Course overview

Political and environmental influences are impacting the types and uses of plants in food production and eco-systems management. Limitations on the use of synthetic herbicides and growth pattern regulators are changing the management strategies available.

Graduates of this applied agri-biological degree will be well placed for a wide range of careers in this vital and developing sector; including plant genetics, bio-chemical research, and agronomy.

On this degree you can select options with a cellular and molecular emphasis underpinning fundamental understanding of plant physiology. 

Download information about this course as a PDF

COVID-19
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to COVID-19.

See our terms and conditions for more information

View our Frequently Asked Questions

Your course during COVID-19

Whilst things will not be the same when you join us in September, this course page is intended to give you insight into what to expect from your course and your learning experience for the duration of your degree.

We have updated all course information where there are specific changes in the first semester.

Facilities

Most of our student services are now available online. As COVID-19 restrictions lift, we'll be opening up our on-campus facilities as soon as it is safe to do so, so that you can get the best out of your studies.

Your learning experience

Your teaching will be a mixture of online and in-person on-campus teaching. In semester one, as a result of physical distancing requirements, all lecture materials will be delivered online along with many tutorials, workshops and labs.

Our aim, if Government guidance allows us, is to deliver up to three hours of labs, seminars and tutorial teaching in-person on campus where this is possible and safe to do so. We'll review this regularly and plan to return to full in-person, on-campus teaching in semester two if restrictions allow.

Assessment

In semester one, we will not be running face-to-face, on-campus examinations. We will instead use different approaches to assessment. These will test and support your learning.

Field trips

We will be running some but not all of our planned field trips. Some of those that do run, will be run virtually. For those that do not run, we will be offering alternative learning activities. These learning activities will give you the opportunity to achieve the same learning.

Terms and conditions and student complaints

The University has terms and conditions which create a positive environment for learning and academic achievement.

Further information

Our COVID-19 Study page gives more information about your Newcastle University 2020 study experience.

Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to the guidelines that may be in place at the time.

Quality and ranking

We have a long tradition of excellence in teaching, recognised in many external surveys and assessments, but also by our own students.

Our commitment to teaching quality and an excellent student experience is reflected through our results in national and international student satisfaction surveys.

Teaching excellence

TEF Gold

A ringing endorsement of Newcastle University’s long tradition of excellence in teaching.

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Develop your understanding of concepts in fundamental science, for example, plant biology, cell biology, biochemistry and genetics. You study plant response to environmental stimuli and investigate genetic and biochemical pathways underlying function and structure.

You examine the interactions of plants and crops with their environment, soil and other ecosystems.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Environment and Land Resources	10
Crop Pests	10
Academic and Professional Skills	20
Agri-Food Supply Chains	20
Genetics and Evolution	20
Ecology and Conservation	20

Optional Modules	Credits
Plants, Environment, Agriculture	10
Introduction to Agricultural Mechanisation	10
Natural Science Research Impact	10
Diversity of Life: Form and Function	20
Cells and Biomolecules	20

Develop your understanding of concepts in fundamental science, for example, plant biology, cell biology, biochemistry and genetics. You study plant response to environmental stimuli and investigate genetic and biochemical pathways underlying function and structure.

You examine the interactions of plants and crops with their environment, soil and other ecosystems. Along with laboratory skills, you conduct in-field examinations of pests, diseases and British flora and fauna.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Principles of Agronomy and Crop Improvement	10
Managing Soils in the Agri-Environment	10
Dissertation and Research Preparation	10
Sustainable Solutions	10
Field Identification Skills	10
Biotechnology: Principles and Practice	20
Plant Biology	20

Optional Modules	Credits
Arable Crops	10
Microbiology	10
Pollution of Air, Water & Soil	10
Cellular Biochemistry	20
Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation	20
Insect and arthropod biology	20

You focus on the commercial value of plant production, and consider plant biology from the perspective of plant production, protection strategies and pests affecting plants in commercial production.

You will undertake a dissertation, which involves an in-depth investigation of an aspect of plant science of your choice.

Projects, fieldwork and laboratory investigation are a significant part of the degree and you’ll be assessed using a range of methods, including practical demonstration, presentation of findings, examination and field-based case studies.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Applied Crop Protection	10
Crop Pests Field Course	10
Research Project and Dissertation	30
Global challenges in plant science research	20

Optional Modules	Credits
Combinable Crops	20
Forage Utilization	10
Precision Agriculture incorporating Non-Combinable Crops	20
Applied Ecology	20
Biotechnology: Applications	20
Current Research in Plant and Microbial Biology	10
Biological Modelling	20
Microbial Genomics	20

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

Throughout the programme, you'll be taught via a combination of methods, including:

• lectures
• guest seminars
• field trips
• small group tutorials
• laboratory practicals

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

• 

  Assignments – written or fieldwork

• 

  Case studies

• 

  Dissertation or research project

• 

  Essays

• 

  Group work

• 

  Practical sessions

• 

  Projects

Skills and experience

Research skills

You have the chance to gain real-world research experience through project work with prominent plant biology research groups at Newcastle University. Subject areas of study include:

• agronomy and crop improvement
• field identification skills
• molecular biology and development
• applied crop protection
• plant pathology
• precision agriculture

Practical skills

Through our excellent links with biological and agricultural businesses, you'll be able to get involved with industry through a range of visits throughout your degree. The companies you will visit represent each part of the plant breeding and production chain, giving you a vital overview of the sector.

Opportunities

Study abroad

Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.

You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas.

If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year. 

Find out more about study abroad

Work placement

Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Placements are subject to availability.

Find out more about work placements

Facilities and environment

Facilities

During your studies, you'll be based in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences at our city-centre campus.

Away from the main campus, you'll have access to teaching at our two University-run farms, which will be used as demonstration facilities as well as a field station with glasshouse and dedicated teaching facilities.

You'll have the opportunity to learn in modern laboratories. You can also visit the Great North Museum, where there's a range of important biological collections.

Support

As a new student, you'll receive a tablet, so you can download online learning resources, helping to make our campus more sustainable.

You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.

Your future

Newcastle University consistently has one of the best records for graduate employment in the UK.

Employability at Newcastle

96% of Newcastle University graduates progressed to employment or further study within six months of graduating, with 85.5% in graduate-level employment or further study.

Take a look at the most recent data available for our graduates. See what they have gone on to achieve and be inspired to follow in their footsteps.

Statistics are based on what graduates were doing on a specific date, approximately six months after graduation (Destinations of (undergraduate and postgraduate UK domiciled) Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016/17).

Enterprising students

Sorry, you need JavaScript to view this video

Careers support

Our Enterprise Challenge gives students the opportunity to work with industry on a project that tackles real-world issues. Watch the above video to find out more.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2020 entry (per year)

Home Fee Students

£9250

International Fee Students

£22800

The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by the UK government.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

You will be charged tuition fees for each year of your degree programme (unless you are on a shorter exchange programme).

The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightly year on year as a result of inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Find out more about:

• different tuition fees
• additional costs

Scholarships

Find out more about:

• scholarships for UK, EU and international students
• scholarships for students applying to study at our London campus
• Student Loans and Government financial support for UK and EU students

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

• the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
• the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
• the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages