BSc (Hons) Agri-Management (Top-up)
If you are aspiring to a career in farm management, agricultural consultancy or an environmental / land management advisory role, this course is ideal for you. Graduates have gone on to work for prestigious companies such as Agrii, Dalmark Group, Waitrose, AGCO and Natural England.
Course overview
This top-up degree will inform, inspire and enable you to gain a fundamental understanding and critical awareness of the problems facing agriculture today, particularly issues relating to the challenges of food production and its global impacts. The farming industry needs new talent, and that means that you are key. Here at the RAU, we're taking on the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture, nationally and globally, to include food security, climate change, environmental land management and shifts in market demand. You do not need to have an agricultural or farming background; you simply need the passion and drive to make a difference in a rapidly evolving industry. You will learn how to build a productive, resilient and sustainable agricultural business which contributes to a thriving sector - whether as a farmer, land manager, agronomist, economist, policymaker, researcher, scientist or consultant – career opportunities are diverse and eclectic.
The programme has been developed in consultation with employers to ensure that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively in the industry sector. You will be able to lead and develop sustainable agricultural livestock and crop practices, evaluate new techniques, instigate change and be able to contribute effectively to the development of the industry. The course offers a range of subject areas so that you can engineer your qualification according to your interests and career aspirations. This is likely to appeal to you if you wish to follow a specialist career (e.g. as a technical adviser in agronomy, livestock nutrition, biosecurity, agricultural policy research, farm manager, food security and safety, agricultural consultancy, breeding / health and disease, enterprise, or unit operator in agricultural on production-based enterprises either domestically or internationally). Irrespective of subject area chosen, the programme will give you skills in critical enquiry and evaluation of current processes and practices in the land management sector. This will ensure that you have the most up-to-date knowledge and can use it to meet the challenges of a changing industry with confidence.
If you are already employed you may choose to study up to 50% of the course in the workplace, reducing the amount of time you will spend on campus-based modules.
Industry experience
You will put your learning into practice on this course through hands-on experience in laboratories, on farms and via agricultural case studies.
You will also have access to the University’s Farm491 facility, an innovative agritech business incubator providing facilities and support to agritech businesses and promoting technology and innovation within the sector.
Course content
You will also select two elective modules, to specialise in a specific sector of interest or to gain a broader understanding of agriculture, land-use and business issues.
The course will be delivered through a series of lectures, seminars, group projects, visits and demonstrations at local farms, agricultural businesses and in the RAU laboratories. You will be assessed through research projects, examinations, presentations, work based learning and case studies.
Work placement
If you are already employed you may choose to study up to 50% of the course in the workplace, reducing the amount of time you will spend on campus-based modules.
Timetables
Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and societies activities.
Modules
All full-time academic programmes at the RAU are constructed using a selection of modules, each of which requires engagement with a variety of learning activities. Successful completion of module assessments will result in the award of credits, and students are required to achieve a total of 120 credits. Part-time students are required to achieve a 60 credits per year over two years.
Each module represents a value of 15 credits or multiples thereof. Each 15-credit module represents a minimum of 150 hours of student learning, effort and assessment. To achieve the award of BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Management, a student must achieve a minimum of 120 credits. For this BSc (Hons) Top-up course, your grade is calculated entirely on this course's modules.
The modules available for this degree are shown below. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
- 3329 Climate Change and Natural Resource Challenges: Understand the impact that climate change has on natural resources like water, soil and biodiversity internationally
- 3330 Technology and Agroecology Innovation: Explore the role of technology, innovation and agroecology in addressing sustainability challenges on farms and throughout the supply chain
- 3331 Food Supply Systems and Policy: Look at the influence of consumers on food systems and the role of policy
- 3332 Specialist Study Module: Undertake a self-directed study within the chosen specialist area
- 3300 Research Project / Dissertation: Develop a detailed research proposal that presents a well-developed research aim supported by clear research objectives
Plus any ONE elective module in each semester selected from:
- 3238 Advances in Livestock Nutrition: Critically evaluate the impact that modern commercial livestock nutrition has on animal and human welfare
- 3239 Crop Health and Protection: Understand the contemporary plant health and protection issues within sustainable crop production
- 3337 Sustainable Farm Management: Create a farm system in accordance with a specific agricultural approach
- 3338 Agronomy Challenges and Solutions: Discuss opportunities and challenges in the cropping sector through study visits and talks from industry leaders
- 3339 Livestock System Challenges and Solutions: Review livestock farming systems and their impact on the economy, society and the environment
- 3340 Farm Business Consultancy: Explore budgeting, financial forecasting, risk management and overall evaluation of the financial health of a farm business
The availability of electives to individual students will be dependent on timetabling considerations and on sufficient students electing to take part.
Disclaimer information
The University has established various rules and regulations that you must agree to and follow if you accept an offer to study with us. View our full disclaimer notice.
Careers and graduate destinations
Our graduates have gone on to pursue careers within companies worldwide and within the following roles:
- Farm/estate manager
- Food and bio crop manager
- Agricultural/land-based consultant
- Farm and environmental advisor
- Agricultural supplier
- Grain trader
Graduates have gone on to work for prestigious companies such as Agrii, Dalmark Group, Waitrose, AGCO and Natural England.
"In the classroom you learn information ‘academically’, but the RAU also offers many great placement options. Over the holidays – Christmas, Easter and Summer – you can do placements and learn information ‘practically’."
Oliver Pritchard, Graduate
Entry requirements
Typical offers
- A foundation degree or an HND award in a subject related to the Honours degree and gained in the last five years
- Depending on previous studies, you may be required to complete additional ‘bridging’ studies prior to enrolling on the Honours course in order to cover identified gaps in previous learning
Flexible entry
The University welcomes interest from applicants who may not have the standard entry requirements. A wide range of qualifications and experience are accepted in order to join University degree programmes. The University always considers evidence of personal, professional (APL) and educational experience, (APEL), which show an ability to meet the demands of their intended programme of study.
Further information
Read more general information about our entry requirements.
International students will also need to achieve IELTS Academic or equivalent at the appropriate level for your programme of study. English language requirements for international students.
For any further help, please contact our admissions team:
- Email: admissions@rau.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)1285 889912
Fees
2025-26 Applicants
For the academic year 2025-26 the tuition fees for this course are:
| UK | International | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,250 per year | £16,950 per year |
For part-time study, please contact admissions@rau.ac.uk for further information.
Please also refer to the funding your time at university page.
Tuition fees may be subject to an inflationary increase each year as set out in our Access and Participation Plan.
If you are an Irish national you can check if you meet the requirements for Home Fees. Please visit the UKCISA website and consult the pdf guide “England HE – who pays Home Fees”. First check category ‘3 years in Republic of Ireland/UK/Islands, settled in UK’ or ‘Brexit temporary offer for courses starting before 2028: Irish citizens with residence in Europe or overseas territories’. You will possibly need to be fee assessed when you submit an application for study to the RAU.
Scholarships
The University offers a wide range of generous fee waivers and bursaries. To find out more about the these, please visit the bursaries, awards and scholarships page.
Ready to take the plunge? Apply now
Applications should be made by the UCAS deadline to ensure we are able to offer you a place on your first choice course. However, if you have missed the deadline please contact Admissions@rau.ac.uk as there are usually places available.
If you would like to apply during UCAS Extra or Clearing, please check that we have places available.
Applicants wishing to study on a course on a part-time basis will need to apply directly to the RAU.
Please contact admissions@rau.ac.uk to discuss your requirements and obtain an application form.