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Agriculture (with Foundation Year)

Course details
  • BSc (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 14/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Writtle Campus

Course summary

Be part of the future of food and farming, build the skills for sustainable, resilient and innovative agricultural systems.

Our course takes a progressive, future-focused approach to addressing the evolving needs of agriculture today. You'll explore how the industry must adapt to climate change, shifting policies and global food demands by integrating sustainable practices, innovation and systems thinking.

Through real-world learning on our extensive working farm, you’ll examine the full agri-food supply chain, emerging technologies and the role of agriculture in delivering environmental and social value, preparing you to shape the future of a resilient, responsible industry.

Why ARU?

  • Immerse yourself in authentic, enquiry-led learning using our 150-hectare estate and working mixed farm

  • Discover how technology, innovation and data can create sustainable farming systems that address climate change while ensuring food security

  • Accelerate your career through placements, industry collaborations and a strong alumni network across agribusinesses

  • Collaborate on real-world challenges through live briefs, research projects and industry events to shape tomorrow’s food systems

  • Gain confidence and leadership skills from multidisciplinary experts to drive change in global agriculture

Modules

Year 1:
Academic and Personal Management Skills (20 credits)
Biological Concepts (Introduction to Laboratory Skills) (20 credits)
Maths for IT and Science (15 credits)
Chemistry for Life Sciences (15 credits)
Applied Industry Techniques (30 credits)
Independent (Themed) Project (20 credits)

Year 2:
Into ARU
Ecosystems and Sustainable Development (30 credits)
Agricultural Systems in Action (45 credits)
Transforming Agriculture (Towards Net Zero) 15 credits
Biological Processes (15 credits)
Agribusiness Management for a Circular Economy (15 credits)

Year 3:
Farm Teams (30 credits)
High Welfare Animal Production (15 credits)
Research Methods (15 credits)
Political and Economic Contexts of Value Chains (15 credits)
Fresh Produce Production (15 credits)
Ruskin Module (15 credits)

Year 4:
Dissertation (Agriculture) 30 credits
Business Consultancy Project (30 credits)
Natural Resource Management (15 credits)
Contemporary Issues in Food Production (15 credits)
Science Innovative and Intelligent Agriculture (15 credits)
Resilient Future Farming - Animal Production (15 credits)
Resilient Future Farming - Novel and Global Crops (15 credits)

Assessment method

Students are assessed in a variety of ways, these include: Practical assessments with both livestock and crops. Examinations - both multiple choice and essay questions. Presentations - both individually and in small groups. Essays and technical reports. Assessed seminars. Case studies. Experimental work and laboratory reports. Poster presentations. Debates. Dissertation

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
DF02
Institution code:
A60
Campus name:
Writtle Campus
Campus Code:
W

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 32 points

a minimum of 32 UCAS tariff points, to include one GCE A Level grade E or above Applicants should achieve 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, to include English and preferably Maths. Equivalent qualifications in lieu of GCSEs may also be considered.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - PPP

PPP in an Extended Diploma or equivalent in a relevant subject.

Access to HE Diploma

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

Scottish Higher

32 UCAS tariff points in Scottish Highers. This must include a minimum of one Higher grade D.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

32 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include a minimum of one Higher at H3 or above. This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Standard Level S3 if equivalent GCSE's have not been obtained.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

32 UCAS tariff points in the Irish Leaving Certificate. This must include a minimum of one Highers at H4.

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9790Year 1
Northern Ireland£9790Year 1
Scotland£9790Year 1
Wales£9790Year 1
Channel Islands£9790Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9790Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

https://aru.ac.uk/student-life/preparing-for-university/help-with-finances/undergraduate

https://www.aru.ac.uk/study/tuition-fees

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