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Studying agriculture & horticulture degree guide

Put simply, agriculture is all about the growth and production of foods. People often use the term to refer specifically to the growth of crops, but it can also be used in a wider context to refer to the production of meat and a whole manner of other produce. Horticulture, which revolves around plant cultivation, often overlaps with agriculture when it comes to areas like crop production (although it can be studied as a separate subject at university).

Eleanor Foulds
by Eleanor Foulds
Last Updated:
03 Nov 2022

With people having more access to technology and information, the supply chain of our food has never come under such close watch. Problems like chemical pesticides, technological progression, genetic modification, climate change and – most recently – the infamous horse meat scandal mean the agricultural sector is currently undergoing some pretty big changes.

What do you need to get on to an agriculture & horticulture degree?


The ranges of entry requirements for agriculture and horticulture vary, but typical entry requirements are as follows:

UCAS points: 160–80
A-levels: AAA–CCC
Scottish Highers: AAAAB–BBBB
BTEC Nationals: DDD–MMP
International Baccalaureate: 36–28

Unis may want you to have studied a science subject, sometimes specifically biology, at Level 3.

Find out how to apply to uni through UCAS.

Learn how to write a winning personal statement.

What agriculture & horticulture degrees can you study?


If you’re starting to think about doing agriculture or horticulture at uni, you’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of different degrees available. You could study one of the following:

  • Conservation Biology & Ecology BSc
  • Agricultural Technology BSc
  • Agri-Business BSc
  • Agricultural & Crop Science BSc
  • Horticulture BSc

What topics does an agriculture & horticulture degree cover?


The exact topics covered in your degree will depend what course you pick. Some common topics covered on agriculture and horticulture courses include:

  • Crop production systems
  • Farm management
  • Supply chain management
  • Farm assurance and quality
  • Ecology and biodiversity

What do you learn studying an agriculture & horticulture degree?


Studying an agriculture and horticulture degree will help you gain industry-specific skills like:

  • Ecological research
  • Survey techniques
  • Ecological practices
  • Fieldwork techniques
  • Ecological classification
  • Management techniques

More general, transferable skills you’ll pick up include:

  • Problem-solving
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Critical thinking
  • Presentation
  • Communication
  • Data management
  • Report-writing

What professional accreditations can you get with an agriculture & horticulture degree?


Your degree might include professional accreditation from bodies such as the Royal Society of Biology, or the Institute of Chartered Foresters.

What can you do with an agriculture & horticulture degree?


There are many options for agriculture and horticulture graduates. Some common career paths include

How long is an agriculture & horticulture degree?


Most agriculture and horticulture courses will last three years. Some options include a foundation year or a year in industry, which will make the course last four years.

How will you be assessed?


Methods of assessment vary across modules. It's likely you'll be assessed through a combination of the following:

  • Exams
  • Coursework
  • Fieldwork
  • Presentations
  • Project work
  • Practical exercises

What are the postgraduate options?


If you want to go on to further study, there are lots of different taught and research postgraduate degrees you could study. Some postgraduate options include

  • Agriculture PhD
  • Agricultural Economics MSc
  • Agricultural Sciences & Production Systems MSc
  • Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security MRes/MSc
  • Agricultural Economics MSc

What alternatives are there to an agriculture & horticulture degree?


Not sure if an agriculture and horticulture degree is right for you? Check out these related subjects:

Find agriculture and horticulture degrees.