There are a number of demands placed on the countryside, not least those related to the provision of resources for sustainable food and non-food production. Whilst a primary driver in countryside management issues is agriculture, others also play important and often key roles. These include issues of access to the countryside and the leisure industry, energy and climate change impacts, and biodiversity conservation, all these coupled with issues of environmental protection and legislation. There is thus a clear and growing need for appropriately qualified managers and advisers, along with well-informed practitioners. This Countryside Management specialism of the BSc (Hons) Agriculture degree is designed to provide the academic and practical training for these groups. 

Course structure

In addition to the core agricultural modules (see table), this course offers specialist modules focusing on the important elements of:

• Rural economy and policy
• Environmental management
• Energy and climate change
• Access and heritage
• Biodiversity management 

Students who elect for this specialism are likely to have their hearts in farming, with a desire to build upon this foundation by becoming more informed about the wider study of countryside management issues.

The final year thesis, final year specialist module, and 20-week work placement will also be Countryside Management based.

Activities on the compulsory work placement have included; assisting foresters, gamekeepers, land agents and rural estate managers, as well as jobs in practical agriculture. 

Course content

Click here to view the extended course content.

Placement

All Agriculture (Hons) courses feature a 20-week relevant work placement in year two, following completion of the Easter Term examinations and, additionally, the option of a full year in employment between years two and three. This is closely tailored to suit the chosen degree award identity and the final year research project. Past students have secured a wide variety of challenging work experience opportunities, both nationally and internationally. 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 and such contacts and networking can prove invaluable. 

What you need to join the course

UCAS score of 240 points or more, normally from subjects passed at A2 level, one of which should be classed as a science subject (i.e. Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, etc). We will also accept AS points from subjects additional to those studied to A2 level in order for candidates to meet the tariff for entry. You should also have achieved GCSE passes at Grade C or above in English and Mathematics.

Alternative entry routes are available if you have other qualifications, including a Diploma, AVCE, GNVQ, overseas qualifications and prior experience; although entry is subject to approval by the programme managers and admissions staff, and following individual interview. A period of practical experience is recommended but is not required as a prerequisite to joining any of the courses. 

Career prospects

As a leading educator serving the rural business sectors, we are well placed to provide networking opportunities into the vast range of employment positions in rural industries. Typical employers of graduates from this chosen specialism will include:

• Farming and the management of agricultural and other rural businesses
• Consultancy and management in environmental and countryside management
• Work with statutory and non-statutory organisations e.g. Natural England, National Trust, RSPB, Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, and English Heritage.