BSc Agricultural Business Management with Placement Year degree will enable you to become a successful manager or consultant within the agricultural sector. This programme comprises of a foundation year (Part 0) provided through the International Foundation Programme (IFP) which provides access to higher education in Britain to international students who do not possess the normal entry requirements of GCE Advanced level qualifications or the equivalent. Through the part 0 you will be equipped with subject specific and general study skills which will enable you to cope with the demands of undergraduate study. This is achieved through the provision of high quality teaching which is sympathetic to the needs of students from a wide range of educational backgrounds. The University of Reading is the highest-ranking UK university for this subject area and ranked 12th globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021 (Agriculture & Forestry). This is a multi-disciplinary degree programme combining the study of management with agricultural production science, giving you an understanding of the economic and business principles that underlie management and its application to agricultural and other businesses. 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 and visits to a wide range of farming business 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 two short residential trips to different parts of the country to look at different farming enterprises as part of this degree. In the final year, your dissertation 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 You may have the option to take a year long placement in industry between the third and final year. In the past, students have undertaken their year in industry in the UK, for example with John Deere, Heygates Feeds, Rothamstead Research and ADM, as well as internationally, in Europe and New Zealand. You will be supported by our advisory services and a dedicated member of staff 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. Careers The University of Reading has an outstanding reputation with employers, and graduates are headhunted for key management roles. Graduates from this course become managers, trainee managers and employees in a range of farming enterprises. Graduates also work in agricultural contracting, land agency and farm consultancy, financial, accountancy and agricultural banking services, in the UK and overseas. Graduates work with companies including AB Agri, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte, Savills, Strutt and Parker, MDS Ltd, The Farm Consultancy Group, Farmcare and Velcourt Farm Management. The Royal Farms have also taken a graduate from the University of Reading directly into a farm management role.