Course summary

Our BSc Agricultural Business Management degree will enable you to become a successful manager or consultant within the agricultural sector. The University of Reading is the highest-ranking UK university for this subject area and ranked 12th globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021 (Agriculture & Forestry). This is a multi-disciplinary degree programme combining the study of management with agricultural production science, giving you an understanding of the economic and business principles that underlie management and its application to agricultural and land-based industries. You will gain skills in critical observation and analysis of financial and business management systems to go along with practical knowledge and commercial expertise. You will develop these skills through contact with a variety of industry professionals, with talks delivered by farm consultancies such as Savills, visits to a wide range of farming businesses and rural estates, for example Waitrose’s Leckford Estate and the Hall Hunter Partnership. There are also opportunities to attend conferences and seminars on farming and rural development, as well as chances to network and build relationships while you learn. In one of our most popular modules you will provide strategic advice to farm businesses based on real data and situations. The businesses do listen to your opinion, and take note of your recommendations. You will also complete a residential study tour within the UK to look at different farming enterprises as part of this degree. In the final year, your independent research project allows you to choose a subject that inspires and interests you. This could involve a farm, including your home farm, research at the University or an enterprise that you’ve had contact with during the course. Outside of the curriculum, the student-run Agri-club runs the UK’s largest student conference. It gives you the opportunity to debate key issues like food security and self-sufficiency and get your voice heard. Placement If you would like to complete a one-year work placement in between years two and three, you should consider studying BSc Agricultural Business Management with Placement Year. In the past, students have undertaken their year in industry in the UK with John Deere and ADM, as well as internationally, in Europe and New Zealand. You will be supported by our advisory services and a dedicated member of staff who will assist with finding and supporting your year out. Some students can also participate in six week summer placements linked to research undertaken at the University, which are generally completed before the final year. Careers The University of Reading has an outstanding reputation with employers, and graduates are headhunted for key management roles. We are recognised for giving our students an excellent starting point for the development of a vast range of careers in agricultural and land-based industries in the UK and overseas. Graduates from this course become managers, trainee managers and employees in a range of farming enterprises. Graduates also work in agricultural contracting, land agency and farm consultancy, financial, accountancy and agricultural banking services, in the UK and overseas. Graduates work with companies including AB Agri, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte, Savills, Strutt and Parker, MDS Ltd, The Farm Consultancy Group, Farmcare and Velcourt Farm Management. The Royal Farms have also taken a graduate from the University of Reading directly into a farm management role.

Course details