Everything you need to know about studying a PhD in Agriculture

What is Agriculture?

Agriculture is the age-old practice of cultivating land and raising livestock, but it's much more than just farming. It's about understanding ecosystems, improving sustainability, and feeding nations. A degree in Agriculture, often referred to as an Agricultural Science degree, will equip you with the knowledge and skills to understand and improve how food is produced and how to use natural resources in a sustainable way.

Agriculture Specialisations

Here are some specialisations you'll likely stumble upon:

• Agribusiness: The business side of farming, focusing on the economics of agricultural operations.
• Agronomy: The science of soil management and crop production.
• Horticulture: Dedicated to cultivating plants for food, beauty, and medicinal purposes.
• Animal Science: Understanding the biology of animals that are under human management.
• Agricultural Biotechnology: Integrating technology and biology to enhance agricultural productivity.

For those interested in pursuing a Master's in Agriculture, there are numerous advanced research opportunities, particularly in areas like biotechnology. Notably, the most common specialisation in Agriculture is Agronomy, the science of soil management and crop production.

What will you learn during an Agriculture programme?

When embarking on an Agriculture degree, you will:

• Gain insights into sustainable farming practices.
• Understand the intricacies of plant and animal genetics.
• Explore the interplay of agriculture and technology.
• Learn about the global challenges in food production and security.

Key courses in most programmes include:

• Soil Science: Studying the physical and chemical properties of soil.
• Crop Physiology: Understanding the growth and production of crops.
• Animal Nutrition: A deep dive into the dietary needs of livestock.
• Agri-robotics: Integrating automation and robotics in farming.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Practices to promote environmental health, economic profitability, and social equity.

Agriculture is a highly relevant degree in today's world. The skills you can get from Agriculture courses range from practical farming techniques to strategic business management. Moreover, these skills find applications beyond farming, extending to research, consultancy, and even policy-making.

Skills required for a degree in Agriculture

Prospective students should possess a keen interest in nature, strong analytical skills, and an inclination towards hands-on learning. A combination of patience and adaptability is also crucial, because natural factors are often unpredictable. Meeting the Agriculture degree requirements often includes a solid foundation in sciences and a passion for sustainable development.

What can you do with an Agriculture degree?

After you graduate, there are many roles that await you in the food industry, research, and even governmental agencies. Some popular jobs you can get with an Agriculture degree include:

• Farm Manager: Overseeing farm operations and ensuring optimum yields.
• Agricultural Scientist: Researching ways to improve farming practices.
• Agronomy Consultant: Guiding farmers on crop production and soil management.
• Agricultural Economist: Analysing agricultural market trends.
• Food Scientist: Ensuring food quality and safety.

When weighing if an Agriculture degree is worth it, it's worth noting that as long as there are mouths to feed, agriculture will remain an evergreen industry.

View all PhDs in Agriculture. Keep in mind you can also study an online PhDs in Agriculture.