Ready for industry

The subject content in both courses aims to give a solid foundation in the green sector, producing the food and managing the land in an innovative and sustainable way. Importantly, the theoretical subject knowledge is combined with skills and topical knowledge demanded by the needs of the industry.

The first year will provide the foundation science of agriculture, focusing on the life cycle and important balance between crops and animals for a sustainable environment. A module of Academic Skills introduces students to managing academic work for subsequent years of study and in working life, and the year finishes with a supervised and assessed work placement.

The second year will develop the skills and knowledge required for employment in the agricultural industry, with research, data collection and industry engagement all fundamental.

The third year will allow depth and time spent on a research project that will be the dissertation. This will combine skills in data collection, statistics and subject knowledge together with critical thinking to present a report on a topical subject. It can be done in conjunction with an agricultural company, institute or departmental legal body in the agricultural sector. The year is focused on developing a range of wider skills and knowledge required in the modern dynamic agricultural sector and will include business diversification, marketing and sustainable agricultural systems for a global market.

We work with organisations such as:

Barfoots of Botley

Leckford Estate (John Lewis Partnership)

Vitacress Salads

Savills Land Agents

Natural England

As well as local farmers and the National Farmers’ Union

Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG)