-class. Alongside lecture halls and workshop spaces, these include:

400-hectare commercial farm

Our commercial farm consists of mixed farming enterprises including a dairy herd, sheep flock, beef rearing and finishing, and arable production. You’ll be able to apply your knowledge into practice during practical sessions on the farm and have access to farm data for a range of modules.

Agri-Tech Centre

Our on-campus Agri-Tech Centre is a joint project with the Gloucestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (GFirst LEP). The centre connects the livestock farming community with smart technologies to help drive forward productivity and sustainability. You’ll have opportunities to engage with tech companies, industry and research through the centre.

Laboratories

Our laboratories are modern and well-equipped, providing the ideal spaces for scientific activities and research. Some are used for specialist microbiological culturing and analysis, others for biochemistry and physiology.

Study spaces

Our University Learning Centre has books, journals, ebooks, computers and breakout study spaces. In addition, we have a Study Lounge – an informal space with sports equipment, study booths and chill-out spaces to support both studying and relaxation.

Entry requirements

UCAS | A typical offer for this course is 96-112 UCAS tariff points or equivalent.

GCSE | A minimum of 5 GCSE A* to C, (or 9 to 4 where numeric grades are being awarded) or equivalent, to include English Language and Mathematics.

A-Level | Typical offer is CCC-BBC or equivalent. This must include a minimum of two A Levels.

Vocational Award | Typical offer is a MMM-DMM in an Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.

Access | Typical offer is 96-112 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma.

IB | Typical offer is 96-112 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include a minimum of two Highers at H3 or above.
This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Standard Level S3 if equivalent GCSEs have not been obtained.

Scottish Highers | Typical offer is 96-112 UCAS tariff points in Scottish Highers. This must include a minimum of one Advanced Higher and one Higher.

Irish leaving Certificate | Typical offer is 96-112 UCAS tariff points in the Irish Leaving Certificate. This must include a minimum of two Highers. This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Ordinary Level.

OCR Cambridge Technical | Typical offer is a MMM-DMM in a Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma or equivalent in a relevant subject.

T Level | Typical offer is Pass (C or above on the core) in your T Level overall grade in a relevant subject.

Other | Some evidence of practical experience in agriculture or similar land based studies is desirable.

We may interview mature applicants and those with non-traditional qualifications to ensure this is the right course for you.

The minimum academic entry requirement for this programme is 72 UCAS tariff or equivalent providing this is combined with relevant experience.

Please contact us for further information:

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Fees and funding

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.

Explore student finance

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.

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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.

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Top 10

We’re in the top 10 UK universities for teaching quality (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2023)

Top 10%

We’re in the top 10% of UK providers for student satisfaction (NSS, 2020)

100%

100% of our agriculture graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes, 2022)

£1000 bursary

Agriculture students have access to a Skills Development Bursary (£1000 per student) to support with developing a range of practical skills during their programme of study.

980 hours

You'll spend up to 980 hours working in the industry as part of your degree

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Take your agriculture degree anywhere

Holly, Production Administrator for Yorkshire Farmers, loved studying her BSc Agriculture degree. She was able to tailor her degree to nurture her interests, and it challenged her to think about things she never would have thought of before.

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Get in touch

We would love to hear from you, so please get in touch. You can ask a specific question or simply pop your details in to be kept up-to-date with news and events.

How to apply

You can apply for the BSc (Hons) Agriculture degree via UCAS.

Apply via UCAS

Success stories

Invaluable practical experience

Zoe Fletcher, Farm Manager

"The facilities and opportunities at Hartpury were the best suited to me. It’s great to be in the classroom one minute and then in overalls and boots the next; down on the farm having the current lecture demonstrated to us in a practical sense."

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Further course details

For further details about this course, including the programme specification and module descriptions, please visit our document library.

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Important information

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are reviewed and developed regularly. Changes or cancellation of courses may be necessary to ensure alignment with emerging employment areas, to comply with accrediting body requirements, revisions to subject benchmark statements or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make necessary changes and will notify all offer-holders of changes as and when they occur.

*Reflects activities after 15 months for those who graduated in 2019.

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