COURSE CURRICULUM

The BSc Agricultural Business Management degree at University of Reading provides a balanced combination of agriculture, business, economics, management, marketing, and sustainability, preparing students for leadership roles within the agricultural and rural sectors. In the first year, students develop a foundation in farming systems, agricultural production, crop and livestock science, economics, management, marketing, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and business research methods. They learn how agricultural businesses operate while gaining an understanding of global economic challenges, consumer behaviour, and professional research skills. During the second year, the focus shifts to practical agricultural business management, including farm business finance, investment appraisal, career development, research methods, and data analysis. Students can further specialise through optional modules in applied marketing, digital marketing, crop agronomy, livestock production and welfare, horticulture, and environmental land management. In the final year, students undertake an independent research dissertation and advanced business-focused modules covering entrepreneurship, business planning, financial decision-making, and resource management. Optional specialist subjects allow students to explore areas such as agricultural technology, climate-smart agriculture, food policy and supply chain management, tropical agriculture, cereal marketing, livestock product quality, horticultural technology, and integrated pest management. Throughout the programme, students gain practical industry exposure through farm visits, networking events, consultancy presentations, conferences, and interactions with major agricultural businesses and rural estates. The course develops strong analytical, commercial, financial, and strategic management skills while maintaining a solid understanding of agricultural production systems and sustainability. Graduates leave with the knowledge required to manage agricultural enterprises, advise farming businesses, analyse agricultural markets, support food supply chains, and contribute to rural development. Career opportunities include agricultural business management, farm consultancy, agribusiness, agricultural marketing, food industry management, rural enterprise development, agricultural finance, land and estate management, policy advisory roles, and entrepreneurship within the global agricultural and food sectors.