Agriculture

Agriculture is the foundation of food security and rural economies, and it is also one of the sectors most directly confronted by the challenges of our time: climate change, biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and the need to produce more food with fewer inputs for a growing global population. Modern agriculture requires professionals who understand not only crop and animal production but also the environmental, economic, and technological dimensions of farming systems. It is a discipline that rewards practical curiosity, problem-solving, and a genuine interest in how land, livestock, and food systems work.

At Hartpury University, this programme is designed for students who do not necessarily have an agricultural background but have the passion and drive to work within a fast-changing industry and make a real difference. The degree includes a foundation year, which provides a structured academic preparation before the main three-year programme. You will study crop science, animal production, farm business management, soil science, and sustainable land management, supported by practical experience on Hartpury's working farm and across a range of rural environments.

A sandwich placement year and work placement opportunities give you substantial real-world experience within the degree. The programme runs over four years full-time in total, with a typical entry tariff of 120 points.

Graduates of agriculture degrees pursue careers in farm management, agricultural consultancy, agri-business, food production, conservation and land management, and the supply chain industries that support farming. The technical and business skills developed on the programme are valued by employers across the food and farming sector. Many graduates also go on to postgraduate study in agriculture, food science, agronomy, or environmental management, and some move into research, policy, or international agricultural development.