BSc (Hons) Agriculture (Professional Placement Year)

Real-world farm management scenarios allow for the development of applied skills, such as collaboration, team work and communication skills, along with problem solving and analytical skills, which are further honed in research activities. Your skills will be assessed through assignments, coursework, oral presentation tasks, and written examinations in a number of modules and taught via a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory/technical work, group work, case studies and project work. 

Guest lectures, conferences and field trips will also be used where appropriate as an important learning method for subject specific skills. The on-site research facilities and the RAU farms are used to enhance subject-specific learning.

The Research Project is an integral part of the course. Completed in your fourth year, it provides the opportunity to research a subject of specific interest or of direct relevance to your future employment.

Timetables

Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and societies activities.

Modules

Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Each credit equates to 10 hours of total study time. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity.

Full-time students normally take modules worth 60 credits per 15 week semester but this can vary depending on your elective choice. Part-time students take proportionally fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for your degree is based on marks obtained for modules taken at level 5 and level 6 (weighted 30:70 accordingly)

The modules available for this degree are shown below. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Year one

• 4M002 Professional, Practical and Study Skills
• 4A002 Farm Business Finance and Accounts: This module introduces financial and economic principles in farm business management. Topics include enterprise analysis, gross margins, profit and loss, balance sheets, cashflow, and agricultural market dynamics. Students explore planning, budgeting, and decision-making tools through case studies and practical tasks. Assessment includes a 1500-word portfolio and a 2000-word business plan. The module supports critical evaluation of financial performance, resource appraisal, and sustainable business planning in agricultural contexts.
• 4A001 Applied Plant and Animal Science: This module introduces core biological principles in plant and animal science, focusing on nutrition, reproduction, genetics, health, welfare, and crop management. Topics include animal behaviour, plant physiology, pest and disease control, and sustainable agronomy. Students engage in seminars, lab and field practicals. Assessment includes a 10-minute group presentation, two 30-minute online multiple-choice tests (animal and plant science), and a 30-minute practical identification test. The module supports critical evaluation of biological systems and their application in agricultural practice.
• 4A005 Farming Systems and Sustainability: This module examines diverse farming systems including arable, livestock, mixed, organic, regenerative, and agroecological approaches. Topics include climate change, soil and water management, urban agriculture, and future farming scenarios. Students engage with farm visits, guest speakers, and case studies. Assessment includes a 10-minute recorded presentation and a 2500-word case study-based report. The module supports critical evaluation of sustainability challenges, system transitions, and agroecological practices across global and UK agricultural contexts.
• 4A003 Agricultural Machinery, Technology and Buildings: This module explores the role of machinery, infrastructure, and emerging technologies in modern agriculture. Topics include power systems, cultivation equipment, livestock technologies, automation, and farm safety. Students engage with field trips and seminars to evaluate machinery performance and sustainability. Assessment includes a 30-minute online multiple-choice test, a 1500-word crop-specific report, and a 1500-word livestock-specific report. The module supports critical evaluation of mechanisation, innovation, and infrastructure in land-based systems.
• 4A004 Soil Science and Ecosystem Services: This module explores soil health and ecosystem services within agroecosystems and natural environments. Topics include soil formation, hydrology, ecology, chemistry, and biodiversity net gain. Students engage in lab and fieldwork, mapping, and case study visits. Assessment includes a 1500-word report with calculations and a 2-hour open book exam. The module supports critical evaluation of soil properties, environmental cycles, and the role of natural capital in supporting human wellbeing and sustainable land management.

Year two

• 5M002 Research and Evidence
• 5A001 Agronomy: This module explores crop production in temperate climates, covering cereals, legumes, oilseeds, root crops, and grasslands. Topics include variety selection, crop establishment, nutrition, protection, and sustainability. Students engage with farm visits and industry-led seminars. Assessment includes a 1-hour online test, a 5-minute podcast, and a 1500-word crop growth blueprint. The module supports critical evaluation of agronomic decisions, crop improvement, and sustainable production systems.
• 5A002 Livestock Husbandry: This module examines sustainable livestock management across ruminant and monogastric species. Topics include breeding, feeding, welfare, and environmental impact. Students engage with field trips, case studies, and industry tools. Assessment includes a 10-minute individual presentation and a 2500-word feeding plan. The module supports critical evaluation of husbandry systems, genetic strategies, and nutrition planning for health, performance, and sustainability.
• 5A007 Technology and Nature-Based Innovations: This module investigates the integration of digital technologies and nature-based solutions in agriculture. Topics include sensors, robotics, agroecology, carbon management, and data-driven decision-making. Students engage with field demonstrations, case studies, and industry tools. Assessment includes a 2000-word scientific report and a 2000-word case study report. The module supports critical evaluation of innovation strategies for sustainable farm management.
• 5A003 Farm Business Planning and Food Supply Chains: This module introduces farm budgeting, financial planning, and supply chain dynamics. Topics include gross margins, cash flow, benchmarking, and food system integration. Students explore local and global supply chains and policy frameworks. Assessment includes two 2000-word reports: one on farm business planning and one on food supply chain strategy. The module supports critical evaluation of farm economics, resource use, and food security.
• 5M001 Industry Engagement

PLUS your choice of ONE elective module selected from:

• 5A010 Agricultural Commodities Trading: This module explores agricultural commodities trading and marketing strategies. Topics include market dynamics, pricing, risk management, and value-adding. Students engage with case studies, seminars, and a business visit. Assessment includes a 2000-word professional practice report and a 2000-word marketing plan. The module supports critical evaluation of trade trends, marketing theory, and strategic decision-making in agricultural business contexts.
• 5A008 Farm Animal Health and Welfare: This module examines the science, ethics, and practice of farm animal health and welfare. Topics include disease prevention, welfare assessment, legislation, and responsible medicine use. Students engage with field visits and case-based learning. Assessment includes a 2000-word farm animal health plan and an on-farm welfare assessment report. The module supports critical evaluation of welfare frameworks, ethical dilemmas, and sustainable livestock care.
• 5A009 Alternative Cropping Systems: This module explores the role of alternative crops in sustainable agriculture. Topics include cover crops, pulses, perennial grains, tropical staples, and industrial crops. Students engage with case studies, field visits, and farmer-led innovations. Assessment includes a 1-page infographic and a 2000-word resilient cropping plan. The module supports critical evaluation of crop-specific strategies, agroecological principles, and climate-resilient farming systems.

Year three

You will undertake your placement year during year three of your programme. You will complete Years 1 and 2, complete the placement year and then return for your final year of the programme.

• PPY Professional Placement Year

Year four

• 6M001 Research Project: This module enables students to undertake an independent research project aligned with their subject area. Topics are student-selected and supported through supervisor meetings and workshops. Assessment includes a 5-minute progress presentation and a 12,000-word thesis or multimedia portfolio. The module supports critical evaluation, ethical research design, and evidence-based recommendations for real-world challenges.
• 6A001 Agroecological and Technological Solutions: This module explores global food system challenges and evaluates agroecological and technological solutions. Topics include climate change, biodiversity loss, animal welfare, and sustainable crop and livestock systems. Students engage with field trips, seminars, and guest lectures. Assessment includes a 5-minute podcast, a 10-minute individual presentation, and a portfolio of six field visit reflections. The module supports critical evaluation of farming innovations and sustainability strategies.
• 6A002 Agri-Food Systems and Policies: This module examines food systems through systems thinking and the One Health framework. Topics include food security, policy development, economics, and regenerative agriculture. Students engage with debates, case studies, and guest speakers. Assessment includes a 1000-word academic poster and a 2500-word literature review. The module supports critical evaluation of global food policy, health interconnections, and sustainable system design.

PLUS your choice of TWO elective modules selected from:

• 6A003 Advanced Farm Business Management: This module develops strategic planning skills for farm enterprises under economic and environmental pressures. Topics include financial forecasting, resource appraisal, compliance, and net-zero strategies. Students engage with site visits, workshops, and scenario-based planning. Assessment includes a 2000-word farm plan and a 2000-word rental plan. The module supports critical evaluation of farm performance, sustainability, and business innovation.
• 6A004 Farm Business Consultancy: This module explores strategic consultancy for small and medium-sized farm businesses. Topics include financial analysis, investment appraisal, taxation, and feasibility planning. Students engage with case studies and industry practices. Assessment includes a 1500-word accounts analysis and a 2000-word strategic consultancy report. The module supports critical evaluation of farm performance, financial planning, and advisory techniques for sustainable business development.
• 6A005 Advanced Livestock Nutrition and Breeding: This module investigates sustainable breeding and nutrition strategies across livestock species. Topics include genomic selection, reproductive technologies, feed innovations, and precision nutrition. Students engage with field visits, seminars, and practicals. Assessment includes a 2500-word breeding improvement plan and a 1000-word nutrition problem sheet. The module supports critical evaluation of livestock systems and data-driven solutions for animal health and productivity.
• 6A006 Crop Health, Nutrition and Protection: This module examines sustainable crop management strategies. Topics include pest and disease control, crop nutrition, biosecurity, and integrated pest management. Students engage with field visits, lab work, and agronomy exercises. Assessment includes a group presentation, a 2000-word crop monitoring report, and a viva voce. The module supports critical evaluation of crop health challenges and evidence-based agronomic decision-making.
• 6W001 Countryside and Environmental Management: This module addresses contemporary countryside issues such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and rural development. Students explore policy, land management strategies, and sustainability through field visits and case studies. Assessment includes a 1500-word grant application, a presentation of a countryside improvement plan, and a 7-day timed assessment. The module develops applied knowledge and strategic thinking for environmental management careers.

The availability of electives to individual students will be dependent on timetabling considerations and on sufficient students electing to take part.

Disclaimer information

The University has established various rules and regulations that you must agree to and follow if you accept an offer to study with us. View our full disclaimer notice.

Our graduates have gone on to pursue careers within companies worldwide and within the following roles:

• Agronomist
• Nutritionist
• Geneticist/breeding specialist
• Farm manager
• Health and welfare manager
• Animal scientist

"The RAU has given me the knowledge and confidence through hands-on field work and understanding of the reasoning behind practices, to help me build on my love for agriculture. If you're considering studying at the RAU, I'd say go for it, even if, like me, you're not from a farming background."

Malachi Fisher, Graduate

Typical offers

Required: GCSE minimum five GCSEs at Grade C/4 including English Language and Mathematics (or Maths Numeracy for Welsh applicants) plus satisfactory level 3 qualifications, one science level 3 subject is recommended for this programme:

• A-Level: (Example grades BCC) – minimum of 104 UCAS tariff points across three A-Levels or equivalent qualifications – recommended one science subject
• C&G Advanced Technical/BTEC  - Level 3 Extended Diploma (1080) at Distinction-Merit-Merit
• C&G NPTC/C&G Advanced Technical/BTEC - Level 3 Diploma (720), Extended Certificate (360) and 90-Credit Diploma (540) acceptable when accompanied by other Level 3 qualifications
• International Baccalaureate: 26 points
• Access to Higher Education: 45 credits at level 3, of which 21 must be awarded at Distinction and 15 at Merit or higher. (Pass at Functional Skills level 2 are accepted in lieu of GCSE English & Mathematics)
• A period of relevant practical experience is also highly recommended

Other level 3 qualifications will be considered.

Visit the UCAS website to calculate your UCAS Tariff points from the qualifications and grades achieved.

You may also be eligible for a contextual offer if you’re from one of our link colleges, have been in care, from a non-white ethnic background, live in an area with low progression rates to university or you are a veteran/child of an armed forces family.

Flexible entry

The University welcomes interest from applicants who may not have the standard entry requirements. A wide range of qualifications and experience are accepted in order to join University degree programmes. The University always considers evidence of personal, professional (APL) and educational experience, (APEL), which show an ability to meet the demands of their intended programme of study.

Further information

Alternative entry routes are available for a range of other qualifications. Prior experience is also considered, subject to approval by the programme manager and admissions staff.

Read more general information about our entry requirements.

If you don't meet the entry requirements of this course, you may be eligible for one of our Foundation degree courses or another related degree course.

International students will also need to achieve IELTS Academic or equivalent at the appropriate level for your programme of study. English language requirements for international students.

For any further help, please contact our admissions team:  

• Email: admissions@rau.ac.uk
• Telephone: +44 (0)1285 889912

2025-26 Applicants

For the academic year 2025-26 the tuition fees for this course are: 

For part-time study, please contact admissions@rau.ac.uk for further information.

Please also refer to the funding your time at university page.

Tuition fees may be subject to an inflationary increase each year as set out in our Access and Participation Plan and are subject to Government and regulatory body conditions.

Scholarships

The University offers a wide range of generous fee waivers and bursaries. To find out more about the these, please visit the bursaries, awards and scholarships page.