Whether you love animals, food, plants, or working sustainably, there are lots of ways for you to engage with these subjects.
What's on this page?
There are many fascinating things to learn when studying agriculture and related sciences: animal and land management, food science, economics, horticulture, technology, and environmental conservation. Knowledge in these areas could take you into sectors such as agriculture, forestry, horticulture, engineering and manufacturing, environment and conservation, voluntary and charitable organisations, or even local or central government. You could choose a specialism – like conservation – or work as a manager, consultant, or in research.
Jobs for managers in agriculture and horticulture are expected to grow by 2.97% in the next eight years.
The impact you could make
- Manage your own farm, rearing animals or crops in a sustainable way.
- Spread your love of plant science to the next generation as a horticulture influencer.
- Be a countryside ranger, looking after land and animal habitats that are open to the public.
What you could study
- Agronomy and crop systems
- Agricultural production systems
- Livestock science and production
- Crop physiology, nutrition, and protection
- Sustainable soil management
- Ecology, biodiversity, and natural resources
- Geographic Information Systems
- Agricultural mechanisation and technology
- Waste management, recycling, and energy
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Example module
“Molecular ecology, genetics, behavioural ecology.”
Second year animal behaviour student, University of Exeter
Example assignment
“Human-animal interaction, behaviour management and evolution.”
Second year animal management and welfare student, University Centre Peterborough
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Maths
Hard skills you'll develop
- Food technology
- Food safety and sanitation
- Agricultural equipment
Soft skills you'll develop
- Communication
- Management
- Customer service
- Organisational skills
Available jobs
27,724 vacancies in the past year
8.85% growth over next eight years
Average salary
£23,982
Up to £37,503
85% of students
are highly likely to recommend agriculture and related sciences to others
(UCAS subject guide survey 2023)
What is an…. agronomist?
You may not have heard of an agronomist, but if you become one you’ll advise farmers on land management, crop rotation, and soil health, and give advice on things like fertilisers or organic treatments. You might also bring in innovative new technology that can more accurately predict weather, crop growth, and other environmental conditions. Agronomists will have an important part to play in the way we grow crops in future, and harvest our land in a sustainable, environmentally-friendly way.
Getting in: Entry requirements
Find out more about what you'll need to study agriculture and related sciences at university or as an apprenticeship.
Average requirements for undergraduate degrees
Entry requirements differ between university and course, but this should give you a guide to what is usually expected from agriculture and related sciences applicants.
A levels
BCC
Scottish Highers
BBBBB
Vocational
BTEC DDM
Other Level 3/Level 6 qualifications (e.g. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma or an SQCF Level 6) may be accepted as an alternative
Hear from Kieran what it's like to do an agriculture apprenticeship at East Lothian Council in Scotland.
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Royal Agricultural Society (RASE)
Browse the news section of the RASE website to find out what’s going on in the industry, including articles on innovations like agritech and regenerative farming. -
NFU Student and Young Farmer
Follow the National Farmers Union student branch on X to keep up-to-date with career opportunities in the industry for young people, and to read their magazine Student Farmer. -
Institute of Horticulture
Browse the Institute of Horticulture’s careers section to get an idea of what jobs you could do in horticulture.
Skills, experiences, and interests to mention
- Show your enthusiasm for the subject by mentioning books or content you’ve read, and any related societies you’re part of, such as a local conservation group.
- Mention any previous experience you’ve had working on a farm, in a local green space, garden centre, or animal sanctuary, for example.
- Demonstrate your practical abilities through things like gardening projects you’ve done, litter picking, DIY, or other relevant activities.
- Tell them about your scientific knowledge too, whether that’s something you’ve learned at school or a hobby learning about geology, nutrition, or science experiments outside of school.
- Illustrate your organisational and management skills, whether that’s through part-time jobs you’ve had, or leadership roles in school or on sports teams.