Agriculture

What makes UCS special?
University Centre Sparsholt utilises our extensive industry network, pioneering agri‑tech and wide‑ranging farming enterprises to develop you into a future-focused, innovative farmer. We have delivered agricultural programmes for over 125 years, and established our agriculture degree courses in 2020. We have embedded sustainability through all modules on the degree and the course content is continuously adapted according to sector demands. We aim to future‑proof agriculture through understanding how to more sustainably and regeneratively work with nature to produce food and other critical products and services, enabling the next generation to make a real impact in farming and agri‑tech businesses. Agriculture students have access to over 300 hectares of farmland providing an excellent range of learning opportunities – 126 hectares on campus incorporating grazing pastures and dairy, sheep, pigs and arable enterprises and 175 hectares of sustainable arable production at a nearby site, including 67 hectares in Agri‑Environment Schemes.

What Makes This Course Unique?

• Exceptional facilities, industry connections and immersive learning environment

• Designed to meet industry needs for strong agri‑tech skills

• Benefit from work placements in both years

What will I learn?
The programme is designed to build your subject knowledge as the course progresses and explores topics in greater depth.

A combination of weekly practical sessions and field trips, industrial placements in each year, annual residential field trips, visiting speakers and specialist lectures will maximise your industry exposure.

How will I be assessed?
Our assessments mirror the challenges you will face in your career, combining academic depth with practical application:

• Academic debates

• Farm management plans and investment appraisals

• Practical skills assessments

• Presentations including posters, talks and vlogs

• Scientific reports and portfolios

• Open and closed book exams

Focused on your Future
This course will equip you with the knowledge, practical skills, and adaptability to be able to navigate a range of roles in Agriculture, or you can continue your studies with our BSc (Hons) Top‑up programme.

How our graduates are shaping the future:

• Working on local farms and further afield

• National Sheep Association Ambassador

Course Modules*

YEAR ONE – SOLID FOUNDATIONS

• Fundamentals of crop production

• Fundamentals of livestock production

• Agri-tech: farming, wildlife and innovation

• Agricultural industry skills

YEAR TWO – GET JOB‑READY

• Agronomy

• Livestock systems and nutrition

• Farm business management

• Applied agri-research and analysis

*subject to change

Final and in-session assessment will allow you to develop research and study skills as well as technical and expert knowledge. Assessments include written assignments, presentations, project and lab reports, practical based and online portfolios and examinations.