We are in the process of finalising our postgraduate taught courses for 2026/27 entry. In the meantime, you can view our 2025/26 courses.
Our BSc Agricultural Business Management degree will enable you to become a successful manager or consultant within the agricultural sector.
Study at one of the UK’s leading universities for environmental and ethical performance (the University of Reading is ranked 4th in the People and Planet University League, 2024/25).
The University of Reading is the highest placed UK university for Agriculture and Forestry at 20th in the world (QS World Rankings by Subject, Agriculture and Forestry, 2025). We’re ranked 6th in the UK for Agriculture and Forestry (in the Times & The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025).
This is a multi-disciplinary degree programme combining the study of management with agricultural processes, giving you an understanding of the economic and business principles that underlie management and its application to agricultural and land-based industries. You will gain skills in critical observation and analysis of financial and business management systems to go along with practical knowledge and commercial expertise.
You will develop these skills through contact with a variety of industry professionals, with talks delivered by farm consultancies such as Savills, visits to a wide range of farming businesses and rural estates including Waitrose’s Leckford Estate and the Hall Hunter Partnership. There are also opportunities to attend conferences and seminars on farming and rural development, as well as chances to network and build relationships while you learn.
In one of our most popular modules you will provide strategic advice to farm businesses based on real data and situations. The businesses do listen to your opinion, and take note of your recommendations. You will also complete a residential study tour within the UK to look at different farming enterprises as part of this degree.
In the final year, your independent research project allows you to choose a subject that inspires and interests you. This could involve a farm, including your home farm, research at the University or an enterprise that you’ve had contact with during the course.
Outside of the curriculum, the student-run Agri-club runs the UK’s largest student conference. It gives you the opportunity to debate key issues like food security and self-sufficiency and get your voice heard.
Placement
If you would like to complete a one-year work placement in between years two and three, you should consider studying BSc Agricultural Business Management with Placement Year.
In the past, students have undertaken their year in industry in the UK with John Deere, Heygates and Buitelaar Group as well as internationally, in Europe, USA and New Zealand. You will be supported by our Placements Team who will assist with finding and supporting your year out. Some students can also participate in six week summer placements linked to research undertaken at the University, which are generally completed before the final year.
For more information, visit the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development website
