Agriculture
Be part of the future of food and farming and lead the drive towards resilient food systems.
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as BSc/BA (Hons) students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students; for example if the BSc/BA (Hons) course takes three years, you can expect to study over six years, though for some courses the part-time length may differ.
in the East of England for undergraduates employed as managers, directors or senior officials.
Source: GOS 2025
Help solve the world's most pressing problems today growing enough quality food in a climate-friendly, profitable way. Our course is responsive to change in UK agriculture policy developments. It covers all aspects of arable and livestock farming, as well as the wider environment in which production will be taking place.
We explore food production systems and precision farming – but also the economic, social and environmental sustainability of production practices, food security, consumer behaviour and supply chains.
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Learn more about studying Agriculture at ARU.
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Build your network through our extensive industry connections in agriculture.
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Learn from inspiring academics with extensive practical experience and connections across the UK and Europe.
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Gain the knowledge you need to contribute to decision-making at a farm, company or policy-making level.
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Join an esteemed alumni network, including two recent UK Farm Ministers.
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Take part in a student-led regenerative project during your studies, putting learnt theory into practice.
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Study at a campus providing over 130 years of land based education.
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.
Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our MSc Crop Production (Agriculture) or MBA Agribusiness.
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.
Our modules and teaching pay close attention to innovation and novel production systems in the agricultural industry.
You will graduate employment-ready, well-informed, and able to contribute to decision-making at a farm, company or policy-making level.
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 *.
- Graduate, Professional Skills (15 credits)
- Principles of Sustainable Development (15 credits)
- Biological Processes (15 credits)
- Climate Soils and Land Use (15 credits)
- Introduction to Livestock and Production Systems (15 credits)
- Integrated Production Systems (Agriculture) (15 credits)
- Agribusiness Management for a Circular Economy (15 credits)
- Global and Local Food Systems (15 credits)
- Academic and Professional Development (30 credits)
- Political and Economic Contexts (15 credits)
- International Value Chain C (15 credits)
- Livestock Production Systems (15 credits)
- Issues and Solutions in Production (15 credits)
- Fresh Produce Production (15 credits)
- Dissertation (30 credits)
- Natural Resource Management (15 credits)
- Livestock Technology (15 credits)
- Developments in Livestock Production (15 credits)
- Integrating Science and Crop Management (15 credits)
- Sustainable Business Solutions (30 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)
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as BSc/BA (Hons) students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students; for example if the BSc/BA (Hons) course takes three years, you can expect to study over six years, though for some courses the part-time length may differ.
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Dr Kami BaghalianSenior Lecturer in Crop Production
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Henry MatthewsSenior Lecturer
Facilities
Study agriculture at ARU in Writtle and:
- experience our 150-hectare campus with its mixed working farm, which is home to crops, sheep, pigs and cattle
- 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
- enjoy lessons and hands-on learning in the on-site glasshouses
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
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
Apply for Agriculture
Clearing places available
UK students, apply through Clearing for a September 2025 start