This course is subject to validation

Effective farm management has never been more important in the farming industry, with business and financial pressures increasing day by day. With agriculture becoming a globalised international industry, and the world experiencing a recession, it is vital that the farm business leaders of the future have the knowledge and skills to survive and, ultimately, thrive. This means that degrees like our new farm management specialism have a vital part to play in training the next generation of managers in the industry. 

Course structure

Our farm management specialism begins by grounding you in an Introduction to Business where you will learn basic subjects such as economics, organisational behaviour, business technologies and accounting and finance (see table below).

In the second year these theories are applied in a Farm Management module which runs alongside Human Resource Management and Agricultural Marketing and the application and enhancement of learning is continued into the final year with an Advanced Farm Management specialist module.

You will also be able to focus on farm management in your 20-week work placement and your dissertation.

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

Graduates from the degree course will be prepared for farming as owner occupiers, tenants or managers, either in the UK or overseas. Much land in the UK is now managed by several farming companies who employ graduates on graduate training schemes and offer career progression. The business skills learnt will also enable students to set up their own businesses and perhaps become the agricultural entrepreneurs of the future.

Some students, however, will regard this degree as a stepping stone to further study for a higher degree – opportunities and alternatives include progression to the College’s MBA in Advanced Farm Management, after a period of work experience, and our MSc in Rural Estate Management.