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

Forget your image of the traditional florid Barbour-and-flat-cap-wearing, pipe-smoking farmer, and think GM crops, global perspectives and eco-friendly developments. Students studying agriculture and forestry are now just as likely to debate issues surrounding climate change and conservation as farming techniques and animal rearing. In an industry that is still continuously developing, today’s 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 rewarding, adventurous and enjoyable 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. Studying and working in this area is suited to those who are happy to don a pair of muddy wellies and get stuck in, not for those who flinch at rain and thrive on city life. 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 and forward-thinking outlooks.

Studying Agriculture and Land Management
In 2008/09, almost 10,500 students were studying agriculture and related subjects at undergraduate level across the UK (source: HESA). Courses available include animal science, food production and supply, horticulture, land and property management and rural studies. Many programmes also focus on issues such as environmental protection and conservation. Horticulture courses look specifically at  the production of plants, covering areas such as plant or soil science, pest biology and crop mechanisation. Land management encompasses elements like property law, forestry, conservation and landscape or garden design.

Ways in vary, and you may need to obtain anything from HNDs to postgraduate qualifications; you should think about the specific type of job you can see yourself doing, and look into what entry requirements are needed. 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.

Career Paths

• Agricultural Consultant

An agricultural consultant offers support and solutions to their clients to ensure their business or enterprise is running as efficiently as possible. Clients may be farmers, growers, landowners, conservation organisations, public bodies or other agricultural businesses in manufacturing and services.

Agricultural consultancy and advisory work is principally split into two distinct but interrelated areas. Technical consultancy involves providing specialist advice on agronomy, nutrition, livestock, the environment and conservation, waste management and other technical applications, whereas business consultancy includes business planning, personnel management and estate and financial management advice for agricultural businesses and farms.

Salary guide
Starting salaries for consultants and advisers range from £18,000 to £25,000. Salaries for experienced consultants vary between £30,000 and £50,000. See The British Institute of Agricultural Consultants, www.biac.co.uk.

• Ecologist

Ecologists carry out a wide range of tasks depending on their specialist knowledge (e.g. freshwater, marine, terrestrial, fauna, flora). The job role is diverse and is dependent on the employer and the nature of the work. When starting out, ecologists often conduct surveys to identify, record and monitor species and their habitats. With career progression, work is likely to become more wide-ranging, and senior ecologists can become more involved in policy and management work. Some will work indoors, assessing data on computers or working on specimens in a lab. Others spend most of their time working outdoors, come rain or shine.

Most ecologists start their careers with a degree or postgraduate qualification in a subject such as ecology, botany, zoology, biology, environmental science or geography.

Salary guide
Starting salaries vary considerably from about £11,000 to £22,000 depending on the employer, skills and experience. Higher salaries are most likely in graduate consultancy positions. Those remaining predominately field work are likely to be earning salaries at the lower end of the scale. See Environmental Careers www.environmentalcareers.org.uk and British Ecological Society www.britishecologicalsociety.org