Agriculture with Professional Placement Year

We are reviewing aspects of this course ahead of the 2023/24 academic year to ensure we provide the best possible student experience. Where we plan to make changes which have a material impact on the course, we will communicate those to you as soon as they are available.

Course information
Gain a solid grounding in fundamental science while understanding the changing needs of the industry on a degree that is constantly updated in consultation with our industry advisors. You will become familiar with the opportunities for technological transformation and the demands of global production, economic consequences and new policy developments.

Our extensive contacts and external visits to livestock and crop enterprises and agribusinesses will provide you with invaluable insights into industry.

Farm491 will give you unparalleled access to on-farm/applied product development initiatives and RAU farms will provide research trials. This will help you to understand what it takes to bridge the gap between the laboratory, the field, the commercial market and the farm. Students have gone on to work for organisations including Agrii, NIAB TAG and AGCO.

Course structure
You will learn through a series of lectures, seminars and practical classes at the RAU farms, local farms, agribusiness enterprises and RAU laboratories.
Modules are assessed through a blend of examinations and coursework, including real-life case studies, presentations and reports.

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.

Work placements
This 12 month placement is designed to enable students to complete a relevant enhanced work placement experience to help them identify future career choices and enhance relevant skills sets sought by employers. The placement allows students to develop a deeper understanding and gain further experience in a relevant business or employment area to enhance their work experience. Students are expected to experience and engage in various aspects of their chosen industry from operational to practical working.

Not only could you find yourself working for prestigious companies in the UK or across the world, you will develop confidence and industry contacts for when you graduate.