Discover the best UK universities for Agriculture in 2026. Our rankings blend teaching quality, student satisfaction, and practical experience to help you grow your future.
Best Universities for Agriculture: Unifresher Student Rankings 2026
The top universities earn Gold, Silver, and Bronze badges based on student satisfaction, graduate employability, teaching quality, and value for money. For full details, see our Ranking Methodology below.
| Rank | University | Academic | Social |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Gold | University of Aberdeen | 91 | 84 |
| 2 Silver | University of Reading | 89 | 80 |
| 3 Bronze | University of Newcastle | 88 | 85 |
| 4 | University of Leeds | 87 | 73 |
| 5 | University of Bristol | 86 | 85 |
| 6 | University of Edinburgh | 88 | 79 |
| 7 | University of Nottingham | 85 | 74 |
| 8 | Harper Adams University | 82 | 70 |
| 9 | University of Exeter | 84 | 76 |
| 10 | University of Glasgow | 85 | 81 |
1. University of Aberdeen Gold
2. University of Reading Silver
3. Newcastle University Bronze
4. University of Leeds
5. University of Bristol
6. University of Edinburgh
7. University of Nottingham
8. Harper Adams University
9. University of Exeter
10. University of Glasgow
How We Ranked These Universities
Our Agriculture rankings combine trusted academic data with student lifestyle factors to reflect what really matters to students.
- Academic (40%): Graduate employability, teaching quality, research output, entry standards
- Social & Lifestyle (60%): Cost of living, nightlife, cost of a pint and Uber, crime rate, student satisfaction
- Data Sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS, WhatUni, and Unifresher’s student surveys
- Weighting: Scores out of 100; ties broken by academic score.
Top-Ranked Agriculture Universities Explained
University of Aberdeen
Leading in agricultural research and strong industry ties, Aberdeen offers hands-on learning and high graduate employability.
University of Reading
Renowned for crop science and environmental sustainability, Reading combines excellent teaching with practical placements.
University of Newcastle
Offers cutting-edge research, great campus facilities, and a supportive student community.
University of Exeter
Strong sustainability focus and high student satisfaction make Exeter a popular choice for agriculture courses.
University of Glasgow
Affordable city living paired with excellent research output and community support.
University of Leeds
Good balance of social life, academic quality, and practical opportunities.
Royal Agricultural University
Specialist institution with deep industry links and hands-on farming experience.
University of Nottingham
Known for teaching excellence and strong graduate prospects in the agricultural sector.
University of Lincoln
Offers practical courses with close ties to agri-business and environmental initiatives.
University of Bristol
Research-intensive with a focus on environmental impact and sustainable farming.
Career Prospects After an Agriculture Degree
Graduates find roles in farming, environmental consultancy, food production, and policy. Check out our overall UK university rankings for a broader picture or explore related courses like Environmental Science.
Agriculture Course Requirements & Entry Standards
Typical UCAS points range from 110 to 140, with strong science and maths backgrounds preferred. Check our guide for tips on matching courses with your grades.
Cheapest Cities to Study Agriculture in the UK
Aberdeen, Lincoln, and Newcastle offer affordable living costs and great student support for agriculture students. Factor in rent, transport, and food prices for your budget.
Best Agriculture Unis for Nightlife & Social Life
Leeds and Nottingham stand out for vibrant nightlife and active student unions. Joining societies related to farming or sustainability can enrich your experience.
Student Wellbeing, Mental Health & Study Support
Universities such as Exeter, Glasgow, and Reading rank highly for student support services and wellbeing initiatives. Look for NSS scores and campus resources.
Not Sure About Agriculture? Consider These Alternatives
Try exploring Biology, Environmental Science, or Biotechnology for similar fields with diverse career paths.
Summary: Which Agriculture Uni is Right for You?
Consider practical learning opportunities, academic quality, social life, and cost. Bookmark this guide and compare multiple options to find the perfect fit.
FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Agriculture
Leading UK universities for Agriculture include the University of Reading, Harper Adams University, and the University of Exeter, known for practical learning and strong industry links.
The University of Reading often ranks highest for Agriculture, thanks to its expert faculty, research output, and hands-on farm facilities.
Yes, Agriculture degrees offer strong career prospects in farming, agribusiness, environmental management, and food security, with good student satisfaction.
Common requirements include Biology and Chemistry, with some courses also recommending Maths or Geography. Check university pages for specific entry details.
Graduates work in farming management, agricultural consultancy, environmental agencies, food production, and rural development.
Demand remains steady, especially for graduates with skills in sustainable farming, technology, and environmental impact management.
Starting salaries typically range between £18,000 and £26,000, increasing with experience and specialist roles in agribusiness and consultancy.
Balancing practical farm work with academic study can be challenging but rewarding, especially for students passionate about sustainability and innovation.
Graduates commonly work in farms, agribusiness firms, environmental consultancies, government agencies, and NGOs focused on food security.
Yes, Agriculture is respected for its practical impact on food systems, sustainability, and rural economies.
Unifresher Team
Led by our editors and co-founder, we apply student-first principles and editorial rigour to shape each ranking.
Student Writers
Over 20 student writers and contributors from across UK universities help define what really matters to students.
Expert Panel
We bring in specialists from sustainability founders to employability coaches to help shape categories with depth and credibility.
Our judging combines real student input with expert guidance. Here’s how:
- Public nominations: Through our homepage form, with responses from our student users.
- Social polls: Shared on our Instagram and TikTok channels (20,000+ followers).
- Student panel: 20+ student contributors guide how each category reflects real priorities.
- Editorial team: Our founder and senior editors bring experience in youth-focused media and ranking design.
- Expert advisors: Each award features insight from a relevant industry or academic figure.
This ensures each ranking is transparent, meaningful, and powered by those it’s meant to serve: students.
✅ Why You Can Trust This Ranking
- Data-backed: Official sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS
- Student-led: Over 1,000 UK students surveyed
- Balanced scoring: 40% academic + 60% student life
- Independently verified: No sponsored placements, ever
- Reviewed by editors: All results checked for fairness & accuracy
- Updated for 2025: Last checked
