Close up of black and white cow's faces poking head through railings in dairy centre

Agriculture BSc

Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, UK

Course overview

An agriculture degree at the University of Nottingham will allow you to integrate advanced scientific principles with innovative agricultural techniques, in crop production, livestock management, and agribusiness.

We take an applied approach to teaching the next generation of agriculture professionals. You'll build your science and practical knowledge throughout the course, and you can tailor your degree as you progress to find your specialism. 

Whether your ambition is to be are the forefront of change in farming, become a leading expert in your chosen agricultural sector or build a more sustainable future, this degree equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a real impact.

Indicative modules

Mandatory

Year 1

Academic Skills

Mandatory

Year 1

Agricultural Business in the Global Economy

Mandatory

Year 1

Geographical Information Systems for Environmental Monitoring

Mandatory

Year 1

Habitat Management

Mandatory

Year 1

Habitat Management

Mandatory

Year 1

Introduction to Plant Science

Mandatory

Year 1

Principles of Ecology

Mandatory

Year 1

Regenerative Agriculture

Mandatory

Year 1

Sustainability in Agricultural Systems

Mandatory

Year 2

Applied Marketing: Agriculture and Food

Mandatory

Year 2

Economic Valuation for Sustainable Development

Mandatory

Year 2

Enterprise Management Challenge

Mandatory

Year 2

Research and Professional Skills

Optional

Year 2

Climate Change Science

Optional

Year 2

Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Monitoring

Optional

Year 2

Plant Pests and Diseases

Optional

Year 2

Practical Policy Making

Optional

Year 2

Principles of Animal Nutrition

Optional

Year 2

Reproductive Physiology

Optional

Year 2

The Green Planet

Mandatory

Year 3

Agriculture Research Project

Optional

Year 3

Agronomy Field Course

Optional

Year 3

Animal Nutrition

Optional

Year 3

Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society

Optional

Year 3

Current Issues in Crop Science

Optional

Year 3

Field Crops Cereals

Optional

Year 3

Genetic Improvement of Crop Plants

Optional

Year 3

International Agri-Business

Optional

Year 3

Livestock Production Science

Optional

Year 3

Management Consultancy

Optional

Year 3

Plant Pathology

Optional

Year 3

Plants and the Light Environment

Optional

Year 3

Plant Ecophysiology

Optional

Year 3

Rural Business Management

Optional

Year 3

Sustainable Soil Management

Optional

Year 3

World Agroecosystems

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About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Thursday 22 May 2025. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Teaching takes place across Sutton Bonington and University Park campuses. The class size and timetable will vary by module, below are various formats of teaching:

  • Computer labs
  • Laboratory sessions
  • Lectures
  • Farm visits- university and external
  • Seminars or Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • Problem-based learning
  • Practical classes

How you will be assessed

Modules will vary in terms of method and structure of assessment; you are provided with details per module on assessment.

You will receive a copy of the marking criteria which guides how we will assess your work for each module and element. Your work will be marked on time, and you will receive feedback. 

Your final degree classification will be based on marks gained in your second and third years of study. 

You must pass each year to progress. This typically means that you will need to achieve marks of at least 40% in each module.  

Examples of assessment methods include:

  • Group projects
  • Lab Reports
  • Presentations 
  • Research projects
  • Written examination
  • Business report

Each year you will take 120 credits in modules. As a guide, one credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. You will spend around half of your time in lectures, seminars and practicals. The remaining time will be for independent study.

You will be provided with an academic tutor to support you in your studies, and you are encouraged to speak to your tutor or teaching staff if you require support or guidance.

Modules are timetabled and you will receive information on the location and details of the teaching at the beginning of each module.

As a guide, contact hours can be from 15-20 hours per week, dependent upon module choice and year of study. 

You will graduate with comprehensive knowledge in agricultural science on your chosen pathway. Careers outcomes are extensive and could range from farm management to specialist consultancy positions in agriculture and related industries.

You could work as an agronomist, in supply chain management, or marketing and communications roles within the agricultural and food-related industries.

Job roles of our previous students include:

  • Commercial Technical Manager
  • Management Consultant
  • Farm manager
  • Animal Nutritionist
  • Further study or research

Average starting salary and career progression

Average starting salary and career progression

91.4% of biosciences graduates were in sustained employment or further study five years after graduation. These graduates earned a median salary of £32,100.* 

* LEO data from 2021/22 tax year, published in 2024.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

University undergraduate student studying in Nightingale Hall accommodation's library, University Park

" In the year two module, Plant Pests and Diseases, we looked at the pests and diseases in plants, with diagnostics, treatments and management. I have enjoyed being able to use the Super Lab to look at pathogens on plants over several weeks, using specialist equipment and techniques. Another popular year two module I enjoyed was Enterprise Management Challenge. This module puts us in charge of the farm. It has included helpful advice from agronomists, lecturers and our peers to help us decide what to apply to the crops. "

Rachel Banks

BSc Agriculture

Course data

Open Day June 2022