COURSE CURRICULUM

BSc Agricultural Business Management with Placement Year at University of Reading is a four-year degree that combines agricultural science with business, economics, management, marketing, and entrepreneurship to prepare students for careers in agribusiness, farm management, agricultural consultancy, food supply chains, rural enterprise, and related sectors. The course provides an understanding of both agricultural production systems and the economic and business principles that drive decision-making within the agricultural and land-based industries. In the first year, students develop a foundation in crop and livestock production, farm management, economics, marketing, sustainability, and research skills through modules such as Agriculture in Practice, Agricultural Production Systems, The Economic Environment, Fundamentals of Management and Marketing, Global Sustainability, and Research and Professional Skills for Business and Marketing. The second year focuses on applying management concepts to agriculture through modules including Farm Business Management, Agriculture in Practice 2, and Research Methods and Data Analysis, while optional modules allow students to explore areas such as digital marketing, crop agronomy, livestock production, horticulture, and land management. The third year is a Professional Placement Year involving at least 40 weeks of full-time employment in an industry-related role, enabling students to gain practical experience, develop professional skills, and apply academic knowledge in real business environments. In the final year, students study advanced topics including Business Management and Entrepreneurship, Business Planning and Control, and complete an Independent Research Project. Optional modules cover areas such as Agricultural Technology, Climate Smart Agriculture, Food Policy and Supply Chain Management, Agricultural Systems in the Tropics, Integrated Pest Management, Cereal Management and Marketing, and Advanced Livestock Production. Throughout the degree, students benefit from industry engagement, visits to farms and rural estates, networking opportunities with agricultural professionals, and the development of analytical, financial, managerial, research, and entrepreneurial skills needed to succeed in the modern agricultural and food sectors.