Newcastle University

Agronomy BSc Honours
UCAS Code: D444 (3 Years) Agriculture BSc Honours Option

• Course Overview
• Modules
• Entry Requirements
• Careers
• Finance

Increasing world population and the effects of climate change means society faces key challenges to use resources more sustainably, to provide food security and to provide energy from renewable sources.

Agriculture is at the centre of many of these challenges and offers a diverse area of study. At Newcastle, we draw on a broad range of subject areas, from biology, soil science and nutrition to management, accounting and law.

Agronomy is the science of crop production and soil management, which has led to major improvements in yield and quality of food, fibre and energy crops over the last 30 years. This degree considers crop production systems that meet the economic objectives of producers, demands from society and consumers, and changing climatic conditions.

Core topics cover the production and the protection of crops such as:

• cereals
• oilseeds
• pulses (peas and beans)
• cash roots (potatoes and sugar beet)
• field vegetables
• energy and fibre crops

You also take part in farm visits to observe crops grown on different types of soil as well as undertaking a dissertation on an agronomic subject of your choice.

Quality and ranking

We are ranked in the top five UK universities for agriculture in The Times Good University Guide 2013, The Guardian University Guide 2013 and The Complete University Guide 2013. We are also ranked in the top ten nationally for overall student satisfaction in the 2012 National Student Survey.

Teaching and assessment

The basic scientific principles that underpin agriculture are taught through lectures and laboratory practicals, particularly in the first year. Planned farm visits to the University farms and other local farming businesses are used to reinforce the theoretical teaching. Throughout the course, you carry out project work and submit reports, both as individuals and in groups. Further information can be found on our undergraduate web pages about the approach to teaching and learning at Newcastle University.

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. Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module, more information can be found in our individual module listings.

Flexible degree structure

The first and second years are the same for all of our agriculture students. Stage 1 covers the basic scientific and quantitative aspects of the subject such as soil, crop and animal science, and economics. We also introduce you to laboratory work and IT applications for applying statistical techniques to agricultural data.

At Stage 2 you apply the principles established in Stage 1 to the husbandry of both animal and crop production, and to farm management.

You also take a crop pests field course in the second summer focusing on the major insect, fungal and weed pests that affect crop production. Here you will engage with leading industry experts in the field.

It’s possible to transfer between any of our agriculture degrees up to the end of Stage 2 should you find your interests change during this shared period of study.

Study abroad

UK and EU students have the opportunity to broaden their academic experience by taking part in a study abroad exchange.

Industry links

The 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.

Facilities

The University owns two farms:

• Cockle Park, a mixed farm facility in Northumberland
• Nafferton Farm, comprising two main farm units in the Tyne Valley

Both farms operate as viable businesses, providing excellent case studies for your developing knowledge and skills.

Our laboratories provide important research and teaching environments. We also offer excellent computing facilities, including computers running industry-specific software, with real world applications for accounting, budgeting, crop and livestock management, and statistical analysis.

School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development

As an agriculture student at Newcastle you will be part of the School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.

The School's main teaching and laboratory facilities are located on campus in the Agriculture Building.

You also have the chance to join the student-led Agric society, which is responsible for fostering a close community spirit within the School.