AGRICULTURE DEGREES

Overview

Think studying agriculture is just about learning how to plant seeds and shear sheep? Think again!
Agriculture has been at the center of human civilization since, well, since civilization began – and it remains at the heart of many of the most pressing issues for modern societies.
Poverty, famine, development economics, genetic modification, environmental sustainability, disease epidemics… agriculture intersects with all of these, and agricultural graduates are involved in research and development work in all these fields.
A highly interdisciplinary subject, agriculture requires students to have a good grasp of both natural sciences and social sciences, drawing on areas such as biology, environmental sciences, chemistry, economics and business and management.
The range and combination of topics taught will vary depending on the institution. Some courses, such as the English-taught programs at the Netherlands’ HAS University of Applied Sciences, focus on preparing students for work at an international level – covering topics such as biobased economies, sustainability on a global scale, and global food systems.
Others will have more of a focus on agriculture within a specific country or region, or on a particular aspect of agriculture – such as crop farming, animal care, sustainable practices, or large property management.
There is also some variation in the degree of hands-on training required of students. Most agriculture courses will include at least one required work placement, and some universities even have their own farms. The UK’s Aberystwyth University, for instance, operates more than 2,500 acres of farmland.
While many agriculture graduates go on to roles where mud and manure are less regular elements (management, research, consultancy), any student considering this subject should definitely be comfortable with spending time outdoors and in close contact with the natural world!
Find the world's top universities for agriculture & forestry with the QS World University Rankings by Subject >

Specialization

Most agriculture courses will allow students to choose a field of specialization as they progress, while some are already fairly specialized to begin with. A significant number of agriculture students also go on to further specialize at master’s and PhD level, perhaps in one of the following fields:

Animal science

As a specialist in animal science, you’ll study animal physiology and biology, and apply your knowledge to issues of contemporary importance. Key scientific fields here include immunology, genetics, biochemistry, physiology and immunology. Meanwhile the applied side could focus on issues such as animal nutrition, reproduction, behavior and productivity.
See also: Veterinary science degrees >

Horticulture

Here you’ll focus on the sciences and technologies surrounding plant cultivation, covering both food crops and plants which are cultivated for other uses – from gardening to medicine. Careers in this specialism could include plant conservation work, research and development to improve crop yield, and gardening and landscaping projects. A related specialization is agronomy, which has a more specific focus on crop production.

Soil science

Soil is, of course, one of the most essential elements in agriculture. As a specialist in the subject, you’ll learn to analyze the biological, chemical and physical properties of soils, and apply this knowledge to issues such as increasing crop production, protecting human health, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
See also: Environmental science degrees >

Rural development

A specialization in rural development will mean more of a focus on links between agriculture, incomes and living standards. Students may explore ways in which agricultural innovations and training can be used to improve conditions for particular communities, combining case studies with economic and sociological theory.

Land management

This specialization requires expert knowledge of many of the above fields, along with an understanding of relevant aspects of law, planning and development, construction and building maintenance. Careers could mean managing large rural properties, working in land acquisition and valuation, or perhaps in conservation.
Other related specializations include forestry and woodland management, fish farming, pasture management and hydroponics (growing plants without soil).
You may also be interested in: Environmental science degrees >

Career Options

Types of role

Across the globe, a wide and diverse range of careers are available to agriculture graduates. Types of role you could consider include:

• Farm management (overall or with a specialization such as livestock or crops)
• Research and development roles, such as trials management or laboratory technician work
• Sales and marketing roles within the agricultural supplies and services industry
• Working as a buyer for a supermarket chain or a representative for a group of producers
• Research, advisory and quality control roles within the food production industry
• Roles relating to land and property – including management, agency and surveying

Possible employers

From another angle, it might be useful to consider the different types of organization that employ agriculture graduates. Among your prospective employers you’ll find:

• Landowners
• Research agencies (public and private)
• Manufacturing companies
• Food processing companies
• Supermarkets
• Farms
• Land agents
• Conservation and environmental organizations
• Watchdog organizations, involved in assessing hygiene, animal care and product standards
• Livestock dealers
• Logistics companies

Careers advice and case studies >

Key Skills

Many of the skills you’ll gain from an agriculture degree will be practical and of immediate relevance for a career in the sector. However, you should also gain a good spread of transferable key skills, that will stand you in good stead in many different types of career. These include:

• Project management
• Planning and conducting research
• Team work
• Leadership
• Professional communication
• Problem solving
• Data analysis and interpretation

Compare with other natural sciences subjects >