A huge choice of careers are open to those studying Undergraduate agriculture-related subjects at higher education level. From veterinary surgeons to environmentalists, the scope and depth of this area of study is endless. There are also a wide variety of vocational qualifications available, many taught in specialised agricultural colleges based on working farms, estates or botanical gardens.

The importance of agriculture cannot be over-emphasised, and today’s world still relies heavily on what the land can produce. The difference in modern times is that, in many countries, agriculture has become a fast-moving, high-tech industry that is continually developing. The aim is to constantly improve land yield, whether through genetically modified crops, protecting rare seed varieties, advancing new farming methods or investigating ways in which crises such as BSE and foot and mouth can be averted.

In the UK, it’s not just food production that makes agriculture so important. With 75 per cent of the UK’s land mass still under the active custody of farmers and other land managers, the state of our countryside and its rural communities is entirely dependent on successful rural and agricultural management. The role of agriculture is always changing and adapting to balance food demand with the needs of rural life in the UK. Now more than ever before it is an interesting and challenging industry in which graduates can build a career.

One of the attractions of careers relating to agriculture is that they are less likely to involve office-bound jobs requiring a city commute. Many students are drawn to the chance of working outdoors, and the enhanced quality of life that comes with this. If this appeals to you then there are a variety of fields to choose from, leading to jobs that combine a love of nature, the countryside and animals with modern scientific principles.

Studying Agriculture and Land Management
In 2007/08, just over 15,000 students were studying agriculture and related subjects at undergraduate level across the UK (source: HESA). Courses include animal science, food production and supply, horticulture, land and property management, and issues such as environmental protection and conservation. Horticulture courses focus specifically on the production of plants, looking at areas such as plant or soil science, pest biology and crop mechanisation. Land management covers elements like property law, forestry, conservation and landscape or garden design.

Agricultural science courses may require previous study of a science subject such as biology or physics, whereas more business- or management-focused courses may ask for subjects like maths and geography. Many agricultural degree courses offer sandwich placements, allowing students to experience the practical side to their course in a real work environment.

Studying Animal or Veterinary Science
Students can specialise in equine studies (a vocational course specifically for those who wish to work in the horse industry), animal science or veterinary science. Animal science or management courses look at nutrition, welfare, breeding and genetics, anatomy and zoology, as well as the legal aspects of caring for animals.

Veterinary science is a popular and competitive area to get in to and, like medicine, requires a huge amount of commitment and study to qualify. Entry is tough and places are limited – only 4,135 undergraduates were studying veterinary science in the UK in 2007/08 (source: HESA). There are seven universities that offer the five-year course (or six years at Cambridge) accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Student vets study cell biology, anatomy, animal physiology, nutrition, genetics, animal behaviour and husbandry, pharmacology and infectious diseases. They also have to complete a research project and undertake clinical practice.



Careers in Agriculture

The practical skills and knowledge gained from agriculture-related degrees mean that graduates can enter a range of careers, including management, research or policy-making roles in government, industry or commerce.

Careers in Zoology
Zoologists study animals and their behaviour in a wide range of areas including the development and testing of new drugs, improvement of agricultural crops and livestock, disease and pest control, conservation of endangered habitats and species, animal welfare and education and policy development and enforcement of regulations for government agencies.

Zoologists normally start with a degree in a subject such as zoology, animal ecology, parasitology, animal behaviour or conservation.

Zoologists in research posts can earn up to £30,000 a year. Senior research staff can earn around £50,000.

Insitute of Zoology


Careers in Agricultural Engineering
Agricultural engineers plan, design, develop and install agricultural, horticultural and forestry machinery and equipment. They can work in a wide range of areas, all focused on using technology to make agriculture and horticulture more efficient and productive – for example, land-use projects, environmental and
conservation work, irrigation, forestry and the leisure and recreation industry.

Starting salaries for graduates are usually around £18,000–£20,000 a year, rising with experience to around £25,000 a year. If you gain incorporated engineer status, your earnings would increase to around £36,000 a year. Chartered engineers may earn upwards of £50,000 a year.

Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE)


Careers in Veterinary Surgery
Modern vets have become diverse practitioners, as likely to be treating an inner-city pet snake as overseeing a successful countryside lambing. Vets can work independently or as part of a larger practice.

Newly qualified vets should expect to earn up to £25,000. Experienced veterinary surgeons with their own practice can expect to earn up to and in excess of £45,000.

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)