Newcastle University

Rural Studies BSc Honours
UCAS Code: D452 (3 Years)

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

This degree is ideal for anyone whose interest in the countryside centres around the social, economic and political systems that we use to manage the environment and support rural communities. It focuses on issues of rural development and rural resource management.

You will also receive training in business skills, adding value to your core academic programme, including:

• agri-business management
• accounting and finance
• economics for business and marketing

Teaching and assessment

Research-informed teaching plays an important role at Newcastle. It shapes the content of our undergraduate degrees and makes sure that you have the chance to cover the most up-to-date theories and discoveries in your subject.

Research in the School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development covers two key areas: 

• rural society and enterprise
• sustainable agricultural and food systems

In Stages 1 and 2 just over half of your teaching time will be spent in classroom-based lectures or seminars, with the remainder made up of field classes, computer classes, and practical lab work. In Stage 3 greater emphasis is placed on project work, culminating in a final-year project based on a topic of your choice. 

Assessment is based on a combination of field assignments, group projects, oral presentations, essays, problem-based assignments, and traditional examinations. You will have the opportunity to conduct your own research through a special study in Stage 3. This may be linked to a vacation project or work placement. Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module; more information can be found in our individual module listings.

Quality and ranking

Environmental Sciences at Newcastle ranks in the top 150 universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

Field visits

You will have the chance to take part in a wide variety of field visits exploring the rugged beauty of Northumberland, County Durham and Cumbria’s varied landscapes and habitats.

Study abroad

UK and EU students may choose to undertake their optional work placement abroad, through the Erasmus scheme. You will gain an international perspective on your studies and see environmental science practice in another country.

Facilities

The University offers first-class facilities to support your practical work, including:

• two University farms, which operate as viable farming businesses
• an experimental station providing field laboratories for evaluation and testing of ecologically friendly pesticides and biocontrol agents

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.

We are a close-knit community with a friendly cohort of students and close interaction between staff and students.

We pride ourselves on the support we provide to help you make the transition to university study, including a student buddy scheme and a personal tutor to support your academic and personal wellbeing.

You will have the chance to join the student-led Agric society, which is responsible for fostering community spirit within the School, and our staff–student committee, which helps to shape our degrees.