We are pleased to confirm that Writtle University College and ARU (Anglia Ruskin University) are joining together. The merger will happen during the 23/24 academic year. Writtle’s full range of Higher and Further Education courses will continue to be delivered on site at the Writtle campus, enhanced by resources available at nearby ARU. If you are starting your course in September 2024, your degree will be awarded by ARU. Find out more about ARU, including our recent Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework, at aru.ac.uk.
Land
Our BSc Agriculture course recognises the changes in UK agriculture in the wake of the new agriculture policy and the threat of climate change. While the broad themes of the course are food production systems & precision farming, the economic, social and environmental sustainability of practices are recognised and evaluated as are the links to food security, consumer behaviour and supply chains.
The significance of food production and its value to society has been highlighted by the coronavirus crisis while the increasing awareness of environmental issues surrounding farming has meant that the industry has come under increasing scrutiny. As the principle of 'public money for public goods' becomes the core driver of policy the industry will need multidisciplinary practitioners who can link profitable resilient production with meeting wider societal objectives.
This course integrates all aspects of arable and livestock farming with a wider understanding of the environment and society in which production will be taking place.
Course Modules
Essential graduate and professional skills, including entrepreneurship, farm management including a sound understanding of diversification, underpin all modules.
Throughout the course, delivery will parallel developments within the sector, paying close attention to innovation and novel production systems to ensure that graduates are employment ready, are informed and able to contribute to decision making at a farm, company or policy making level.
| STAGE ONE | |
|---|---|
| SEMESTER A | SEMESTER B |
| Graduate, Professional Skills (15 credits) |
|
| Principles of Sustainable Development (15 credits) |
|
| Introduction to Livestock and Production Systems (15 credits) |
|
| Integrated Production Systems (15 credits) |
|
| Biological Processes (15 credits) |
Climate, Soils and Land Use (15 credits) |
| Agribusiness Management for a Circular Economy (15 credits) |
|
| Global and Local Food Systems (15 credits) |
|
| STAGE TWO | |
|---|---|
| SEMESTER A | SEMESTER B |
| Academic and Professional Development (30 credits) |
|
| Political and Economic Contexts (15 credits) |
International Value Chain C (15 credits) |
| Livestock Production Systems (30 credits) |
|
| Issues and Solutions In Production (15 credits) |
|
| Fresh Produce Production (15 credits) |
|
| STAGE THREE | |
|---|---|
| SEMESTER A | SEMESTER B |
| Dissertation (30 credits) |
|
| Natural Resources Management (15 credits) |
|
| Livestock Technology (15 credits) |
Developments in Livestock Production (15 credits) |
| Integrating Science and Crop Management (15 credits) |
|
| Sustainable Business Solutions (Applied Business & Enterprise Project) (30 credits) |
|
Note
These are the modules that are offered in this academic year; however, modules may be subject to change for the following reasons:
- Staff availability - for example the availability of staff to deliver specialist modules, which cannot be delivered by staff who do not have the relevant specialist expertise.
- In response to feedback and annual review processes to ensure we continually enhance our programmes. Changes in these circumstances will usually be made for the benefit of students.
- Student demand - to ensure there are adequate numbers on a module to support the provision of an excellent Learning & Teaching experience.
- The currency of the relevant module. Some modules are specified at a time when they reflect the issues that are currently topical in the subject area. They may have lost that currency by the time that the student is required to exercise the option. In the circumstances, in order to ensure that students are provided with an appropriate learning experience, those modules will be replaced by those which are relevant to the changing nature of the subject area.
The Writtle University College will endeavour to ensure that any impact on students is limited if such changes occur.
Entry Requirements
The following information provides the entry requirements for this particular course.
UCAS Tariff Points
96
GCE A Levels
96 UCAS tariff points, to include one GCE A level grade C or above
Irish Certificate
96 UCAS tariff points, to include 4 x H3 higher, one of which in a relevant science-based subject
Scottish Highers
96 UCAS tariff points, to include 3 x B
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Total (IB) Diploma point score of 24 or more
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
MMM
BTEC Level 3 Diploma
DD
C & G Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (720)
Distinction (96)
C & G Level 3 Extended Diploma
Merit (96)
C & G Level 3 Diploma
Distinction (96)
Please note:
An equivalent or higher combination of grades to that indicated above will also be accepted.
GCSEs
All applicants must hold a minimum of four GCSE passes at grade C/4 or above to include English, Maths and Science.
Access course
Writtle University College welcomes applicants studying Access to HE Diploma courses. For more information please contact Admissions.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL/APEL)
Information about our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL/APEL) policy can be found on our Higher Education Regulations and Policies page.
Learning & Teaching Methods
The following list shows the variety of learning and teaching methods experienced on this course.
- Farm walks and practicals
- Tutorials
- Seminars and debates
- Inquiry-based learning
- Farm visits
- Online quizzes, wikis and activities
- Laboratory practical classes including dissections
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed in a variety of ways many of which are centred on the College farm, these include.
- Practical assessments with both livestock and crops
- Examinations - both multiple choice and essay questions
- Presentations - both individually and in small groups
- Essays and technical reports
- Assessed seminars
- Case studies
- Experimental work and laboratory reports
- Poster presentations
- Debates
- Dissertation
After Completion of Your Course...
Employment opportunities
This list of careers below are those that graduates from this programme have been successful in.
- Farm Manager
- Agronomist
- Animal Nutritionist
- Land Agent
- Nutrition Company Sales Representative
- Veterinary Pharmaceutical and Equipment Supplies
Educational progression
Students also have the option to progress to a postgraduate qualification such as the MSc Crop Production (Agriculture) or MBA Agribusiness.
Good to know...
Undergraduate part-time student loans are available to students that have already studied at degree/higher education level before!
Under the equivalent or lower qualification (ELQ) exception rule, our Agriculture, Horticulture and Sustainable Food honours degrees are all eligible for part-time funding.
Find out more