Agriculture
Be part of the future of food and farming, build the skills for sustainable, resilient and innovative agricultural systems.
It's possible to study this course on either a four year or six year part-time basis. You'll take the same modules as BSc (Hons) students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
UK students have the option to study Year 1 of this course, either for one year full-time or two years part-time, to achieve a CertHE. You can also choose to combine a foundation year with the CertHE. Contact us to discuss what you can do, or choose your preferred option when you apply.
in the East of England for undergraduates employed as managers, directors or senior officials.
Source: GOS 2025
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.
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Learn more about studying Agriculture at ARU.
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Immerse yourself in authentic, enquiry-led learning using our 150-hectare estate and working mixed farm
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Discover how technology, innovation and data can create sustainable farming systems that address climate change while ensuring food security
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Accelerate your career through placements, industry collaborations and a strong alumni network across agribusinesses
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Collaborate on real-world challenges through live briefs, research projects and industry events to shape tomorrow’s food systems
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Gain confidence and leadership skills from multidisciplinary experts to drive change in global agriculture
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
My experience at Writtle has opened me up to realise there are a lot more jobs than working on a farm in agriculture, such as agronomy and land agency.
As a BSc (Hons) Agriculture graduate, you'll have a sound understanding of arable and livestock farming, as well as the wider environment in which production takes place.
You’ll graduate equipped with real-life practical skills, industry insight and the ability to apply sustainable and innovative solutions, preparing you to drive innovation, influence policy and contribute to the future of food security and environmental stewardship in the UK and globally.
Teaching and modules
From soil to strawberries, spring wheat to sheep, and everything in between, students explore a diverse range of topics that are essential for shaping the future of farming and addressing the challenges of tomorrow's food systems.
Study scientific, economic and managerial principles to support sustainable agriculture. You'll focus on real-world applications, using our own commercial farm and local businesses for hands-on learning.
Your modules will cover areas such as ecosystems, agri-tech, net zero farming, animal welfare and agribusiness. You’ll explore supply chains, food systems and policy through both practical and theoretical approaches. In the final year, you’ll undertake a major research project, developing skills for your future career in agriculture.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- 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)
- 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)
- 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) *
To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.
- 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)
- Work Placement (120 credits)
It's possible to study this course on either a four year or six year part-time basis. You'll take the same modules as BSc (Hons) students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
UK students have the option to study Year 1 of this course, either for one year full-time or two years part-time, to achieve a CertHE. You can also choose to combine a foundation year with the CertHE. Contact us to discuss what you can do, or choose your preferred option when you apply.
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Ruvini RanasinghaLecturer in Commercial Production (Fresh Produce)
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Henry MatthewsSenior Lecturer
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Chungui LuProfessor in Smart Agriculture
Facilities
Study agriculture at ARU in Writtle and:
- experience our 150-hectare campus with its on-site mixed farm, with livestock and cropping enterprises
- explore aspects of livestock and arable farming up-close
- take part in practical sessions on the farm and in new, state-of-the-art laboratories and other agricultural facilities
- learn laboratory techniques in our Lordship Science Centre
A day in the life of an agriculture student: take a guided tour
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Extensive 150 hectare campus which is like an 'Open laboratory'
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The Postharvest Unit, which undertakes research and trials with commercial companies
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Numerous livestock on our field and farm
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New state-of-the-art Superlab facilities on our Lordship campus
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Get hands-on with the latest agricultural technology
