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Agriculture is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the UK and has increased in popularity over the last few years. There is a high demand for workers in the field, and more individuals are realising that agriculture isn’t limited to farming. As people learn that agriculture includes everything ranging from economics and supply chain management to biosciences and research, their interest in the subject is quickly rising.
Today’s most popular career paths in agriculture include future trading, engineering, agribusiness, and agricultural science. Agriculture isn’t limited to working on farmland. There are opportunities in labs, fields and offices. As a result of the rising demand and interest in agriculture, an increasing number of people are opting to attend agricultural universities and specialise in agricultural degrees in order to help them on their career path.
In addition to the varied roles and the wide range of subjects provided, agriculture is also a lucrative field where employment rates are high. Whether you want to study theoretical ideas or engage in more practical work, there are several positions in everything from marketing to research and technology.
Here is a round up of some of the best agricultural universities in the UK;
Aberystwyth University
This Welsh university is one of the best agricultural universities in the United Kingdom. In addition to offering basic Agriculture bachelor’s degrees, the university also offers combined degrees such as Agriculture with Animal Science and Agriculture with Business Management. Master’s degrees include specialisations in Animal, Equine, and Livestock sciences along with, Agrifood Innovation, Farm Consultancy, Sustainable Food Production, and more.
In addition to their agricultural courses, Aberystwyth University also has a school of veterinary science for those interested in working with animals. In fact, Aberystwyth is the only university in Wales that has a School of Veterinary Science. This has been established in collaboration with the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and will welcome students starting from September 2021. With courses including different aspects of the agricultural field including those from agribusiness, agrifood, and animal farming, those interested in agriculture have plenty of options to choose from.
University of Reading
The University of Reading has 125 years of experience educating those entering the agriculture field and is the highest-ranking UK university for the subject. In fact, the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2021) ranked the university’s Agriculture & Forestry course the 12th best in the world.
One of the reasons this agriculture university is so popular is because it provides students with both theoretical and practical knowledge. All students have access to the university’s 800 hectares of farm and woodland, as well as their state-of-the-art facilities. Research and visits to regional farms are also benefits of studying agriculture at the University of Reading.
Depending on their interests, students can take basic agricultural courses or choose more specialised courses such as Agricultural Business Management, Animal Science, Food and Nutritional Sciences, and Environmental Science.
Royal Agricultural University
A university completely devoted to agriculture, this is one of the top UK universities for those who want to enter the field. No matter the niche you want to focus on, this agricultural university has it all. Some of the most notable examples include Applied Farm Management, Countryside Management, Equine Health and Welfare, British Wildlife Conservation, and Agri-food Business Management.
There are also many Master’s and graduate courses to choose from, including Agricultural Technology and Innovation, Innovation in Sustainable Food and Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security, and Sustainable Food and Agriculture Policy. No matter which disciple students wish to choose, there’s something for everyone at RAU.
Queen’s University Belfast
This public research agricultural university is located in Northern Ireland and has consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the UK. It is especially great for those interested in studying agriculture because of the range of courses and agricultural degrees taught. From Agricultural Technology and Animal Behaviour to Agri-food and Rural Enterprises, there are many options to choose from.
College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise
This agricultural university offers both part-time and full-time courses in a variety of industries. CAFRE caters to students who want to enter the agri-food and agriculture industries and aims to help those already working in the field develop their skills. With three campuses across Northern Ireland, the university offers courses in food, agriculture, equine matters, horticulture, and veterinary nursing.
University of Nottingham
The Agriculture BSc course at the University of Nottingham is one of the most comprehensive courses in the UK and includes everything from agricultural marketing and business management to crop and animal farming. Practical knowledge and an applied approach are emphasised, with students being taught by both specialists and researchers.
Those studying at the Sutton Bonington Campus also benefit from learning on the University Farm and Dairy Centre. This UK degree includes a variety of topics including rural business management, plant science, livestock and bioethics, animal health, and disease management. For those interested in more specialised degrees, the University of Nottingham also offers majors such as Agricultural Business Management, Agricultural and Crop Science, and Agriculture and Livestock Science.
Therefore, it doesn’t matter whether you’re just getting into agriculture or have your career path pre-determined. Beginners and experienced students alike can benefit from the excellence in academics at this world-class agricultural university.
Harper Adams University
Harper Adams University was founded in 1901, and is a leading specialist university tackling agriculture, food production, animal farming, and more. In addition to having various courses to choose from, the university has excellent research facilities and laboratories and is set on a 635-hectare farm. Students, therefore, benefit from both theoretical and practical modes of instruction.
The university is one of the best for agricultural studies because it’s not limited to undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degrees. Those in the agricultural field or interested in the field can also benefit from short course and apprenticeships such as those in Food Business Management, Food and Drink Engineering, and more.
Study For An Agricultural Degree and Get a Fulfilling Job
If you want to get into agriculture but don’t know where to start, we hope this guide to agricultural universities has helped you. When it comes to agriculture and related subjects, you can opt for anything from soil and food science to animal and land management, horticulture, and environmental conservation. There’s no limit to the possibilities you can uncover with an agricultural degree.
According to UCAS, of the 15,130 students who studied agriculture in 2014/15, 69.3% went directly into employment. With such excellent job prospects and a fulfilling career path, it’s no wonder that so many people are opting for agricultural degrees.
If you’re interested in an agricultural job, Agricultural Recruitment Specialists can help. We help both candidates and clients by pairing up the best agricultural talent with the most reputable organisations. Since we work across the UK, Europe, and worldwide, we find the cream of the crop and ensure that all positions are filled with the best possible candidate for the job.
Are you interested in a job in agriculture? Check out these job listings and sign up for our help here. If you’re looking to fill a vacancy, we can help. Take a look at our client services and get in touch with us here.
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