Agriculture with Business Studies
D4N1 - BSc Honours Degree 3 years
Agriculture with Business Studies at Aberystwyth
The agricultural market is increasingly complex, with famers' produce going to foodstuff processors, supermarkets, co-operatives, small retailers and direct to the public, while agriculture is also under continuing and growing pressure both to diversify its production and to manage the environment on behalf of wider society. In this context, this degree, offering a through grounding in both farming and commerce, meets the strong demand for graduates with an understanding of both agriculture and business.It is appropriate for applicants with no farming background as well as those who have some knowledge of agriculture, since it provides a firm grasp of agricultural systems and science alongside the principles and practice of business.
Aberyswyth has specialised in Agriculture and land-based studies for more than 120 years and now hosts the prestigious Institute for Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences, a centre of excellence central to the agricultural policy and practice of Wales, created with major funding from the Welsh Assembly Governement. Our School of Managment and Business also has a strong reputation, with outstanding accredited MBA and other provision. Drawing on the excellence and expertise of both departments, this vocational programme combines the principles and practice of business management with agriculture. Though work experience is an optional part of the scheme, you are encouraged to take a work placement because the experience contributes both to your final-year studies and to your employment opportunities on graduation.
Key features
- 3 year full-time course
- Combination of agriculture and business subjects
- Wide choice of options
- Wide range of staff expertise
- Strong employment record for graduates.
Content and Structure of the Agriculture with Business Studies degree course
Year 1
The first year of your agriculture and business studies degree, introduces basic farming systems and principles together with core business modules in marketing, the rural economy, economic principles and management accounting. Optional modules allow you to specialize further in agricultural or business subjects, to suit your interests and career intentions.
Year 2
In the second year you apply the theory learned in your first year to the individual farm business, and to the agribusiness sector as a whole. Crop and animal production are considered in greater depth and business law is introduced. Optional modules are available in small business management, marketing and several agricultural topics.
Year 3
In the final year of your degree in agriculture with business studies, you concentrate on integrated technical and management planning at the whole farm level, and you undertake research in topics of your choice. There is also a field course module, a seminar module, an agricultural policy module and an opportunity to study crop and animal production or management accounting at an advanced level.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching is through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, projects, case studies and visits to farms, research stations and agribusinesses in the local area and other parts of the UK. Assessment is continuous, based on projects, essay and seminar work in addition to written examinations.
Career Opportunities
The combination of knowledge and skills which this scheme offers is much demanded by agribusiness employers and a number of professions, including advisory and consultancy services and farm and estate management. It is also an excellent qualification for a career in farming and other businesses. Some graduates have moved outside agriculturally related careers, e.g. into accountancy, information technology, journalism, manufacturing, retailing and teaching, in any of which the skills of analysis and problem-solving which you have learned in your Agriculture with Business Studies degree will stand you in good stead.