COURSE CURRICULUM

The four-year BSc Agriculture with Foundation programme at University of Reading combines a foundation year with the full BSc Agriculture degree, providing a strong pathway for students who want to build academic confidence before progressing to specialist agricultural study. The foundation year develops essential scientific, academic, and professional skills through modules in ecology, environmental sustainability, biology, scientific inquiry, data analysis, communication, teamwork, and global challenges linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. After successfully completing the foundation year, students progress to the agriculture degree, where they study the biological, environmental, technological, and business aspects of modern farming systems. Year one introduces agricultural production systems, crop science, livestock science, animal anatomy and nutrition, agricultural research methods, rural entrepreneurship, and global sustainability challenges. In year two, students develop practical and analytical expertise through crop agronomy, livestock production and welfare, farm business management, agricultural data analysis, and professional practice, while optional modules allow further study of animal nutrition, veterinary health, horticulture, ecology, and habitat management. The final year focuses on advanced agricultural technology, sustainability, ethics, independent research, and specialist areas such as cereal management, livestock product quality, tropical agriculture, climate-smart agriculture, integrated pest management, horticultural technology, entrepreneurship, equine science, and bioveterinary science. Students complete a substantial research dissertation, applying scientific methods to real agricultural challenges. Throughout the programme, emphasis is placed on sustainable food production, environmental stewardship, animal welfare, innovation, and commercial decision-making. Supported by approximately 800 hectares of university-owned farmland and the University’s internationally recognised expertise in agriculture, students gain both scientific knowledge and practical industry awareness, preparing for careers in farm management, agribusiness, agricultural consultancy, food production, sustainability, research, environmental management, and related sectors across the global agricultural industry.