Are you interested in working in the exciting and changing landscape of farming?
Do you wish to develop your knowledge and connection with agriculture?
Do you have a creative flair for problem solving, or enjoy managing multi-skilled projects?
Maybe you wish to develop relevant and real-world skills, or you simply enjoy working in the countryside?
Perhaps you want to run your own business, or work on making the industry more sustainable? Then Agriculture is the course for you!
Studying Agriculture will teach you about all aspects of the food production chain including farm business, soils, crop and livestock production, mechanisation and precision technologies as well as the wider agricultural industries.
Agriculture is a discipline that requires an enthusiasm for science, nature and the planet.
The courses offered by SRUC in Agriculture are designed to develop an understanding of knowledge in all aspects of the industry including agricultural engineering, agronomy, animal science, environment, and agricultural economics.
“I benefited from this course, learning how agriculture is changing and developing in all sectors of the industry.”
KEY FACTS
BSc / BSc (Hons) Agriculture
Entry requirements:
• Four Highers (BBCC)/3 A-Levels (BCC) to include a science or geography.
Progression courses:
• HND/Foundation Degree in a relevant subject.
• Direct entrants into third year from industry will be reviewed on an individual basis.
STUDY MODES
This course is available full-time (4 years) and part-time (8 years).
Years 1 and 2 include a student placement with an optional placement in year 4.
Please visit the Course Catalogue on our website for full details: www.sruc.ac.uk/courses
“I love studying agriculture in SRUC, it’s a great location for me and the opportunities available for students are brilliant.”
WHAT’S THE COURSE LIKE?
The aim of this programme is to develop progressive agriculturalists for the future. The global population is growing and there will be increased pressure on agriculture to meet dietary needs. This course is designed to prepare individuals for the challenges surrounding food security, climate change, biodiversity and the environment. This degree will provide you with the technical and financial knowledge and skills to contribute to sustainable food production and problem solve within the sector through innovation, enterprise and technology.
You will be taught by an experienced teaching team providing an excellent knowledge base, expertise and extensive links with industry.
STUDY VISITS
Site visits and practical skills are a large component of the course with agriculture students frequently out and about throughout their course. You will make use of SRUC’s own modern facilities and farms, world leading research and trial work and access to expert commercial consultants.
Study tour opportunities may be offered in the third year of the course and is normally an international tour. You will also have the opportunity to visit large industry events such as AgriScot and participate in competitions such as the Pinnacle Awards, Student Enterprise Challenge and Converge.
COURSE STRUCTURE
YEARS
1 AND 2
• 6 modules in year 1 and 5 modules in year 2
• Assessment methods are tests, practicals, coursework and presentations
YEARS 3 AND 4
• 6 modules (Year 3)
• 6 modules (Year 4)
• Assessment methods are a mix of coursework, exams, groupwork and presentations
• Greater emphasis on independent work and study
• In 4th year you can choose to complete a traditional Honours Project through a dissertation or a Professional Work Placement.
This programme has been designed to prepare those who wish to go into the field of research, consultancy or management roles by developing their:
• Critical thinking skills
• Enterprise skills and knowledge
• Investigation skills
• Technical skills and knowledge
• An environmentally sustainable outlook
• Knowledge of Government Policy
• Transferable skills – initiative, team working, enhanced confidence and communication skills
• Industry experience and links
• Ethical thought process
• Internship opportunities
BLENDED
Our courses are practically based with many activities, visits and classes on campus. Where appropriate, and dependant on the topic being studies, some classes may be online.
COURSE CONTENT
The HNC (degree year 1) introduces you to the many facets of agriculture including livestock, crops, mechanisation, business and the environment. You will complete 30 practical tasks during your first year.
YEAR 1 MODULES:
• Principles of Crop Production
• Principles of Livestock Production
• Principles of Mechanisation
• Professional Practice and Skills
• Specialised Farming Systems
• Diversified Farming Systems
The HND (degree year 2) builds on the practical skills and knowledge gained in the first year for crop, livestock, environmental and pasture management but also develops knowledge and skills in finance and business.
YEAR 2 MODULES:
• Crop Production Management
• Livestock Management Systems
• Principles of Agribusiness Management
• Integration of Trees
• Professional Development
The third year (degree year 3) looks into new areas of study including enterprise, economic and rural policy as well as students completing a professional agricultural investigation. 3rd year students are also provided with opportunity to choose an elective subject.
YEAR 3 MODULES:
• Enterprise Appraisal and Development
• Integrated Farming Systems
• Economic and Rural Policy
• Research Skills
• Professional Agricultural Investigation
• Wild Card Elective
The Honours year (year 4) has a strong focus on sustainability and enterprise with the opportunity to select elective modules to allow you to specialise within areas.
YEAR 4 PATHWAY OPTIONS:
Honours project or work placement project. Plus all of the below:
• Communication in Agriculture
• Topical issues in Agriculture
• Climate change in Agriculture
• Linked course elective
• Wildcard elective
Would you like to find out more about our courses straight from the people who matter most – the students and the lecturers?
We’ve created a Virtual Experience platform where you can find great videos and examples of what it’s like to study our courses, along with campus and facility tours.
