| The award | How you will study | Study duration | Course start | Domestic course fees | International course fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) | find out | 3 years | find out | GBP 9250 per year | find out |
Course Overview
Agronomy is the science of crop production and soil management, leading to improvements in crop yield and quality.
At a Glance
UCAS Code
D444
UCAS Institution Name and Code
NEWC, N21
Degree Awarded
BSc Honours
Course Duration
3 Years
Entry Requirements
A Level: ABB-BBB
IB: 30-32 points
Opportunities
Work placement
Download course PDF
You study wide-ranging agriculture topics in your first two years, exploring biology, soil science, nutrition, management, accounting and law.
In your third year you specialise in agronomy, learning about the production and protection of a wide range of crops (such as cereals, pulses and field vegetables).
You learn about the factors influencing major arable crops, both in the classroom and through visits to commercial and research organisations.
You'll also learn how to meet economic needs and consumer demand, and understand the impact of changing climatic conditions.
You can boost your employability and professional skills with an optional placement year in industry or the commercial sector.
Highlights of this degree
Quality and ranking
Quality and rankingWe are ranked in the top 5 UK universities for Agriculture and Forestry in The Complete University Guide 2017.
Agriculture at Newcastle also ranks in the top 100 universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2016.
Flexible degree structure
Flexible degree structureThe first and second years are the same for students on all four of our agriculture degrees.
Our flexible degree structure means it is possible to transfer between any of our agriculture degrees up to the end of Stage 2 if you would like to.
See the Course Details section for more information about what you will study at each stage.
Stage 1
This stage covers scientific and quantitative aspects of the subject such as soil, crop and animal science, and economics.
You'll undertake laboratory work and IT applications for applying statistical techniques to agricultural data.
Stage 2
You apply the principles established in Stage 1 to animal and crop production and farm management.
You also take a crop pests field course, focusing on the major insect, fungal and weed pests that affect crop production, engaging with leading industry experts in the field.
Stage 3
Students on our Agriculture BSc degree continue to follow a broad curriculum.
Students on our other degrees follow a more specialist route in agronomy, animal production Science or farm business management.
Boost your employability with a work placement
Boost your employability with a work placementApply to spend a year on an optional work placement between Stages 2 and 3.
The School will give you support to apply for a suitable placement, including help to write your CV to send out to our wide range of industry contacts.
You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.
If you impress your host company, it could even result in a job offer on graduation.
Study abroad for international experience
Study abroad for international experienceUK and EU students can broaden their academic experience and expand horizons by studying abroad as part of their degree.
You can study at a partner institution abroad for between three months and one year through the Erasmus scheme.
Current countries include France, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Hungary and Estonia.
Industry links
Industry linksThe University is highly regarded within the industry and has been a leader in agricultural education since 1891.
We have strong links with the local farming community, which provide experience of a wide range of farming practices including:
In addition, you will have regular visits to the University's commercial farms.
We also provide hands-on experience through a second-year project managing your own crops, and vacation opportunities that include lambing and harvest jobs.
Facilities and support
This degree is run by the School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, located at the heart of campus in the Agriculture Building.
Facilities
Our facilities include:
Our two University farms are used for research, teaching and demonstration.
Support
You will have an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have.
There's also a staff-student committee, to give you an opportunity to have a say in how your degree works.
Social activities
A student-led Agric Society organises regular social events, and it's a friendly cohort of students.
Teaching and assessment
Study at the cutting edge
Teaching is research-informed, so you'll learn from staff engaged in real-world research on the University's farms and learn at the cutting edge of the discipline. You can also engage in research of your own through a research-led final-year dissertation.
Teaching methods
Lectures and laboratory practicals will teach you the scientific principles that underpin agriculture.
Visits to the University farms and other local farming businesses will help you to understand the practical application of the theory you learn.
You'll also complete project work and reports, working as an individual and in groups.
Assessment methods
Assessment is by formal examination at the end of each semester and by continuous assessment based on projects and essays. The continuous assessment can account for half of your total marks, particularly in the final year.
Find out more
Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module. More information about each module including specific assessment methods, credits and contact hours, can be found in the Course Details section.
Visit our Teaching & Learning pages to read about the outstanding learning experience available to all students at Newcastle University.
Compare this course
See how this course compares with others for topics such as student satisfaction, fees and costs and prospects after graduation using the Unistats Key Information Set.
Related Degrees
Agriculture BSc Honours
Agriculture is at the centre of many of the challenges facing modern society - including climate change, food security and increasing world population - and is a diverse area of study.
Agriculture with Animal Production Science BSc Honours
This degree includes topics such as animal nutrition and growth, and livestock reproduction.
Opportunities
Work placement
Download course PDF
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