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. Further information can be found on our undergraduate web pages about the approach to teaching and learning at Newcastle University.

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.

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 have the opportunity to broaden their academic experience by taking part in a study abroad exchange. Find out more on our Study Abroad webpage.

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
• collections of tropical and desert plants in our botanic gardens

School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development

This degree is taught within 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.