Teaching methods
- Computer Labs
- Lab sessions
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
- Problem-based learning
- Field courses
| Qualification | Entry Requirements | Start Date | UCAS code | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc Hons | BBB | September 2025 | D40A | 3 years full-time | £9,250 |
Faculty of Science
| Qualification | Entry Requirements | Start Date | UCAS code | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc Hons | BBB | September 2025 | D40A | 3 years full-time | £9,250 |
Course information
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Qualification:Bachelor of Science with HonoursBachelor of Science with Honours
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Start date:September 2025September 2025
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- IB score
- 28 points overall or 555 in 3 HL certificates
- IB requirements
5HL in a science-based subject such as Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Geography, Economics, Business Management, Environmental Systems and Societies.
- IELTS
IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element)
English language requirements
As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.
For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.
If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.
If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.
- High school qualifications
Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country
- A level
- BBB
- Required subjects
At least one science-based subject at A level such as Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Geography or Economics, (Business studies, Accounting, Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Geology and Statistics economics, geography and maths also accepted). Citizenship studies, critical thinking, general studies and leisure studies are not accepted.
GCSE mathematics and English language or literature with 4(C) or above.
- Excluded subjects
Citizenship studies, critical thinking, Science and Society, general studies and leisure studies
- Additional entry requirements
A levels
BBB including a science-based A Level such as Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Geography, Physics, Economics, Business, Accounting, Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Geology, Statistics, or BBC including a science-based A Level plus an A in the EPQGCSEs
GCSE mathematics and english at grade 4 (C) or above are required.- Non-UK entry requirements
Visa restrictions
International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.
Alternative qualifications
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
- Access to HE Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- BTEC HND/HNC
- BTEC Extended Diploma
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
RQF BTEC Nationals
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma Applied Science DDM
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma Applied Science (Biomedical Science) DDM
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma Agriculture DDM
Other applications are assessed on an individual basis to ensure sufficient science has been studied. We will consider the following:
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma DDM
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma DM + A Level grade B
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate D + A Levels grades BC
The required A Levels for mixed BTEC and A Level grade profiles depends on the science content studied in the BTEC.
Science and Engineering Foundation Certificate
If you are an International applicant who does not have the required qualifications or grades for direct entry to this course, you may be interested in the Science and Engineering Foundation Certificate delivered through the University of Nottingham International College. Applicants are guaranteed a place on selected undergraduate courses if all progression requirements are met - please refer to the Kaplan website for further information.
Access to HE Diploma
Applications are assessed on an individual basis. Where an offer is made, our standard requirements are:
- Access to HE Diploma 21 graded Level 3 credits at Distinction; 18 graded Level 3 credits at Merit (including 15 credits from acceptable science units) plus 6 graded Level 3 credits at Pass.
Mature students
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
- Other requirements
NA
- Work experience
NA
- A level
- BBB
- Required subjects
At least one science-based subject at A level such as Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Geography or Economics, (Business studies, Accounting, Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Geology and Statistics economics, geography and maths also accepted). Citizenship studies, critical thinking, general studies and leisure studies are not accepted.
GCSE mathematics and English language or literature with 4(C) or above.
- Excluded subjects
Citizenship studies, critical thinking, Science and Society, general studies and leisure studies
- IB score
- 28 points overall or 555 in 3 HL certificates
- IB requirements
5HL in a science-based subject such as Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Geography, Economics, Business Management, Environmental Systems and Societies.
- Additional entry requirements
A levels
BBB including a science-based A Level such as Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Geography, Physics, Economics, Business, Accounting, Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Geology, Statistics, or BBC including a science-based A Level plus an A in the EPQGCSEs
GCSE mathematics and english at grade 4 (C) or above are required.- UK entry requirements
Contextual offers
We make contextual offers to students who may have experienced barriers that have restricted progress at school or college. Our standard contextual offer is usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible. check if you're eligible.
Alternative qualifications
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
- Access to HE Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- BTEC HND/HNC
- BTEC Extended Diploma
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
RQF BTEC Nationals
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma Applied Science DDM
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma Applied Science (Biomedical Science) DDM
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma Agriculture DDM
Other applications are assessed on an individual basis to ensure sufficient science has been studied. We will consider the following:
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma DDM
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma DM + A Level grade B
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate D + A Levels grades BC
The required A Levels for mixed BTEC and A Level grade profiles depends on the science content studied in the BTEC.
Access to HE Diploma
Applications are assessed on an individual basis. Where an offer is made, our standard requirements are:
- Access to HE Diploma 21 graded Level 3 credits at Distinction; 18 graded Level 3 credits at Merit (including 15 credits from acceptable science units) plus 6 graded Level 3 credits at Pass.
Notes for applicants
Our modular courses are flexible and offer the opportunity to combine your main studies with modules in other subject areas (please note that all modules are subject to change).
Foundation progression options
If you are a Home applicant and do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry to this course, you may be interested in researching our Science with Foundation Year course .
Applicants are guaranteed a place on selected undergraduate courses if all progression requirements are met.
Mature students
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
- Other requirements
NA
- Work experience
NA
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UCAS Code:D40AD40A
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Study abroad
There are a number of options to apply to study abroad on this course. Experience living and learning in a different culture and gain a global perspective of agriculture.
International semester abroad
You can apply to spend part of your second year abroad, and study at one of our highly-ranked international partner universities. Possible destinations include:
- Australia
- Canada
- USA
Full year abroad
Apply to add an additional year to your degree. Spend a year abroad at one of our European partner universities, between years two and three of your degree, before returning to Nottingham for your final year. This will give you the unique opportunity to combine agricultural studies with learning a foreign language. Possible destinations include:
- Austria
- France
- Spain
Finance
You’ll pay a reduced tuition fee for the time that you’re abroad, with no fees payable to the host university/campus. The University also offers a range of funding opportunities and external funding is also available.
Year in industry
Full support provided in finding a suitable placement, and is a great opportunity to engage in industry while in a supported setting We have good links with companies, and our dedicated placements team is available to support you in finding the right placement. Often a placement year can help you to secure to a graduate job.
Our students have been on placement with:
- Holkham Farm
- Frontier Agriculture
- McDonald's
- Fisher German
- ADAS
Watch Alice on her placement at ADAS.
The industry placement takes place between years two and three of your degree. You can apply during year two of your degree, subject to meeting minimum academic requirements.
Study Abroad and the Year in Industry are subject to students meeting minimum academic requirements. Opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
Study abroad
There are a number of options to apply to study abroad on this course. Experience living and learning in a different culture and gain a global perspective of agriculture.
International semester abroad
You can apply to spend part of your second year abroad, and study at one of our highly-ranked international partner universities. Possible destinations include:
- Australia
- Canada
- USA
Full year abroad
Apply to add an additional year to your degree. Spend a year abroad at one of our European partner universities, between years two and three of your degree, before returning to Nottingham for your final year. This will give you the unique opportunity to combine agricultural studies with learning a foreign language. Possible destinations include:
- Austria
- France
- Spain
Finance
You’ll pay a reduced tuition fee for the time that you’re abroad, with no fees payable to the host university/campus. The University also offers a range of funding opportunities and external funding is also available.
Year in industry
Full support provided in finding a suitable placement, and is a great opportunity to engage in industry while in a supported setting We have good links with companies, and our dedicated placements team is available to support you in finding the right placement. Often a placement year can help you to secure to a graduate job.
Our students have been on placement with:
- Holkham Farm
- Frontier Agriculture
- McDonald's
- Fisher German
- ADAS
Watch Alice on her placement at ADAS.
The industry placement takes place between years two and three of your degree. You can apply during year two of your degree, subject to meeting minimum academic requirements.
Study Abroad and the Year in Industry are subject to students meeting minimum academic requirements. Opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
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*For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.
Additional costs
All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.
You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles which could cost £40 each. If you choose to take an optional field trip, you will need to contribute around £65 towards this.
Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.
Due to our commitment to sustainability, we don’t print lecture notes but these are available digitally. You will be given £5 worth of printer credits a year. You are welcome to buy more credits if you need them. It costs 4p to print one black and white page.
If you do a work placement, you need to consider the travel and living costs associated with this.
Personal laptops are not compulsory as we have computer labs that are open 24 hours a day but you may want to consider one if you wish to work at home.
Scholarships and bursaries
The Felix Thornley Cobbold Scholarship
A grant of £3,000 per annum is available to a selected Home student. To be eligible, students must be living or studying in Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire or Norfolk at the time of their application.
Rochester Bridge Trust Bridge Wardens' Spence Agricultural Scholarship
In recognition of the contribution of Mr John Spence OBE DL to agriculture and the Rochester Bridge Trust, the Spence Agricultural Scholarship is available to students studying agriculture at the University of Nottingham. The Scholar will receive a grant of £5,000 per annum in each of three consecutive years. Students opting to complete a one-year industrial placement or computer science programme will be eligible for an additional grant of £5,000 in respect of that year. Scholars must pass each year of study at their first attempt and provide a brief report to the Rochester Bridge Trust on their academic and other achievements during the previous academic year.
The Scholarship is available to students studying for a BSc Hons in:
- Agriculture
- Agriculture and Crop Science
- Agriculture and Livestock Science
- Agricultural Business Management
The qualifying areas are: Medway, Kent, London Boroughs of Bexley and Bromley, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and West Yorkshire. Students must live or study in one of these areas at the time of their application.
Eligible candidates will be informed and invited to apply. The assessment will be made from the candidate’s application form, a personal statement and a short video that explains why they wish to study agriculture and how they might use the scholarships.
For further information please contact the Admissions Tutor: Tori.Charlton@nottingham.ac.uk
AgriFood Charities Partnership
The AgriFood Charities Partnership supports study for UK students on agricultural undergraduate degree programmes.
International Students
If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .
We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.
Tuition fees 2025/26 (UK undergraduate students)
The UK Government is intending to increase the tuition fee cap for UK undergraduate and Initial Teacher Training students studying in England to £9,535 for the 2025/26 academic year. This is an increase of £285 per year. Course pages will be updated to reflect the latest tuition fees as more information becomes available. For more information, visit the Government’s website and take a look at our FAQs.
Additional costs
All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.
Personal laptops are not compulsory as we have computer labs that are open 24 hours a day but you may want to consider one if you wish to work at home.
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.
You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles which could cost £50 each. If you choose to participate in a optional field trip, you may need to contribute towards the cost of travel.
Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.
Due to our commitment to sustainability, we don’t print lecture notes but these are available digitally. You will be given £5 worth of printer credits a year. You are welcome to buy more credits if you need them. It costs 4p to print one black and white page.
If you do a work placement, you need to consider the travel and living costs associated with this.
Scholarships and bursaries
The Felix Thornley Cobbold Scholarship
A grant of £3,000 per annum is available to a selected Home student. To be eligible, students must be living or studying in Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire or Norfolk at the time of their application.
Rochester Bridge Trust Bridge Wardens' Spence Agricultural Scholarship
In recognition of the contribution of Mr John Spence OBE DL to agriculture and the Rochester Bridge Trust, the Spence Agricultural Scholarship is available to students studying agriculture at the University of Nottingham. The Scholar will receive a grant of £5,000 per annum in each of three consecutive years. Students opting to complete a one-year industrial placement or computer science programme will be eligible for an additional grant of £5,000 in respect of that year. Scholars must pass each year of study at their first attempt and provide a brief report to the Rochester Bridge Trust on their academic and other achievements during the previous academic year.
The Scholarship is available to students studying for a BSc Hons in:
- Agriculture
- Agriculture and Crop Science
- Agriculture and Livestock Science
- Agricultural Business Management
The qualifying areas are: Medway, Kent, London Boroughs of Bexley and Bromley, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and West Yorkshire. Students must live or study in one of these areas at the time of their application.
Eligible candidates will be informed and invited to apply. The assessment will be made from the candidate’s application form, a personal statement and a short video that explains why they wish to study agriculture and how they might use the scholarships.
For further information please contact the Admissions Tutor: Tori.Charlton@nottingham.ac.uk
AgriFood Charities Partnership
The AgriFood Charities Partnership supports study for UK students on agricultural undergraduate degree programmes.
Home students*
Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.
* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.
Course overview
Combine the latest agricultural science with business and technology developments. At Nottingham we take an applied approach. You will learn how to use the science of agriculture to sustainably tackle global challenges, such as:
- How to feed a growing population
- Become a future leader in agribusiness
- Give presentations to businesses, take part in policy workshops and test out your own innovative ideas
- Be taught by agricultural business specialists
You’ll get to see current practice round the UK through external visits, guest lectures and the Agronomy Field Course. Bring together your understanding of agronomy, livestock and business principles to develop management plans for real farms.
Course overview
Combine the latest agricultural science with business and technology developments. At Nottingham we take an applied approach. You will learn how to use the science of agriculture to sustainably tackle global challenges, such as how to feed a growing population. Become a future leader in agribusiness.
- Give presentations to businesses, take part in policy workshops and test out your own innovative ideas
- Be taught by agricultural business specialists
You’ll get to see current practice round the UK through external visits, guest lectures and the Agronomy Field Course. Bring together your understanding of agronomy, livestock and business principles to develop management plans for real farms.
Sutton Bonington Campus is home to the University Farm and Dairy Centre. The farm is commercially run, with facilities for research and teaching. Farm staff contribute to the teaching on our degree programmes.
Topics studied:
- agribusiness enterprise and innovation
- agricultural and food marketing
- plant science and physiology
- animal health, nutrition and disease management
- rural business management
Why Choose this course
- 3rd in the UK for Agriculture and Forestry (Complete University Guide 2025)
- 4th in the UK for Agriculture and Forestry (QS World University Rankings 2024)
- Farming experience - See agricultural systems in operation. Learn at the University Farm and through visits to external farms
- Placement opportunities with companies such as ADAS, Waitrose and John Deere. Gain real industry experience.
- Teaching expertise - You will learn from subject specialists, who are active researchers in the latest areas of agriculture
- Grow, manage and market your own crop or manage a student sheep flock
- Study abroad - You can apply to spend a semester or an academic year at one of our partner universities across the world. Read what it's like to study abroad and how it can open new doors for adventures, connections and opportunities.
Important Information
This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.
Indicative modules
Year one
Year two
Year three
Mandatory
Year 1
Academic Skills
Mandatory
Year 1
Agricultural Business in the Global Economy
Mandatory
Year 1
Environmental Science and Society
Mandatory
Year 1
Geographical Information Systems for Environmental Monitoring
Mandatory
Year 1
Principles of Ecology
Mandatory
Year 1
Regenerative Agriculture
Mandatory
Year 1
Sustainability in Agricultural Systems
Mandatory
Year 2
AgriTech and Innovation
Mandatory
Year 2
Applied Marketing: Agriculture and Food
Mandatory
Year 2
Economic Analysis for Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Mandatory
Year 2
Enterprise Management Challenge
Mandatory
Year 2
Practical Policy Making
Mandatory
Year 2
Research and Professional Skills
Optional
Year 2
Applied Animal Science
Optional
Year 2
Applied crop science
Optional
Year 2
Climate Change Science
Optional
Year 2
Ecosystem Processes
Optional
Year 2
Environmental Plant Physiology
Optional
Year 2
Plant pests and pathogens
Optional
Year 2
Principles of Animal Health and Disease
Optional
Year 2
Soils
Optional
Year 2
The Green Planet
Mandatory
Year 3
Agricultural Business Management Research Project
Mandatory
Year 3
International Agri-Business
Mandatory
Year 3
Management Consultancy
Mandatory
Year 3
Rural Business Management
Optional
Year 3
Agronomy Field Course
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
Livestock Production Science
Optional
Year 3
Sustainable Soil Management
Optional
Year 3
World Agroecosystems
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 Wednesday 2 October 2024. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.
Academic Skills
Agricultural Business in the Global Economy
Environmental Science and Society
Geographical Information Systems for Environmental Monitoring
Principles of Ecology
Regenerative Agriculture
Sustainability in Agricultural Systems
This module is compulsory for environmental science, environmental biology and plant science undergraduates. It is spread across the autumn and spring semester of year one. It is taught using a mixture of lectures, laboratory and computer practical sessions, alongside tutorials. The module is structured around the production of a scientific paper. Therefore, the module’s topics include scientific writing, data analysis, data presentation and referencing skills
This module provides an in-depth introduction to agricultural business in a global and connected economy. You’ll examine:
- how agricultural prices are determined
- key agricultural commodity markets
- agricultural supply chains
- contemporary issues facing modern agricultural businesses.
Importantly, you’ll also look at how to use this information for agribusiness decision making. You’ll have a mixture of lectures and workshops, hear from external speakers, and visit successful agribusinesses.
This module introduces you to the role and limitations of environmental science within the context practical environmental decision-making. During this module, we will look at how the degradation of our natural environment is creating unprecedented challenges for humans and society around the world. Science has a key role to play in helping us to understand and protect our environment. Public opinion of environmental issues and science is key to this, not least because the public funds 80% of scientific research. In this module, we will look at issues around scientific ethics, trust in science, denial, scepticism and science communication. Environmental problems are now very much part of the political agenda. We will look at the history of the environmental movement, environmental activism and environmental ethics. We will explore how and why we try to protect the environment through policy, legislation, international agreements and economic strategies.
In this module you will learn how to use a Geographical Information System to visualise and explore environmental data. Using real-world data, you will produce environmental maps using the widely used free open source software QGIS. Accompanying the computer labs, lectures will provide background and context to the mapping task at the centre of the module.
Pollinator species are hugely important for natural systems and for managed systems like agriculture, but there is concern that numbers are declining. This module introduces you to the principles of ecology and looks at how organisms have evolved to interact with their environment.
You’ll cover:
- population and community ecology
- the various definitions of biodiversity
- the loss of species and habitats
You’ll have lectures from current researchers in the field and the opportunity to apply your learning in the laboratory and through field visits.
This module explores how we can transform agricultural practices in a way that restores and enhances ecosystems while maintaining agricultural productivity.
You will explore topics such as:
- Grassland Management - advanced strategies to improve soil health, biodiversity, and pasture efficiency
- Agroecology - designing adaptive farming systems that regenerate natural resources and increase resilience
- Agroforestry - integrating trees, crops, and livestock to create productive and sustainable landscapes.
You’ll have lectures from academics and external speakers currently researching these fields and will visit the University Farm and external farms to understand how this works in a real farm environment.
Modern agriculture is a dynamic, fast-paced and high-tech industry. In this module, you’ll explore practical agricultural systems used by commercial UK farms. You’ll understand the fundamental concepts of agricultural systems within the context of contemporary markets, policy and research. Exact topics covered in the module will vary according to the issues affecting the agricultural industry in any one year, but examples include: dairy production, arable production, soils, agri-environmental interactions, labour and machinery management and farm business systems.
You’ll have lectures from academics currently researching these fields and will visit the University Farm and external farms to see what you’ve learnt in practice.
This module is worth 20 credits.
AgriTech and Innovation
Applied Marketing: Agriculture and Food
Economic Analysis for Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Enterprise Management Challenge
Practical Policy Making
Research and Professional Skills
Applied Animal Science
Applied crop science
Climate Change Science
Ecosystem Processes
Environmental Plant Physiology
Plant pests and pathogens
Principles of Animal Health and Disease
Soils
The Green Planet
This module will focus on three innovative approaches:
- technological
- entrepreneurial
- green marketing.
Students will appraise historical and current ideas in agri-business innovation and gain an understanding of how to obtain financial support and protection for your intellectual property.
Innovation opportunities will be considered in relation to contemporary issues, including household structure and demand, global markets, sustainable intensification, green energy, alternative land uses and diversification.
The nature of agrifood commodities and products creates particular challenges for those buying and selling these goods, with implications for risk, stability and profitability for the agricultural business. This module examines the role of marketing in the successful operation of an agribusiness. Working in teams, you’ll examine how to use marketing to meet the challenges and opportunities faced by today’s agribusinesses.
Economic analysis can help you answer important management questions:
- How much fertiliser should I apply to my wheat?
- If demand for beer is going up, how will that affect the price I receive for my barley?
Through this module you’ll gain an understanding of economic ideas and principles and be able to apply them to a range of problems of interest to agricultural and environmental scientists and managers. You’ll also examine the arguments for government intervention to correct ‘market failures’ with reference to the latest government environmental schemes.
This module aims to introduce you to agricultural management decision making in practice through team-based activity, integrating science, business and economics. Working in small teams and supported by teaching staff and industry consultants, you will be responsible for making management (science and business) decisions relating to the production of a crop or livestock enterprise for commercial purposes. The challenge will be based on the University Farm. Your team’s decisions – in the roles of both professional consultant and farm manager - will be implemented by technical staff.
For this module you will have lectures plus significant ‘field time’, including formal field site visits and informal field observation visits.
In this module you’ll develop your understanding of how and why policies relating to agriculture, the environment and food are developed, and you will gain a valuable insight into how to influence policy. The module will be delivered via a series of lectures and guest speakers, which from organisations such as: Defra, the National Farmers Union (NFU), agri-businesses within the input supply chain and food retailers.
In this module you will develop and consolidate your professional and research abilities as a scientist. You’ll improve your core skills that will enable you carry out scientifically-sound research, including:
- the scientific method and experimentation
- measurement techniques
- literature searches
- data collection and statistical analysis.
You’ll also cover discipline-specific topics according to your interests in animal, crop or management science. There will be a mix of lectures, workshops and group activity sessions for you to work on your skills.
A highly applied module, you’ll learn about animal physiology, nutrition and management and use your knowledge to think critically about production systems. Focusing on the nutrition, growth and welfare of farmed animals, you’ll cover a wide range of subjects, including investigating the energy and protein evaluation systems for ruminants and non-ruminants and the differential maturity of individual carcass components. You’ll compare systems of production for all major species of livestock and explore how these different systems integrate with each other and other enterprises on farms. Visits to local livestock farms give you the opportunity to further develop your understanding within a ‘real-life’ context and are a core component of the module.
This module develops an understanding of cropping systems and how they are influenced by soil texture and climate.
The major crop species are introduced and the reliance on relatively few species is discussed. Field crop nutrition will be introduced using case studies of specific crops. Appropriate strategies for weed, pest and disease control in crops will be discussed with an emphasis on integrated crop management. The module also aims to develop an awareness of recent developments and current research in crop science.
Students will learn through lectures, group activities and practical classes about the following topics:
- Weeks 1-2 Major crop species (including practical classes)
- Weeks 3: Soils and cropping systems
- Week 4: Field crop nutrition
- Week 5-6: Conservation agriculture research tutorials
- Week 7: Weed biology
- Week 8: Weed competition practical
- Week 9: Weed management
- Week 10: Integrated crop management
- Week 11: Current issues/research
The module presents a broad overview the science that underpin climate change. It shows the importance of historical understanding in interpreting the present and predicting the future. It provides an understanding of the energy flows that are causing climate change, and insights into the way that computer models can be used to relate complex parameter sets. It reviews the impacts of climate change for plants, animals and people, both on land and in the oceans. It also shows how a range of options exists for reducing and stabilising climate change. Topics covered are: historical climate change; the principles of climate forcing; the role of modelling; responses of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, including impacts on humans; the political environment; and options for climate stabilization.
10 credits in the Spring semester.
The course will focus on the processes that govern terrestrial ecosystem function. We will identify key ecosystem drivers and processes and explore how these have shaped the biosphere. Students will gain an understanding of the mechanisms that control changes in the physiochemical environment and their impact upon communities. Particular topics will include primary productivity, decomposition, herbivory, biodiversity and human impact on ecosystems.
10 credits in the Autumn semester.
Plant physiology is a key discipline relevant to agricultural, environmental and plant sciences and this module is broad in scope and aims to enable the student to understand the key mechanisms of plant physiology that can inform across these subjects.
Plant physiologists are the ‘engineers’ of botany, studying the physical and chemical mechanisms that drive plant growth and the adaptations that underly resilience and survival. Specifically this module provides an understanding of the mechanisms that plants use to capture and efficiently utilise physical resources of solar energy, water and nutrients and how they do this in diverse and challenging global habitats, including both natural and agricultural systems.
This module will introduce students to the importance of interactions between plants, microbes, and insects. It will explain the nature and aetiology of the organisms that are pests and cause diseases in plants. It will explore the integrated management strategies for pests and diseases, including monitoring and diagnosis, chemical control, plant resistance, and biological control.
This module will introduce the major effects of diseases on the body’s physiological and immunological systems. The main types of disease will then be systematically discussed using a range of companion, farm and exotic animal species including poultry, equine, bovine and ovine species. You’ll have lectures and laboratory practicals each week.
Overview: Soils are the most complex biomaterial on earth. An understanding of the basic concepts concerning the form and function of soils is important for future management strategies such as mitigating the effects of climate change and providing safe and sustainable food. This module focuses on the important soil properties from physical, chemical and biological perspectives including soil organic matter (microbiology and chemistry); soil chemical reactions (acidity, redox); soil fauna and flora; soil-water relations (irrigation and drainage).
10 credits
This module explores the evolution of key plant systems through deep time, and the significance of this process for understanding modern ecology and food security. You will learn about the challenges that plants faced when moving onto land and evolutionary innovations within the early spermatophytes. You will also gain an understanding of the power of natural selection in producing plant diversity over deep time.
Agricultural Business Management Research Project
International Agri-Business
Management Consultancy
Rural Business Management
Agronomy Field Course
Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society
Current Issues in Crop Science
Field Crops Cereals
Livestock Production Science
Sustainable Soil Management
World Agroecosystems
The project gives you an opportunity to use your initiative and knowledge to undertake original research under the supervision of an individual member of academic staff. You will design the study, gain familiarity with relevant analysis techniques, undertake data collection, and where appropriate safety procedures relevant to the topic. You’ll undertake appropriate quantitative analysis and prepare a report of approximately 5000 words.
This important part of your degree, gives you the opportunity to participate in the work of one of the country's top agricultural research centres. Our research at Nottingham is funded by the UK and international organisations, including the Department of Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the UK research councils and agricultural businesses and governments from around the world. This funding enables us to teach the most modern and exciting aspects of agriculture.
If you are interested in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from dairy cows, managing farms under the new agricultural policy environment (how would you ensure that University Farm meets the ‘greening’ requirements?); if you want to be involved in research into the influence of diet on reproductive performance in pigs or cows; if you want to know how seed rate and fertiliser application influences winter wheat production or how climate change will affect crop production in Africa and Asia, Nottingham is the place to be.
Recent final research projects include:
- Methods for achieving differential advantage for the small scale mushroom producer
- Why do farmers farm?
- Post-Brexit profitability projections for UK arable farms 2019-20: Using actual farm data and an advanced projection calculator
- How can urban agriculture help meet the food security needs of a growing urban population by enhancing fruit, vegetable and poultry production?
- Business investment appraisal: To convert ex/used industrial sites into vertical farms within the UK market
- Risk management in agriculture
- Farmers’ markets and supermarkets: food prices vs. the consumer benefits of ‘local’ food
- The relationship between milk yields, variable costs and the overall profitability of dairy farms
Rural Business Research Unit (RBRU) and University Farm
Based at Sutton Bonington campus, the RBRU is the lead centre for the government-funded Farm Business Survey, collecting financial and environmental data from over 2000 farms; University Farm is a 450 hectare arable, dairy and sheep farm, also based at Sutton Bonington, with land and people dedicated to student teaching and research work. Both are available for your research project.
Within this module you will develop an understanding of how agri-businesses operate in the international arena.
Consultancy is a strong growth area for jobs in agriculture. In this module you’ll be introduced to the practicalities of management consultancy and have the opportunity to integrate your knowledge of management principles to a case study of your choice based on a real-life commercial farm. You’ll learn how to appraise individual enterprises and whole firms with a view to improving the respective financial and technical performance of the business. With a strong focus on working productively as an individual, you’ll assess problems and opportunities, analyse information and data, and identify and meet objectives in order to aid managerial decision-making. To find out more about how consultancy works in practice, you’ll have guest lectures from invited speakers from industry in addition to your lectures and workshops.
How do you apply management principles to modern rural businesses? This module will develop your knowledge of business management principles and provide you with an opportunity to apply these principles to the type of problems facing rural businesses at the present time. You’ll construct and interpret business accounts, use investment appraisal techniques, learn about labour and machinery management and explore different forms of farm business organisation. Using a ‘real-life’ case study, you’ll also learn and practice teamwork, time management and data analysis skills, which are vital when working in business. You’ll have a mix of lectures, practical classes and farm visits, as well as guest lectures from invited speakers to give you insights into the management and finance of rural businesses.
In this popular module, you’ll attend a five day field course to study selected field-grown crop species that have been chosen as models to illustrate major systems of production. You’ll examine the scientific principles that govern the management of field-grown crops through production to final end use, with particular emphasis being given to their physiology and ecology. Through field visits, you’ll observe and critically appraise the efficiency of current commercial production strategies and assess the scope to exploit plant responses to the environment at specific growth stages for optimal control of quality and yield. You’ll learn about the optimisation of quality and yield of crops through the manipulation of leaf, stem and root development, and the impact of post-harvest physiology on handling and storage. The field course is typically primarily based at the Sutton Bonington Campus with day-long trips to industry, farms and research organisations, and one overnight stay in an arable region.
Animal-human interactions raise some prominent ethical issues. In this module, you’ll examine the ethical dimensions concerning animal agriculture, modern biotechnologies and research in the biosciences, in relation to both humans and non-human species. You’ll learn about the ethical frameworks used to analyse specific dilemmas raised by the human use of animals. Using specific animal and biotechnology case studies, you’ll interpret the main ethical theories and principles and apply them to the case studies to inform professional decision-making. You’ll have a mix of lectures and seminars to explore these concepts.
In this integrative module you’ll consider the future options and possible strategies for maintaining or increasing crop production in the UK and world agriculture. You’ll learn about the latest trends and developments within crop science, and the philosophical, ethical and policy issues associated with them. The topics covered will vary to reflect the most recent issues, but have included: the future of genetically modified crops, impact of crop production on biodiversity and prospects for organic crop production. Using your subject knowledge and research skills, you’ll be in a position to critically analyse the advantages and disadvantages of developments in crop science, both for the module and in your future career.
A highly applied module, you’ll learn how to optimise the management of different cereal crops to meet the requirements of specific environments and end-uses. To do this, you’ll learn about the production strategies for the major grain cereals, with particular emphasis on factors controlling yield and quality. You’ll also examine the importance of plant structure and function (for example, the importance of the 'flag leaf' in wheat) of and the influence of the environment and management practices on crop growth and development. You’ll have a mix of lectures, seminars, in-class exercises and field work to develop and apply your understanding.
How can production systems be adapted to meet demands for animal products in contrasting global markets? In this module, you’ll use your knowledge of physiology, nutrition, genetics, health, welfare and management to study the production of meat, milk and eggs, and the wellbeing of the animals in these production systems. You’ll undertake a detailed study of the integration of the production, nutrition, product quality, management and health of beef and dairy cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry at UK and global scales. You’ll be able to critically analyse key performance indicators and provide solutions to problems encountered in livestock production enterprises. You’ll have a mix of lectures, group work and farm visits to develop and apply your knowledge.
Soils underpin the sustainability of all terrestrial ecosystems on our planet. Alongside forming the basis of agricultural production soils provide us with a range of vital ecosystem services including storing water and atmospheric greenhouse gases, mediating the impact of pollutants and providing habitats for soil organisms.
Globally soils are under threat from a wide range of processes. This module covers the environmental issues associated with the management of soils. You will explore and debate the sustainable management options open to land managers to prevent degradation and its adverse effects on soil functions and services, while helping to enhance food security.
This module introduces the range of natural and agricultural species and their geographical distributions.
Teaching is divided into three themes:
- agroecology and climate
- biodiversity and agriculture
- agroecosystems and agrobiodiversity.
This module requires the student to integrate knowledge from crop science, plant physiology, climate and incorporated that into real world situations.
You will receive a copy of our marking criteria which provides guidance on how we will assess your work per module. Your work will be marked on time and you will receive regular 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. Full details on our marking criteria and structure will be provided at your induction.
To study abroad as part of your degree, you must meet minimum academic requirements in year one.
Assesement methods
- Coursework
- Group Project
- Lab reports
- Research project
- Written exam
- Business report
In your first year, you will take 120 credits in core 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 independent study.
Core modules are typically taught by professors or associate professors. PhD students may support teaching on some modules.
Overview
You'll graduate with a thorough understanding of business management principles and practices required for modern agriculture and agri-businesses. There are exciting and varied career options in agricultural, rural or food sectors.
For example:
- food supply chain and retail
- marketing and commodity trading
- business management consultants
- accountancy and finance
- policy analysts and advisors
- land agency
- farming/rural business management
- management trainees for major companies
- PhDs and research positions in further education or private institutions
Previous graduate roles include:
- Compliance Advisor, Frontier Agriculture
- Arable Reporter, Farmers Weekly
- Research Officer at Rural Business Research Unit
Average starting salary and career progression
83.3% BSc Agricultural Business Management undergraduates secured graduate-level employment or further study within 15 months of completing their course. The average annual salary for these graduates was £23,375.
HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017/18- 2021/22 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.
Careers advice
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).
Your Campus - Sutton Bonington
Sutton Bonington Campus combines world-leading laboratories with a countryside location, just a few miles from the city of Nottingham. The campus is home to over 2,500 biosciences and veterinary medicine students.
Your Campus - Sutton Bonington
Sutton Bonington Campus combines world-leading laboratories with a countryside location, just a few miles from the city of Nottingham. The campus is home to over 2,500 biosciences and veterinary medicine students.
I chose this course at Nottingham as it balanced my passion for agricultural production with business and entrepreneurial aspects. The modules I’ve undertaken have been specifically tailored to rural and agricultural settings, whilst still being relevant and desirable to business and employers outside of agriculture enabling me to pursue a diverse range of career opportunities.
Chloe Dunne
BSc Integrated Agricultural Business Management 2019
Related courses
Faculty of Science
Agriculture BSc Hons
Qualification
BSc Hons
Entry requirements
BBB
UCAS code
D400
Duration
3 Years full-time
Start date
Sep 2025
Help and support
If you’re looking for more information, please head to our help and support hub, where you can find frequently asked questions or details of how to make an enquiry.
Help and support
If you’re looking for more information, please head to our help and support hub, where you can find frequently asked questions or details of how to make an enquiry.
