Courses

About The Course

View larger image

The agricultural industry is primarily concerned with the production of basic foodstuffs on farms, but it also includes the supply of inputs for farming such as fertilisers, seeds, animal feeds and machinery. In addition, agriculture is becoming increasingly integrated with other sectors of the food chain such as processing, distribution and retailing to form the agri-food industry. This broader industry is one of the largest in the UK accounting for over 10% in both employment and Gross Domestic Product.

Agriculture courses at SAC consider this wider agri-food industry, with the focus on production agriculture and related issues. Students will gain a sound appreciation of animal welfare, environmental, countryside and conservation issues and understand the multi-functional and diversified nature of agriculture.

Modes of Study

Courses are available full-time or part-time, or you can choose to study individual modules for personal or professional development, or for general interest.

Methods of delivery and assessment

Extensive use is made of local commercial farms, rural businesses and other organisations to illustrate all aspects of running a business, and real case studies may be based on these visits. Visiting speakers from industry are widely used to provide the latest insight into agri-business. Study tours are organised to broaden the learning experience. A wide range of assessment methods are used (projects, essays, presentations, case studies, examinations) with the majority of modules being assessed as 50% coursework and 50% end of module examination.

Awards Available

Click on a course title for further details

BSc/BSc (Hons) Agriculture

HND Agriculture

HNC Agriculture

Certificate in Agriculture

Course Content

View larger image

Further information is available in SAC's undergraduate prospectus and in our course leaflet, which can be downloaded from this page. Please contact us for further information.

There have been far-reaching changes in the agricultural industry throughout the developed world. Science and technology have altered the way crops and animals are produced, and consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the quality and safety of food and its production methods. Issues such as animal welfare, sustainability and the effects on the countryside and the environment are now central considerations for both consumer and producer.

21st century farmers require a blend of practical skills in crop and animal husbandry, machinery operation and communication, with a sound knowledge and understanding of the science, technology, business and financial management which underlie efficient, environmentally and socially acceptable food production and land use. As the complexity of agriculture has increased, so has the need for robust education and training. SAC’s Agriculture courses are developed with the industry to provide the required skills and understanding for challenging careers. Regular industry-led field trips and sponsored competitions further this close relationship, and placements and projects, both in the UK and overseas, are encouraged.

The SAC Certificate provides sound practical training and education in the production of crops and livestock.

Those studying the HNC and HND Agriculture will acquire the skills and knowledge required for supervisory positions within the agricultural industry or other land-based sectors. Students who complete the HND have the foundation, in applied science and technology, business management, and environmental awareness, for progression to year three of the Agriculture degree.

Students completing the three year general degree will acquire the broad knowledge and skills required for a management role in the agricultural industry. They will have a full understanding of the entire food chain "from plough to plate". SAC Honours graduates understand and appreciate the environmental, moral, ethical, legal and sustainability issues relevant to the multi-functional industry that 21st century agriculture has become.

Career Opportunities

View larger image

On successful completion of the awards within the programme, students are likely to gain employment in positions such as:

• Farm management, enterprise management, rural business and land management
• Inspector (e.g. SEERAD, Animal Welfare, Environment, Quality Assurance)
• Advisory and Consultancy
• Education and Training in the land-based sector
• Research and Development in crops, livestock and the food industry
• Sales/technical support in equipment, feeds, seeds and other inputs
• Agricultural and rural policy formulation at local and national levels
• Self-employment in farming, contracting, agri-business, and the food business

SAC's graduate employment rate for those studying Agriculture is over 95%.

Course Contacts

Aberdeen Course Contact

Add to Address Book | Help

Aberdeen Campus General Contact

Add to Address Book | Help

Ayr Course Contact

Add to Address Book | Help

Ayr Campus General Contact

Add to Address Book | Help

Edinburgh Course Contact

Add to Address Book | Help

Edinburgh Campus General Contact

Add to Address Book | Help

Student Experiences

View larger image

Jennifer Kuchmeister, currently in her Honours year at Edinburgh, left schools after her Standard Grades and enrolled on the Diploma at SAC Aberdeen. “Having been brought up in Argyll I knew from an early age that I wanted a career in sheep farming and so I chose to study a vocational course rather than stay at school and take my Highers. The articulated course structure at SAC has meant that I have been able to progress seamlessly to the Honours year despite leaving school early."

Jennifer has had considerable academic success at SAC, being awarded the RHASS medal for best Diploma student, and the prize for top student in the third year of the degree course. She is currently studying for her Honours dissertation with SAC research scientists based on the Bush Estate.

"My study is part of a wider project aimed at reducing the dependency of sheep farmers on anthelmintics to control worm burdens. I am researching the ue of bioactive forages such as chicory for parasite control. I carried out much of the fieldwork during the summer vacation for which I received financial support from the Worshipful Company of Woolmen. An added bonus of this was a trip to London for dinner with the Lord Mayor and all the other students the Company sponsor at higher education institutions across the UK.

Studying in Edinburgh has been ideal as whilst studying a rural based course I have also been able to enjoy the city experience. I have been an active committee member of the Agric Society where my duties have included looking after its website and merchandise. I’ve also taken time to learn new practical skills such as cattle artificial insemination and crop spraying which are offered alongside the academic course.

When I finish I intend to travel for some time in North and South America, Australia, and New Zealand before deciding where I start my chosen career in sheep farming."