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.
In the future, I am planning on becoming a zoo keeper, hoping to get started in the industry during my placement year. My main interest is tv shows, particularly watching the same ones over and over again. I also enjoy learning songs on the guitar by my favourite artists.
Minx
University of Lincoln
Animal Behaviour and Welfare - BSc (Hons)
Coming to university can be an extremely stressful journey and I want to help make the transition as easy as posible! I'm studying Animal behaviour and welfare and hope to go into work with assistance dogs.
Ray
University of Lincoln
Animal Behaviour and Welfare - BSc (Hons)
I am an American student but have moved around quite a lot! I love creative activities, such as drawing, painting, and writing. I study animal behaviour and welfare, as I love animals and working with them. I hope to further develop my equine management skills in the near future!
India
Nottingham Trent University
Animal, Equine and Veterinary Sciences
I am an Equine Student here at NTU, with a future career prospect in event management. I studied Animal management with a lot of time spent on the farm and enjoy competing and showing off different animals.
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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
Subjects it's useful to have studied first
Some agriculture and related sciences courses or apprenticeships will have requirements for previous qualifications in certain subjects. Entry requirements vary, so always check with the provider.
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
Careers: Where it can take you
Find out more about your career prospects from studying agriculture and related sciences. The following information is based on a typical agricultural and fishing trades role.
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.
Take our careers quiz to find your ideal job matched to your personality type.
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
Check out live apprenticeship vacancies in agriculture, animals, horticulture and the environment.
Explore further
Go deeper into topics around agriculture and related sciences with the following:
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.
Whether it's personal statement tips or what to write in a cover letter for an apprenticeship application, our advice will help you get ahead in your agriculture and related sciences journey.
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.