Agriculture (with Foundation Year)

If you want to progress into an agricultural management career, helping to find solutions to the world's most pressing issue of food production and land use, then this is the ideal course for you.

The foundation year entry provides an alternative route into degree-level study. It’s ideal for those who need to gain subject-specific knowledge and skills in order to progress with the full BSc (Hons) Agriculture qualification.

Key Information

Course Duration: 4 or 5 years full time; part-time available

UC UCAS Code: DF01

Part or Full Time: Full Time / Part Time

Level of Study: Foundation Year Degrees

Placement Year: Optional

Typical Offer: 32-48 UCAS tariff points or equivalent

Course information

Download Programme Specification

You don’t need to have an agricultural background; you simply need the passion and drive to work within a fast-changing industry and make that difference.

You'll learn how to build a productive, resilient and sustainable industry - whether as a farm manager, agronomist, economist, policymaker, researcher, scientist or consultant – career opportunities are diverse.

The extensive industry experience of lecturers, an on-campus commercial farm that supplies Müller, AVP, and RJ Kerr, as well as our £2 million Agri-Tech Centre, will prepare you to make that positive impact on the future.

You'll have access to 400 hectares of commercial farmland, real-world business briefs and industry placements. You’ll benefit from up to 300 hours working and applying your knowledge as part of your degree. This includes a supported work placement in the first year of study and periods of industry engagement in years two and three that count as credits towards your degree meaning you'll graduate ready for employment.

UCAS tariff points | 32-48 UCAS tariff points.

A Levels | EE-DD or equivalent from at least one full A Level.

Vocational Awards | PPP in an Extended Diploma.

Access | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma.

International Baccalaureate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include one Higher at H3 or above.

Scottish Highers | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher. You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.

Irish Leaving Certificate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher.

T Level | An overall grade of Pass.

Additional Information

In addition to the above, we require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), to include English and Maths. We will consider equivalencies including but not limited to functional skills level 2, Irish Ordinary level, National 5s, IB standard level.

We will consider combinations of level three qualifications.

We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process.

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Your career

Industry opportunities on this course are diverse, to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Many of our students get their graduate roles with their work placement employers.

Work placements and experience

These form part of core modules, alongside an optional integrated placement year. We’ll support you to find a placement in your first year within a sector of the industry to match your interests and career goals. Placements can be paid or unpaid, depending on the position. Students have worked with organisations such as the ADAS, Woodheads, Foyles as well as on a range of commercial farms and enterprises.

Field trips and guest lecturers

Field trips and industry professionals in lectures form an important part of your learning, enabling you to experience different businesses, careers and best practices.

Recent field trips have included trips to Somerset and Devon as part of agricultural module, ADAS and Agrii field trials, livestock farms, dairy tech and crop-tec. Extra fees are required – please see the fees tab.

Recent guest lecturers have included plant breeders, grain marketers, livestock nutritionists and agricultural managers within the banking and supermarket sectors.

Graduate destinations

As a Hartpury agriculture graduate, you could progress into a range of careers including:

Agronomy
Livestock nutrition
Biosecurity
Agricultural policy
Research
Farm manager
Food security and safety
Agricultural consultancy

Success Stories

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.

Academic support

You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions, as well as supported work placement learning as part of many courses.

Your career

Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory and optional modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career. The course is taught in English.

Course information

Overview

You don’t need to have an agricultural background; you simply need the passion and drive to work within a fast-changing industry and make that difference.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff points | 32-48 UCAS tariff points.

A Levels | EE-DD or equivalent from at least one full A Level.

Vocational Awards | PPP in an Extended Diploma.

Access | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma.

International Baccalaureate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include one Higher at H3 or above.

Scottish Highers | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher. You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.

Irish Leaving Certificate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher.

T Level | An overall grade of Pass.

Additional Information

We will consider combinations of level three qualifications.

We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process.

Employability

Your career

Work placements and experience

Field trips and guest lecturers

Field trips and industry professionals in lectures form an important part of your learning, enabling you to experience different businesses, careers and best practices.

Recent guest lecturers have included plant breeders, grain marketers, livestock nutritionists and agricultural managers within the banking and supermarket sectors.

Graduate destinations

As a Hartpury agriculture graduate, you could progress into a range of careers including:

Agronomy
Livestock nutrition
Biosecurity
Agricultural policy
Research
Farm manager
Food security and safety
Agricultural consultancy

How you'll study

Your support network

Academic support

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

Your career

Modules

What you'll study

This degree covers a broad range of fundamental agricultural topics through core modules. From the scientific principles behind crop and livestock production systems, to management of the supply chain with business management, technology and sustainability embedded throughout.

Module credits

On successful completion of your modules, you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain in your second and third years may contribute towards your final degree classification.

Your foundation year will provide you with the foundation knowledge and skills in agriculture, academic skills and general science.

Agricultural Studies

The module aims to give you underpinning knowledge of health and safety in industry, husbandry practices within both crop and livestock production, and the range of skills required within agriculture.

Professional Development in Practice

An opportunity to explore graduate destinations associated with your programme of study, building a portfolio of experiences aiding your professional development

Biological Principles for Land-Based Scientists

Through the study of fundamental biological aspects, gain an understanding of how organisms come about and how they function and operate for survival and performance.

Academic Literacy for University Studies

The module aims to give you an understanding of the scientific method and enquiry, team working, research skills, and effective time management.

Exploring Current Concepts

The aim of the module is to develop student understanding and knowledge of literature reviews including constructing a rationale, summarising, and presenting relevant information to suit a purpose, subject and audience.

This year will focus on developing your underpinning knowledge of the science behind modern sustainable crop and livestock production, soil management, livestock science, animal husbandry, and technologies. As well as this, you’ll develop your academic, professional and transferable skills that will equip you to study at higher levels. You’ll also complete 280 hours of placement within the industry to support your development.

Compulsory Modules

Introduction to Livestock Science
This module provides you with an introduction to livestock health and husbandry, in particular discussing the interaction between anatomy and physiology, ethics and welfare, disease, reproduction and legislation. The module will cover both ruminant and non-ruminant livestock. Practical skills will be taught and developed (in handling and carrying out routine husbandry tasks) using the livestock enterprises on the university’s farm.

Introduction to Crop Science
This module provides the student with an overview of crop production both in the United Kingdom and globally. Opportunities will be provided to see how scientific principles are applied in crop science, including; how plants grow in the field. Students will discuss how crop production is influenced by biotic and abiotic factors, how crop genetics are utilised in breeding and developing varieties and biotechnology.

Soil and Grassland Management
The aim of the module is for students to become familiar with the principles and practices of soil and grassland management focussing on sustainable agricultural production objectives, but also considering ecological purposes.

Introduction to Agricultural Technologies
The module offers an introduction to the varied technologies involved in current agricultural production and how these can contribute to environmental sustainability, increased animal welfare and efficient business performance.

Skills for Agriculture
The Skills for Agriculture module supports students in developing key professional, personal and academic and skills required for a career in the industry. This is to ensure students maximise the benefits of their degree programme and improve their employability prospects on graduation. The following areas are covered: academic skills; the research process and relevant potential projects; reflective thinking and the importance of health and safety (application and dissemination).

Agricultural Placement
The Agricultural Placement module supports students in developing key professional, personal, and employment skills and competencies. This is to ensure students maximise the benefits of their degree programme and improve their employability prospects on graduation. The following areas are covered: work placements (preparation for and undertaking of) and employability; technical agricultural competencies; reflective thinking in the workplace.

Alongside your core farm business management and agricultural policy and research process modules, you will have the opportunity to study agronomy, livestock health and disease and engage with industry. These modules will develop your further knowledge and understanding of key scientific principles, production strategies, policy and legislation and how these are applied in a modern sustainable industry.

Compulsory Modules

Farm Business Management and Agricultural Policy
This module provides you with an introduction to the principles of business management and how they are applied to the modern agricultural business. This will enable you to plan and manage staffing, capital and resource use on the farm, and prepare effective budgets and business plans for the future development of the business. In addition, it will allow you to consider the legislative and policy boundaries that the modern farmer has to work within, enabling them to understand, manage and plan within guidelines and offer consultation to others.

Research Methods for Agricultural and Animal Scientists
This module introduces you to the process of academic research, methods of research and analysis, helping to prepare you for reading research literature and conducting research projects in the future.

Agronomy
The module will expose students to the importance of crop production and crop protection in a sustainable agricultural context. Students will engage with crops and crop trials on the University farm, explore a wide range of crops within industry and prepare agronomy recommendations that meet the demands of production and food safety within the sustainable business environment.

Livestock Health and Disease
The module will provide students with an overview of current issues surrounding livestock health and disease and support them to develop scientific strategies that will enable industry relevant solutions.

Industry Engagement in Agriculture
The focus of this module is to develop students’ autonomy in an industry context through practice of personal, applied, and professional skills gained through a period of engagement aligned to their future career direction.

Integrated placement year (optional)

The optional integrated placement year before your final year allows you to put your knowledge and skills into practice and gain valuable industry experience.

Level Six (final year)

The final year focuses on your individual research project aligned to your particular interests as well key developments in crop and livestock science. Alongside this you will investigate the role of social licence and one health in the modern agricultural industry. Alongside your core modules, optional modules will allow you to investigate the agricultural supply chain, strategic management or livestock nutrition.

Compulsory Modules

Animal and Agriculture Dissertation
This module involves independent research and analysis in an animal or agriculture‐related field with one-to‐one support from an academic.

Agricultural Social Licence and One Health
The module investigates the concepts of social licence and one health within the agricultural industry and their impact on all stakeholders and decision making related to sustainability.

Developments in Crop Science OR Developments in Livestock Science
Students must achieve at least one from the following two modules:

Developments in Crop Science
The module will investigate a broad range of topics that will allow the student to gain further knowledge and understanding of the key scientific developments within sustainable crop production, crop protection and crop management and be able to critically analyse and evaluate the scientific impact of developments on all stake holders in the industry (producers, processor and consumers).

Developments in Livestock Science
The module will investigate a broad range of topics that will allow the student to gain further knowledge and understanding of the key scientific developments in sustainable livestock production and management and be able to critically analyse and evaluate development impact on all stake holders in the industry (producers, consumers and animals).

Optional Modules

Strategic Management

This module allows students to explore the strategic practices and principles utilised by global companies. Through an appreciation key external and internal impact factors students will put theory into practice and create a new strategic direction for an allocated organisation.

Supply Chain Management

In this module students will discover the mechanisms by which the agrifood supply chain takes our food supply from farm to fork. They will discuss current research and contemporary issues affecting, the agrifood supply chain which will enable them to grasp current practices and trends and consider the impact these may have on the producer. They will learn about the relationships between actors in the agrifood supply chain and how these influence the business practices currently employed. They will analyse and evaluate supply chain management practices with a focus on the drive towards sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) and the mechanisms by which this can be delivered. The module will also involve a non-assessed project that enables students to gain hands on experience within the sector. Previous projects have included the making of their own cider with a local cidermaker to be marketed by the students.

Livestock Nutrition

The module develops student knowledge, understanding and application of the complexities and the scientific principles that underpins nutrition of ruminant and non-ruminant farm livestock preparing them for feed analysis, diet formulation and feed management.

Modules

Overview

What you'll study

Module credits

Level three foundation year (year one)

Your foundation year will provide you with the foundation knowledge and skills in agriculture, academic skills and general science.

Agricultural Studies

Professional Development in Practice

An opportunity to explore graduate destinations associated with your programme of study, building a portfolio of experiences aiding your professional development

Biological Principles for Land-Based Scientists

Through the study of fundamental biological aspects, gain an understanding of how organisms come about and how they function and operate for survival and performance.

Academic Literacy for University Studies

The module aims to give you an understanding of the scientific method and enquiry, team working, research skills, and effective time management.

Exploring Current Concepts

Level four (year two)

Compulsory Modules

Level five (year three)

Compulsory Modules

Integrated placement year (optional)/Level Six (final year)

Integrated placement year (optional)

The optional integrated placement year before your final year allows you to put your knowledge and skills into practice and gain valuable industry experience.

Level Six (final year)

Compulsory Modules

Animal and Agriculture Dissertation
This module involves independent research and analysis in an animal or agriculture‐related field with one-to‐one support from an academic.

Developments in Crop Science OR Developments in Livestock Science
Students must achieve at least one from the following two modules:

Optional Modules

Strategic Management

Supply Chain Management

Livestock Nutrition

The modules contain a mixture of scheduled learning – lectures, workshops and practical sessions. You are expected to dedicate at least two to three hours of independent study per contact hour. Your course may also include work placement learning as part of some modules.

Year	Contact learning	Placement learning	Independent learning
Level three (year one)	24%	0%	76%
Level four (year two)	21%	15%	64%
Level five (year three)	26%	0%	74%
Placement year (optional)	1%	80%	19%
Level six (final year)	17%	0%	83%

You’ll be assessed through a mixture of written exams, practical exams and written assignments. Many of the modules will be marked based on a mixture of assessment types, whilst others will be based solely on one type of assessment. Feedback will be given in person through individual 1:1 tutorial, through group tutorials and online through the VLE.

Year	Written exam	Practical exam	Coursework
Level three (year one)	24%	38%	38%
Level four (year two)	13%	50%	37%
Level five (year three)	29%	40%	31%
Placement year (optional)	0%	0%	100%
Level six (final year)	0%	58%	42%

Each year of this course is taught over two semesters, normally consisting of 12 weeks of scheduled teaching and then assessment weeks, with an overview below:

Scheduled teaching takes place between 8:30 to 20:30 Monday to Friday
Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities
Work placements may entail different days and hours
Part-time students may need to attend learning activities five days each week, depending on modules selected
Timetables are available during enrolment week

View term dates

Please visit our student finance page for information on tuition fees and student loans, as well as non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships, eligible to different groups, to support with study costs.

Clothing and footwear (circa £100)

You’ll need to purchase appropriate clothing and footwear before you enrol, or during enrolment week. We’ll let you know exactly what you need to purchase in your enrolment guide – everything is available from our supplier’s online shop for approximately £100.

Optional field trips

Students are encouraged to engage in various trips and visits as part of the programme. While many of these are included in the course fees, there is the opportunity to engage in additional study tours with additional costs involved. In year one the sustainable agriculture field trip will cost in the region of £40 per student.

Short Courses

Hartpury also subsidises optional short courses for a reduced cost that allows students to gain relevant experience and qualifications prior to graduation. Short courses include PA1, PA2, PA6, All Terrain Vehicle training, chainsaw maintenance and basic operations and Telescopic Handler (RTTLT Loadall).

Accommodation and living costs

Please visit our student accommodation page for details.

Fees & Finance

Our Resource Library is where you'll find all the essential details about Hartpury University's courses. It includes Programme and Module Specifications, along with Course Information Sheets for every course. You can easily download a complete revision history for each of these, clearly showing the dates changes were made.

Course Information Sheets: These are PDF versions of the course webpages. They provide an overview of the course, what to expect during your studies, and the topics covered.

Programme Specifications: These are detailed, validated documents containing academic specifics for each programme. They include descriptions of the programme, its aims, learning outcomes, year and module structure, as well as teaching, learning, and assessment strategies.

Module Specifications: Each Programme consists of several Modules. Our Module Specifications outline the topics covered and the expected outcomes for students studying each Module.

Resource library

Accommodation

Settle into an accommodation option to suit your taste and budget – at Hartpury University, undergraduate students can choose to live on-campus surrounded by Gloucestershire’s beautiful countryside or off-campus in the heart of Gloucester City centre. Enjoy the best of both worlds.

Finance

We can help you understand how it all works, and what you need to do next. Find out everything you need to know about tuition fees, student loans and bursaries and scholarships. In 2021/22, we provided assistance to over 1/3 of our students through bursaries, scholarships and grants, totalling a little under £1million.

Support

When you become a student at Hartpury, you become part of our community. As a small university, we provide personalised support based on your individual requirements and aspirations. Our teams cover wellbeing, achievement and success, learning support, careers, and more. From wellbeing, safety and employability, to finance, accommodation and IT, our staff will answer your questions or get you set up with someone who can.

TEF Gold

Our undergraduate provision has been awarded Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold in all aspects - Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes.

Teaching quality

Ranked in the top 10 universities for teaching quality (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025).

Graduate employability

97% of our graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes, 2024).

Academic support

We’re a top 10 university for academic support (NSS 2024, UK universities).

380-hectares of award-winning commercial farmland

Agriculture facilities

You, as future agriculturalists, are critical to tackling this challenge.

Agri-Tech Centre

At Hartpury, we’ll support you to do just that. Through our new £2million Agri-Tech Centre you’ll gain experience with the latest smart farming technologies and have opportunities to collaborate on real-world projects to improve productivity and profitability across the county.

We’ll help you to gain applied knowledge and make informed business decisions. You'll do your bit to feed Gloucestershire, the UK and, ultimately, the world – whilst preparing yourself for an exciting agricultural career where you’ll get to make a real difference. It’s this real experience that will give you a head start.

The centre has been developed in partnership with GFirst LEP. Complementing existing agricultural projects in Gloucestershire, the centre includes unique demonstration, bio-security and livestock areas to showcase the potential of smart farming.

Agri-Tech Centre

Success stories

Ralph's story

Success Stories

Ralph's story

“I’ve been able to develop my business alongside my studies, thanks to the fantastic support I’ve received from the Enterprise Hub and Innovation, Careers and Enterprise team. I even reached the Enterprise Awards finals, which has given me the funds to develop further.”

Ralph Dalu

BSc (Hons) Agriculture

"The facilities and opportunities at Hartpury were the best suited to me. It’s great to be in the classroom one minute and then in overalls and boots the next; down on the farm having the current lecture demonstrated to us in a practical sense."

Zoe Fletcher, Farm Manager

A real-world setting

At Hartpury, an agriculture degree is about so much more than farming. It's about working with people to create behaviour change, applying agri-tech data to increase yield and welfare, and translating scientific research and business theory into real solutions that address industry challenges.

You don’t need an agricultural background, you just need the passion and drive to make a difference to our planet, people, and animals.

Get to know our dedicated and passionate teaching staff who’ll help you achieve your very best. We’re proud to have been awarded Gold in all three areas of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF): Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes. This places Hartpury University in the top 15% of published institutions in England. Plus, we're ranked sixth in the UK for Teaching Quality, in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Important information

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are reviewed and developed regularly. Changes or cancellation of courses may be necessary to ensure alignment with emerging employment areas, to comply with accrediting body requirements, revisions to subject benchmark statements or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make necessary changes and will notify all offer-holders of changes as and when they occur.

Related courses

Explore our agriculture degrees

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Agriculture (with Foundation Year)

BSc (Hons)

Key Information

Course information

Your career

Work placements and experience

Field trips and guest lecturers

Graduate destinations

Your support network

Academic support

Your learning experiences

Your career

Course information

Overview

Entry requirements

Employability

Your career

Work placements and experience

Field trips and guest lecturers

Graduate destinations

How you'll study

Your support network

Academic support

Your learning experiences

Your career

Modules

What you'll study

Module credits

Compulsory Modules

Compulsory Modules

Integrated placement year (optional)

Level Six (final year)

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Modules

Overview

What you'll study

Module credits

Level three foundation year (year one)

Level four (year two)

Compulsory Modules

Level five (year three)

Compulsory Modules

Integrated placement year (optional)/Level Six (final year)

Integrated placement year (optional)

Level Six (final year)

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Teaching modes

Assessment and Feedback

Timetables

Fees and funding

Further course details

Accommodation

Finance

Support

TEF Gold

Teaching quality

Graduate employability

Academic support

380-hectares of award-winning commercial farmland

Agriculture facilities

You, as future agriculturalists, are critical to tackling this challenge.

Agri-Tech Centre

Success stories

Ralph's story

A real-world setting

Meet our academic team

Important information

Related courses

Our partners & accreditations