Royal Agricultural College

Latest School Developments

The RAC is at the forefront of agricultural education - producing students who are articulate and equipped with academic knowledge and practical skills most suited to a range of agricultural and rural sector employment opportunities.

The content of the Agricultural (Hons) programme is tailored to the needs of the industry of the future. To this end, the programme is constantly refined and updated in consultation with our industry advisers.

In addition to the programme providing opportunity for students to demonstrate knowledge and an understanding of key subject areas, the education they receive will also equip them with intellectual, practical (through teaching at the College Farms), professional and transferable skills.

Programme structure

The Programme Structure Sheet shows all the module titles intended over the 3 years of full-time study (30 weeks per year for years 1 and 3). Year 2 includes a compulsory sandwich employment period of 20 weeks, following completion of the Easter Term examinations. There is also the possibility of a sandwich employment year being taken between years 2 and 3, creating a 4-year option.

Features of the degree pathways

Greater Choice
In addition to the selection of a general BSc (Hons) Agriculture degree, students may select a specialist pathway. This will be reflected in the title of the degree awarded. Specialist subject pathways can include the following:

• Livestock
• Crops
• Agricultural Science
• Farm Management
• Mechanisation
• Land Management
• Sustainable Soil Management

Year 1 modules focus upon the principles of agricultural science and production systems, mechanisation and business.

The second year gives opportunity for a subject -focused work -based learning experience; the application of the basic principles covered in year one to the commercial practical farming situation. This time can also prove useful for the preparation for the research project study in the year three.

In the final year, students can pursue the degree title-defining module, together with 2 further complementary subject elective choices. There is the flexibility in respect of choice of dissertation topic, too (although it must relate to the chosen specialist pathway).

Maximising Farms Use
The range of livestock, arable and mixed farming systems at the RAC provide an ideal opportunity for student engagement and provide a valuable insight into the current realities of commercial farming. This is achieved through practical farm classes for the purposes of demonstration together with project work, case studies, research and other assessments.

Practical Skills Opportunities
The College's Rural Skills Centre caters for all levels of ability and offers courses to meet a wide range of previous experience. All courses lead to a certification either from the College, or where applicable, from recognised awarding bodies. These courses are designed both to complement the academic studies undertaken by students as well as meet the needs of external businesses/employers, providing training to increase skill levels, productivity and to meet legislative requirements.

Exploring the Food Chain
Over the 3 years of the course duration, a deliberate inclusion in the curriculum is the important linkage of primary production at the commercial farm level and its influence on product quality right through to the ultimate consumer. The production of safe food is now taking place in the context of such important issues as climate change, environmental protection and livestock welfare. These issues, associated with the future sustainability of farming systems, are high on the agenda of the

programme content.

Work-based Learning Experience Emphasis
This is closely tailored to suit the chosen degree award identity and the final year research project. All Agriculture (Hons) programmes include the option of 20-weeks relevant industrial experience in year 2 or a full year in employment between years 2 and 3. Past students have secured a wide variety of challenging work experience opportunities and locations including:

• Feed manufacturing companies
• Agricultural contractors
• Biofuels industries
• Business consultancy firms
• Livestock breeding companies
• Milk processing
• Scientific research establishments
• Mixed farming enterprises
• Dairy Co
• Marketing

The educational value of these placements should not be underestimated; such experience helps in the development of a range of skills that are appropriate for future employment and such contacts and networking can prove invaluable.

Topical Subject Consideration
The merits and challenges of different farming systems approaches, for instance, organic vs traditional and intensive vs extensive are examined within key 'mainstream' crop, livestock and mechanisation modules. In addition, in the final year, students are able to participate in an organised study tour that will give them significant insight into a range of agricultural, rural estate and food processing businesses that reflect the diversification that is taking place in the rural sector.

International Perspectives
From the outset of the programmes of study the students are introduced to the global supply demand for food, European policy impact on agricultural production in the UK, and an appreciation of important world trade issues. Some students also choose an overseas location in which to complete their period of work experience providing an insight into world agriculture. In addition undergraduate students have the opportunity, should they wish, to spend a portion of time studying at one of our overseas partner universities.

Career opportunities

• Regular employer liaison aims to ensure that the College's students pursuing studies in the pathways of agricultural topics receive the relevant training required in today's competitive marketplace, thus placing them ahead in the job-race.

• Some examples of the areas of job opportunities that our graduates have secured in recent times include:
  • Farming and managing farms in UK and abroad
  • Feed and agrochemical based businesses
  • Civil service (e.g. DEFRA, NFU, Dairy Co, Quality Assurance) and other statutory bodies
  • Food chain industry sectors
  • Banking, marketing, consultancy, public relations, land agency
  • Further study or research at postgraduate level, lecturing
  • Journalism and the media

Programmes available

BSc (Hons) Agriculture
This can be studied as a stand alone subject or with one of the following specialist pathways

• BSc (Hons) Agriculture (Organic Farming)
• BSc (Hons) Agriculture (Animal Management)
• BSc (Hons) Agriculture (Crop Production)
• BSc (Hons) Agriculture (Land Management)

BSc (Hons) Food Production & Supply Management