Agriculture with Business
Drive the future of sustainable agriculture and agri-business and tackle global challenges head on with our innovative business degree.
in the East of England for undergraduates employed as managers, directors or senior officials.
Source: GOS 2025
Our BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Business degree offers a forward-thinking, holistic approach that prepares you to lead in the evolving agri-business world by combining practical science with commercial problem-solving. You’ll explore global challenges like food security, climate change and sustainability, gaining hands-on experience on our working farm, through real-world case studies and an embedded placement year. With expert teaching and industry connections, you’ll be ready for diverse and exciting careers in the agricultural business sector.
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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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Boost your employability with an optional industry placement year between Levels 5 and 6
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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.
Studying this course equips you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the UK’s £28.2 billion food and beverage sector.
You'll develop expertise in agri-business management, supply chains, sustainability and consumer trends, alongside critical thinking, problem-solving and commercial awareness. These in-demand skills prepare you for roles in food quality, planning, buying, trading, and graduate schemes, while also giving you the confidence to explore business start-up opportunities.
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.
Throughout your degree, you’ll be taught by a multi-disciplinary team with real-world industry experience.
From year one, you’ll dive into modules like ecosystems, biological processes and global business, building a strong foundation in both science and strategy. In year two, you’ll explore sustainable farming, animal production, fresh produce and consumer trends through workshops, case studies, and team projects. You can then apply your learning on an optional industry placement year, and in your 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)
- Transforming Agriculture (Towards Net Zero) 15 credits
- Biological Processes (15 credits)
- Bio-Innovations for Land Use (15 credits)
- Global Business Environment and International Strategy (30 credits)
- Sustainable Farming and Food Systems
- High Welfare Animal Production (15 credits)
- Research Methods (15 credits)
- Farm Teams - Solutions (15 credits)
- Fresh Produce Production (15 credits)
- Understanding the Consumer (30 credits)
- Ruskin Module (15 credits)
- Dissertation (Agriculture) 30 credits
- Business Consultancy Project (30 credits)
- Strategic Management (15 credits)
- Natural Resource Management (15 credits)
- Global Business Environment and International Strategy (30 credits) *
- Sustainable Global Business Management and Circular Economics (15 credits) *
You can choose to take an optional placement year as part of this course. Placements typically happen in Year 3, and your course will take four years overall. Find out more about placement years.
- Work Placement (120 credits)
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
