FDS Agriculture

About this course

Agriculture is one of the oldest and most essential of human activities, and studying it as a discipline combines the practical knowledge of how food, fibre and other crops are produced with the scientific understanding of soils, plant biology, animal science, environmental systems and the economics of farm businesses. Modern agriculture faces some of the most complex challenges of any industry, including how to produce enough food for a growing global population while reducing its environmental footprint, managing the impacts of climate change, and adapting to shifting policy frameworks as agricultural subsidies and land use regulations evolve. The University of Bedfordshire offers this programme part time, making it accessible to students who are already working in agricultural, rural or related contexts and wish to develop formal academic qualifications alongside their practical experience. The part-time structure suits those employed in farming, land management, agricultural supply chains, rural business or environmental land management who want to build the theoretical foundations that complement and extend their hands-on knowledge. You will study plant and crop science, soil science and agronomy, farm business management and agricultural economics, animal husbandry, environmental management and sustainability, and contemporary policy frameworks affecting the agricultural sector. The programme develops both your scientific understanding of how agricultural systems function and your ability to apply that understanding to the practical and commercial realities of running and managing agricultural enterprises in a changing policy and climate environment. Graduates of agriculture programmes work in farm management, agricultural consultancy, agri-business, land agency, rural surveying, agricultural research and development, food and agri-food supply chains, environmental land management, and agrochemical and seed industries. Many graduates return to or continue in family farming businesses with a formal qualification that strengthens their ability to manage and develop those enterprises. Government agencies, environmental NGOs and rural charities also recruit graduates with agricultural backgrounds. Postgraduate study in agricultural science, rural land management, sustainable agriculture or food systems is available for those wishing to deepen their expertise.

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