A young university student examining crop seedlings in a university research field, with experimental growing plots and polytunnels in the background, representing the hands-on scientific approach of agriculture study

DEGREE GUIDE

Agriculture

What do Agriculture degrees involve?

Agriculture degrees teach you how to sustainably manage crops, livestock, and natural resources to support food production and rural economies. You will explore key areas such as soil science, agronomy, animal husbandry, precision farming, agribusiness, and environmental sustainability. These courses help you develop strong problem-solving, research, and practical skills while learning how to balance productivity with ecological responsibility. As you progress, you may specialise in areas such as sustainable farming, agricultural technology, or livestock management. You will also gain hands-on experience through farm placements, laboratory research, and field studies. With a combination of scientific knowledge and practical training, you’ll be prepared for careers in farming, agribusiness, food production, and land management.

Example
Modules

Crop Production Systems: Study the cultivation of major crops, focusing on soil health, pest control and methods to improve yield sustainably.

Animal Production Science: Explore livestock systems, including breeding, nutrition and welfare, to improve efficiency and animal wellbeing.

Farm Business Management: Learn how to manage farm enterprises through budgeting, finance, marketing and understanding agricultural policy.

Common Degree Names

💼 Placement years are common and often include farm, agri-business or environmental roles.
🌍 Study abroad is possible at some universities, particularly those with global agricultural partnerships.

BSc (Hons) Agriculture
BSc (Hons) Agricultural Science
BSc (Hons) Agricultural Business Management
BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Animal Science
BSc (Hons) Agriculture and Land Management
MSci Agriculture

Agriculture degrees are usually BSc programmes. Some universities offer a four-year MSci with advanced research in agricultural science.

Soil samples and plant seedlings alongside a tablet showing crop data analytics and precision farming sensors, illustrating the scientific and technological skills developed in agriculture degrees

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)

Agriculture degrees combine science, sustainability, and practical knowledge about food, land, and animals. Most courses expect at least one science subject.

Universities usually expect:

Biology – highly relevant for plants, animals, soil, and ecosystems
Chemistry – useful for fertilisers, nutrition, and environmental science
Geography or Environmental Science – great for sustainability and land use
Maths or Economics – helpful for data analysis and farm business

✨ Biology is the most relevant subject. Adding Chemistry or Geography keeps more options open, especially for science-focused courses.

Universities also welcome a range of other qualifications:

BTEC Extended Diplomas in Agriculture, Land Management and Production, Animal Care and Management, or Science
T-levels in Agriculture, Land Management, or Science

✨ Always check each university’s entry requirements carefully—some courses ask for a specific mix of subjects or grades, especially in science-heavy degrees.

Level 2 (GCSE / MYP / Nat 5)

You’ll usually need:

GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent qualifications such as National 5s or MYP)
GCSE Science (either Combined Science or separate sciences like Biology) at grade 4/C or above

📘 Some universities may ask for a higher grade (e.g. 5/B) in Maths or Science—especially for more technical or research-focused degrees.

Having GCSEs in Geography or Environmental Science, where available, can also provide useful background knowledge.

💬 Interviews
Some agriculture courses, particularly at specialist colleges, may invite you for an informal interview or applicant visit day. This is usually a chance to talk about your interest in agriculture and any hands-on experience.

📝 Admissions Tests
There are no admissions tests required for Agriculture degrees in the UK.

🔍 Work Experience
Not always essential—but having experience on a farm, in a garden centre, or through volunteering with animals or conservation projects can really strengthen your personal statement.

If your current qualifications don’t match the typical entry requirements, there are other ways to access an Agriculture degree:

🌱 Foundation Year
Many universities offer a foundation year in Agriculture, Environmental Science, or Land-Based Studies. These are designed to help you build science knowledge or improve your grades if you didn’t meet the direct entry requirements.

🎓 Access to HE Diploma
Access courses in Land-Based Studies, Science, or Environmental Science are accepted by many universities. Look for ones that include Biology or Chemistry to prepare for the degree.

💼 Level 3 Apprenticeships
If you’ve completed an apprenticeship in areas like Agriculture, Land Management, or Animal Care, this could lead to university—especially if combined with strong GCSEs or additional study. Some universities may recommend a foundation year alongside to build academic skills.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

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Skills you would develop in an Agriculture degree

Technical & Practical Skills: Gain hands-on experience with farming techniques, equipment, and agricultural technologies.
Scientific & Laboratory Methods: Learn to conduct agricultural experiments, test soil and crop health, and analyse results accurately.
Problem-Solving: Develop practical solutions to challenges such as crop diseases, sustainability issues, and resource management.
Sustainability & Ethical Awareness: Understand sustainable farming practices and the ethical implications of agricultural decisions.
Numeracy & Financial Literacy: Manage budgets, measure farm productivity, and analyse agricultural economic data.
Adaptability & Resilience: Adjust to changing conditions such as climate, market demands, and farming regulations.
Business & Commercial Awareness: Learn how agricultural businesses operate and how to maximise profitability and sustainability.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Work effectively in teams to manage farm projects, research studies, and agricultural initiatives.

Is this a good fit for you?

Use the tabs to explore the kind of person that this would be a good fit for. Do you share the Interests, Motivations and Values that people who thrive in this course tend to have? How does it compare to your Holland code?

Not sure what your Holland Code is? Want to get a better understanding of yourself to help you understand if this would fit you? Explore our pages on Self-Knowledge here.

Interests that would make an Agriculture degree a good match for you

Careers an Agriculture degree could lead you to