Agriculture
Bachelor's degree
In Cirencester
Description
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Type
Bachelor's degree
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Location
Cirencester
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Duration
3 Years
Our degree is tailored to meet the changing needs of the industry, and is continually updated in consultation with our industry advisers. You will study the merits and challenges of different farm production systems, explore the food chain, and learn about the production of safe food in the context of climate change, environmental protection and livestock welfare. These issues, associated with the future sustainability of farming systems, are high on our agenda.
The range of systems adopted on our farms provide a valuable insight into the current realities of commercial farming, while our new Rural Innovation Centre allows for a variety of on-farm research trials, bridging the gap between the laboratory and the farmer. We also deliver rural skills training courses, designed to complement academic studies and meet the needs of future employers.
You will complete a 20-week work placement in the second year of the course, giving you the opportunity to apply and develop your expertise. This combination of vocational and academic skills creates highly competent and employable graduates.
Our graduates have gone on to pursue a wide range of careers within the agricultural and related industries worldwide. You will have the opportunity to work within a range of sectors, including: agronomy, nutrition, health and welfare, genetics, supply and consultancy.
Important information
Documents
- Agriculture.pdf
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
About this course
This course equips you with the academic knowledge and practical skills suited to a range of agricultural and rural sector employment opportunities.
- A Level: BCC – min.104 UCAS Tariff points (to include at least three A Levels - Preferably one science or technology subject. For Science subject: Pass in practical element is not required. General Studies & Critical Thinking are not included in the academic offer.)
- BTEC: DMM
- GCSE: (Minimum five GCSEs) - English and Mathematics (or Maths Numeracy for Welsh applicants) at Grade C / 4 or higher are required.
- International Baccalaureate: 26 points to include one science or technology subject at higher level.
- Access to HE: 45 credits at level 3, of which 21 must be awarded at D
Reviews
Subjects
- Industry
- Farming
- Livestock
- Production
- Supply
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Science
- Agriculture Farming
- Agriculture Research
- Agriculture Technology
- Environmental Science
Course programme
The course will be delivered through a series of lectures, seminars, and practical classes at the RAU farms and laboratories. Our exceptional industry contacts and external visits to livestock and crop enterprises and agri-businesses will provide valuable additional case studies.
Modules are assessed through examinations and coursework, including real-life case studies, presentations and reports. There are timed, unseen examinations at the end of each year.
The Research Project is an integral part of the course. It provides the opportunity to study in-depth a subject of specific interest or of direct relevance to employment aspirations.
Modules
Year one
In the first year you will focus on the principles of agricultural science and production systems, mechanisation and business management.
- Livestock Science
- Crop production Science
- Soil and Environmental Science
- Agricultural Mechanisation and Buildings
- Crop Production 1
- Livestock Production 1
- Introduction to Food Production
- Intro to Business Management
Year two
In the second year the principles of crop, livestock, grass and forage production are applied to a commercial practical farming situation. You will also take part in an individual work placement.
- Livestock Production 2
- Farm Mechanisation Management
- Environmental & Woodland Management
- Work Placement
- Agricultural Research Methods
- Economic Applications for Farm Enterprises
- Agricultural Policy and Legislation
- Grass and Forage Crops
- Crop Production 2
Year three
In the third year you will be brought up-to-date with the current industry and its commercial realities. You will select two specialist electives from a wide choice and complete a dissertation.
- Emerging Agricultural Issues
- Research Project
- New Developments in Agricultural Science
- Management Information Systems for Farming Businesses
- Sustainable Agricultural Intensification
PLUS choice of TWO electives selected from:
- Advanced Livestock Production
- Agricultural & Equine Journalism
- Sustainable Management of Soil & Water
- Advanced Crop Production
- Advanced Crop & Plant Science
- Soil Analysis & Interpretation
- Farm Machinery Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Climate Change & Development
- Farmland Ecology
- Wine Industry
- Sustainable Business & Agri-Food Supply Chains
- Integrated Organic Systems
Course modules are subject to change.
Work placement
You will complete a 20-week work placement in your second year, following completion of the Easter term examinations. Additionally, you can opt to complete a full year in employment between your second and third year. You can apply for placements relevant to your interests and aspirations, and may choose to link these to your choice of electives in the final year or proposed dissertation topic.
Our students have secured a wide variety of challenging work experience opportunities, both nationally and internationally. Work experience helps in the development of a range of skills that are appropriate for future employment and such contacts and networking can prove invaluable.
Additional information
International students
Full-time fees - £10,000 per year
The tuition fees quoted for 2017 applicants may rise in line with inflation, subject to government policy.
Scholarships
The University offers a wide range of generous fee waivers and bursaries.
Agriculture