The course
Become the type of farm manager the sector needs through this far-reaching, industry recognised programme, informed by the latest research, extensive agri-sector networks and expert staff.
We will support you as you develop the skills needed to manage an increasingly diversified business and embrace a range of responsibilities for enhancing the environment, integrating production within the food chain and maintaining rural communities.
Students studying general Agriculture study a broad range of livestock, crop production and science, and business management modules, together with some marketing and mechanisation. In the first part of the course the focus is on practice on farm with areas of study including animal and crop production systems, bioscience and environmental science for agriculture, an Introduction to farm business management and marketing and agricultural mechanisation.
The later parts of the course focus on the applied scientific and business principles that underpin farm practice and the application of practice and principles to case studies to solve real problems. Areas of study include farm animal production science and nutrition, farm animal health and welfare, soil management and crop nutrition, farm business management and economics, business development, people management and sustainable animal and crop production systems. All students undertake an Honours Research Project in their final year in a subject area of interest to them.
The Harper Advantage
- In choosing Harper Adams, you are choosing a trusted name with an outstanding reputation in the agricultural sector, a large agricultural student cohort that allows you to build your network from day one, plus extensive industry connections to support your career development.
- A full placement year in industry as part of your degree, enabling you to put knowledge into practice, develop your network and discover your future ambitions.
- More than 20 placement-scholarships open to students on Agriculture routes – offering guaranteed placement year job and additional financial support, plus a range of non-placement scholarships.
- Our far-reaching academic and industry experience and active involvement in applied agricultural research and delivery of professional training to industry, ensures the course is vocationally relevant and up to date.
- 494-hectare farm on the campus – so you will have direct, access to a commercial farm and agricultural engineering facilities.
- FACTS Training: Subject to academic performance in specific modules and undertaking an appropriate placement, you will be eligible to undertake the Harper Adams FACTS training course free of charge following successful completion of this degree.
- Access to subsidised practical skills training and industry recognised certification through the Land Based Skills Programme.
- Study at the forefront of agri-tech. Harper Adams is home to the School of Sustainable Food and Farming, Hands Free Farm and the Agri-EPI Centre Midlands Innovation Hub where industry and practitioner are working together on the latest precision arable and livestock systems. Scope for student projects related to agri-tech grows every year.
- Common first year means you can change direction in year 1 if you wish.
- Access to Agriculture Programme to enable new entrants to the agricultural sector to qualify alongside those from more rural/agricultural backgrounds without disadvantage.
- Harper Adams students have won the British Farming Awards Agricultural Student of the Year title six times in the last eight years (and have been runner-up in the other two years). In the Farmers Weekly Student of the Year Awards, Harper has been ramping up its success, with winners in 2017 and again in 2020 – from an all-Harper final.
FACTS training
Subject to academic performance, students passing the BSc (Hons) Agriculture programme will be eligible to be entered for free FACTS training following successful completion of their degree.
Work experience
Work experience forms an essential part of our entry requirements for this course. Details of the experience we need you to have can be found within the entry requirements listed below.
Access to Agriculture Programme
Applicants to Agriculture courses who are likely to meet the academic entry requirements, but who are identified as having minimal/no practical experience, and/or who are unlikely to meet the minimum practical experience requirements due to non-farm/non-rural background, and/or lack of appropriate contacts, can benefit from the Access to Agriculture Programme to gain the necessary practical experience in their first year of study.
Duration
4 years (full-time) including a one-year work placement. A three year programme is available for applicants with at least two years, full-time relevant work experience, or all who have completed a 12 month placement as part of another approved course. Please contact Admissions for further information on this option.