Newcastle University

Countryside Management BSc Honours
UCAS Code: D455 (3 Years)

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

This degree integrates elements from a range of subjects such as geography, archaeology, equine studies, wildlife conservation, agriculture, marketing, and estate management, to provide a balanced overview of the competing interests on the countryside.

It provides an insight into the effects that land use has on the economy and quality of life for local residents. You will also receive training in business skills, adding value to your core academic programme.

The broad scope and flexibility of the degree make it an attractive option for anyone whose interests span the environmental and social sciences.

Teaching and assessment

Research-informed teaching 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 Developmentcovers two key areas: 

• rural society and enterprise
• sustainable agricultural and food systems

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. In Stages 1 and 2, just over half of your contact hours will be classroom based – including lectures and seminars – with the remainder made up of field classes and practical work including computer classes and laboratory 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. 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.

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.