Agriculture (Regenerative Systems) with Foundation Year BSc

ARU Writtle (formerly Writtle University College)

Learn about an approach to crop production that promotes soil health and addresses some of the challenges posed by climate change. Study BSc (Hons) Agriculture (Regenerative Systems) at ARU in Writtle. Our course is the first of its kind in the UK, developed in response to changes in the agricultural industry, policy-making, and consumer behaviour. Regenerative agriculture focuses on developing or enhancing resilient systems, and the science of managing the soil, landscapes and communities. Our course places particular emphasis on soil health and the integration of livestock. You’ll learn about practices including minimising soil disturbance, maintaining soil cover, reducing the use of pesticide and artificial fertiliser, and using grass leys to build fertility and provide food for livestock. We’ll explore how farm-level practices can contribute to far broader goals of building resilient local food chains, providing ecosystem services, and mitigating the impact of climate change. We’ll assess your progress in a number of ways including practical assessments with livestock and crops, examinations – both multiple choice and essay questions, presentations – both individually and in small groups, essays and technical reports, assessed seminars, case studies, experimental work and laboratory reports, poster presentations, debates, and your dissertation. Careers The food and beverage industry is currently the largest manufacturing sector in the UK, contributing around £28 billion to the economy every year, and it’s actively seeking graduate recruits. As agriculture adapts to a more sustainable approach to production, the demand for graduates with know-how in this area will increase. This will be evident along the supply chain and for supporting service providers. As a BSc (Hons) Agriculture (Regenerative Systems) graduate you’ll be ready to meet the challenges of the new approach. The growth of small, local businesses and start-ups offers alternative career pathways. There are also opportunities to support technical managers, enter junior produce/buyer/food quality jobs, work as a production specialist, or take on policy advisor and agricultural journalism roles. Career opportunities will be available in traditional occupations too, such as research, agronomy, farm management, and land agency.