About the School

The school is at the forefront of agricultural education, producing students who are articulate and equipped with academic knowledge and practical skills suited to a range of agricultural and rural sector employment opportunities. The content of the BSc (Hons) Agriculture course is tailored to the future needs of the industry. The course is constantly refined and updated in consultation with our industry advisers.

In addition to the course providing opportunities for students to demonstrate knowledge and an understanding of key subject areas, the education you receive will also equip you with intellectual, practical (through teaching at the College Farms), professional and transferable skills.

Features of the Agriculture Degree Pathways

Greater Choice

In addition to the selection of a general BSc (Hons) Agriculture degree, you may select a specialist pathway. This will be reflected in the title of the degree awarded. Specialist subject pathways include the following:

• Livestock
• Crops
• Countryside Management
• Farm Management
• Agricultural Science
• Sustainable Soil Management
• Farm Mechanisation Management

Year one modules focus upon the principles of agricultural science and production systems, mechanisation and business. The second year gives opportunity for a subject-focused, work-based learning experience; the application of the basic principles covered in year one to the commercial practical farming situation. This time can also prove useful for the preparation for the research project study in the year three.

In the final year, students study the module relevant to their specialism, together with two further complementary subject elective choices. There is the flexibility in respect of choice of dissertation topic, too (although it must relate to the chosen specialist pathway).

Maximising Farms Use

The range of livestock, arable and mixed farming systems at the RAC provide an ideal opportunity for student engagement and provide a valuable insight into the current realities of commercial farming. This is achieved through practical farm classes for the purposes of demonstration together with project work, case studies, research and other assessments.

Practical Skills Opportunities

The College's Rural Skills Centre caters for all levels of ability and offers courses to meet a wide range of previous experience. All courses lead to a certification either from the College, or where applicable, from recognised awarding bodies. These courses are designed to complement academic studies and meet the needs of external businesses/employers by providing training to increase skill levels, productivity and to meet legislative requirements.

Exploring the Food Chain

Over the duration of the course, an important inclusion is the linkage of primary production at the commercial farm level and its influence on product quality through to the ultimate consumer. The production of safe food is now taking place in the context of such important issues as climate change, environmental protection and livestock welfare. These issues, associated with the future sustainability of farming systems, are high on the agenda of the programme content.

Work-based Learning Experience Emphasis

This is closely tailored to suit your chosen degree and final year research project. All Agriculture (Hons) courses include the option of a 20-week relevant industrial experience in year two, or a full year in employment between years two and three. Past agriculture students have secured a wide variety of challenging work experience opportunities including:

• Feed manufacturing companies
• Agricultural contractors
• Biofuels industries
• Business consultancy firms
• Livestock breeding companies
• Milk processing
• Scientific research establishments
• Mixed farming enterprises
• Dairy Co
• Marketing

The educational value of these placements should not be underestimated; such experience helps in the development of a range of skills that are appropriate for future employment. Contacts and networking made while on your placement may also prove invaluable.

Topical Subject Consideration

The merits and challenges of different farming systems approaches, for instance, organic vs traditional and intensive vs extensive are examined within key 'mainstream' crop, livestock and mechanisation modules. In addition, in the final year, you are able to participate in an organised study tour that will give you significant insight into a range of agricultural, rural estate and food processing businesses that reflect the diversification that is taking place in the rural sector.

International Perspectives

From the beginning of your course, you will be introduced to the global supply demand for food, European policy impact on agricultural production in the UK, and an appreciation of important world trade issues. You also have the option to go overseas to complete your work experience or to spend time studying at one of our overseas partner universities.

Career opportunities

Regular employer liaison aims to ensure that the you receive the relevant training required in today’s competitive marketplace, thus placing you ahead in the job-race. Some examples of the areas of job opportunities that our graduates have secured in recent times include: 

• Farming and managing farms in UK and abroad.
• Feed and agrochemical based businesses.
• Food chain industry sectors.
• Banking, marketing, consultancy, public relations, land agency.
• Journalism and the media.
• Civil service (e.g. DEFRA, NFU, Dairy Co, Quality Assurance) and other statutory bodies.
• Further study or research at postgraduate level, lecturing.