COURSE CURRICULUM

BSc Agricultural Business Management with Foundation at University of Reading is a four-year degree that combines a preparatory foundation year with three years of specialist study in agriculture, business management, economics, marketing, and sustainability. The Foundation Year helps students transition to university-level study by developing academic, scientific, research, communication, numeracy, and data-analysis skills through modules such as Business, Consumers and Sustainability, Foundation Biology, Ecology, Environment and Sustainability, and Academic and Scientific Skills focused on global challenges and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. After successfully completing the foundation year, students progress to the main degree where they gain a broad understanding of agricultural production systems, farm management, economics, marketing, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and business research. In Year 1, students study farming systems, crop and livestock production, management, marketing, economic principles, sustainability challenges, and professional research skills. Year 2 develops practical and analytical expertise through modules in Farm Business Management, Research Methods and Data Analysis, and Agriculture in Practice, while optional modules allow students to explore areas such as Digital Marketing, Crop Agronomy, Livestock Production, Horticulture, Ecology and Land Management, and foreign languages. The final year focuses on advanced business and agricultural decision-making through Business Management and Entrepreneurship, Business Planning and Control, and an Independent Research Project. Students can further specialise through options including Food Policy and Supply Chain Management, Agricultural Technology, Climate Smart Agriculture, Agricultural Systems in the Tropics, International Human Resources, Cereal Management and Marketing, Horticultural Crop Technology, Integrated Pest Management, and Advanced Livestock Production. Throughout the programme, students develop commercial awareness, leadership, strategic planning, financial analysis, research, and problem-solving skills while gaining insight into modern agricultural and food industries. The course is ideal for students seeking careers in agribusiness, farm management, agricultural consultancy, food supply chains, rural enterprise, agricultural policy, and business management, offering a strong combination of agricultural knowledge and business expertise supported by industry engagement and practical learning opportunities.