Course overview
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.
Our rich curriculum includes a broad range of topics spanning plant biology, soil science, nutrition, management, accounting and law.
You can also boost your employability and professional skills with an optional placement year in industry or the commercial sector.Â
We are a leading university for agriculture and you’ll benefit from fantastic facilities, including two University farms.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions Â
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
- 2nd in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2025 (Agriculture and Forestry category)
- 4th in the UK – The Guardian University Guide 2025 (Animal Science and Agriculture category)
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Top 90 for Life Sciences and Medicine – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 150 for Agriculture and Forestry – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 4th in the UK – Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 (Agriculture and Forestry category)
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024Â
- Top 125 for Life Sciences – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you’ll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.Â
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Crop Pests | 10 |
| Introduction to Business Management | 10 |
| Agri-Food Supply Chains | 10 |
| Animal Health | 10 |
| Introduction to Animal Physiology | 10 |
| Sustainability in Practice | 20 |
| Academic and Professional Skills | 20 |
| Introduction to Sustainability | 20 |
| Plants, Environment, Agriculture | 10 |
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Arable Crops | 10 |
| Farm Business Management | 10 |
| Principles of Agronomy and Crop Improvement | 10 |
| Animal Feed Science and Technology | 10 |
| Domestic Animal Reproduction and Genetic Improvement | 10 |
| Sustainable animal production systems | 20 |
| Dissertation and Research Preparation | 10 |
| Ecosystem Ecology | 10 |
| Sustainable Solutions | 10 |
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Combinable Crops | 20 |
| Applied Farm Business Management | 20 |
| Applied Animal Nutrition | 10 |
| Dissertation | 30 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Law and Land Use | 10 |
| Career Development for final year students | 20 |
| Advanced Career Development module | 20 |
| Farm Business Consultancy | 20 |
| Applied Crop Protection | 10 |
| Agronomy Field Course | 10 |
| Forage Utilization | 10 |
| Reproduction in Farm and Companion Animals | 10 |
| Your Future – occupational awareness | 10 |
| Animal Welfare and Behaviour | 20 |
| Precision Agriculture incorporating Non-Combinable Crops | 20 |
Teaching and assessment
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.
Skills and experience
Practical skills
As a leader in agricultural education since 1891, we have well-founded links with the local farming community, allowing our students access to a range of farming practices.
In Stage 2, you’ll also gain hands-on experience managing your own crops and opportunities to take on lambing or harvest jobs.Â
Business skills
We encourage all our students to take a placement year between Stages 2 and 3. You can spend this year working in the industry or studying abroad.
If you study abroad, you’ll join one of our many global partner universities where teaching is in English.
Research skills
To address the problems facing agriculture globally, we conduct research on themes such as:
- ethical and nutritious food
- resource-efficient and resilient production systems
- sustainable landscapes and production systems
- vibrant rural communities and enterprises
You’ll also have the opportunity to explore an area of interest in your final year dissertation.Â
Opportunities
Study abroad
Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.
You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas.
If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year.Â
Find out more about study abroad
Work placement
Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.
You’ll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.
If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year. Placements are subject to availability.
Find out more about work placements.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
Agriculture is based in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences at our city-centre campus. During your studies, you’ll have access to two commercial farms near Newcastle.
Our University farms, Cockle Park Farm and Nafferton Farm, will give you an insight into how real-world farms operate, so you’re prepared for your future. Our farms are used for research, teaching and demonstration.
You’ll have the opportunity to access modern laboratories equipped with industry-standard equipment. You’ll also use NU-Food, our food and consumer research facility.
You’ll be able to use our computing facilities, including computers running industry-standard software used in agriculture businesses, to help ensure you’re career-ready.
Support
You’ll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to 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 when starting university.
There’s also a staff-student committee, to give you an opportunity to have a say in how your degree works.
Your future
As a Newcastle University agriculture graduate, you will be held in high regard in the industry and have many career options open to you.
Graduates from agriculture have gone into farm management roles, service and supply industries as well as research, advisory and consultancy work in the public and private sector.
Many have found employment in prestigious national and multinational companies such as:
- Velcourt
- Sentry Farming
- Bidwells
- Andersons
- Strutt and Parker
- Agrovista
- Syngenta
- Brown & Co
- Grays
Careers support
Our Enterprise Challenge gives students the opportunity to work with industry on a project that tackles real-world issues. Watch the above video to find out more.
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Check the government’s website for more information.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2025 entry.Â
| A-Level | |
|---|---|
| ABB excluding General Studies. A science A Level is preferred. For Biology, Chemistry and Physics A Levels, we require a pass in the practical element. GCSE Biology and Chemistry (or Dual Award Science) at grade C or 4 required if not offered at A or AS Level. | |
| International Baccalaureate | |
|---|---|
| 32 points with Chemistry and/or Biology at Higher Level. Chemistry and/or Biology should be offered at Standard Level if not offered at Higher Level. | |
