HND Agriculture

This course studies all agricultural systems, as well as essential business skills. It connects agriculture with animal welfare, the environment and conservation. ***Applications are currently closed at Barony, Edinburgh and Oatridge to Scottish/Home applicants for September 2026 entry.***

Locations: Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Barony, Oatridge
Study mode: Part Time (4 years), Full Time (2 years)
Subject area: Agriculture
Start date: September 2026
Agency code: 004D

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Course overview

Throughout the course you'll develop an overview of the agricultural systems involved with the production of food and the agricultural supply industry.

You'll learn about livestock and crops as well as farm buildings and machinery.

You'll also gain an understanding of the way agriculture relates to animal welfare, environmental and conservation issues.

This two year course will equip you with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career at a supervisory/junior management level within agricultural industries, or for self-employment in farming or other land-based sectors.

Virtual Experience

Take a look around the SRUC Virtual Experience for lots of great student videos and examples of what it’s like to study our courses, along with campus and facility tours.

SRUC holds open days regularly. Visit our listings page for details of our up-coming events.

Entry requirements

Two Highers (CC) preferably including a science or geography.

National 5 (A–C) or equivalent pass in English and Maths.

Alternative entry qualifications, like related National Certificates, are also accepted.

What you'll learn

As part of the professional practice and skills/Professional Development modules, you will need to complete a work placement.

Example modules include:

Livestock Management Systems
Crops Production Management
Principals of Agribusiness Management
Professional Development
Integrating Trees on Farm

Student experience

“I really enjoyed my time at SRUC, I made great friends and had a lot of fun" says Jamie Houstoun. "The Agriculture course helped develop my knowledge of some of the sectors I wasn’t so familiar with, even coming from a farming background I still feel I learned a lot."

Jamie started out doing an NC Agriculture. "Being able to come in at an NC level with little school qualifications suited me really well, it then allowed me to progress up to a degree level which I never expected."

Jamie went on to complete a BSc Agriculture. "After I graduated, I travelled to New Zealand where I worked on farms for six months. Once I got home I bought in some of my own ewes and have been building my own flock over the last couple of years. I also work as an Agricultural Consultant with SAC. Studying modules on policy during the course helped my knowledge within the consulting job and allowed me to be in a stronger position when initially applying.”

"The Agriculture course helped develop my knowledge of some of the sectors I wasn’t so familiar with, even coming from a farming background I still feel I learned a lot."

Jamie Houstoun, HND Agriculture, BSc Agriculture

Meet the lecturer

Dr Alex Hilton

Alex has been at SRUC for over 17 years and worked as both a researcher and teacher.

When teaching, his main interest is crop-related subjects. However, Alex also makes use of his research background by teaching research skills and supervising a number of honours and MSc projects.

One of Alex’s favourite roles is coordinating the BSc Honours projects at Aberdeen. The students look at so many different things and he enjoys seeing them develop their interest in a specific topic, as well as finding answers to problems facing the industry.

Craig Davidson

Masters of Science in Agriculture Education

Craig is a former student of Agriculture at our Aberdeen campus. He absolutely loved living on the estate and having the farms, woodland, and all the amenities at his fingertips.

Now based in the Edinburgh Kings Buildings, Craig lectures across our agriculture courses. He’s passionate about interactive, hands-on teaching and loves showing people with little agriculture background where food comes from as well as busting the many myths surrounding agriculture and food production.

View Craig's Pure profile

Gemma Higgins

Lecturer

Gemma is one of the lecturers for Agriculture at the SRUC Barony Campus. Gemma has worked at the Barony Campus since December 2019 and teaches soils, crops and the environment as well as ICT. Gemma teaches NC, HNC and HND Agriculture students.

Before joining SRUC Gemma was a trials officer for Scottish Agronomy Ltd, a company who carry out trials on combinable crops as well as potatoes. This job involved field work (e.g. crop assessments and sampling, spraying), data entry and attending local RHET events to teach school children about crops.

Gemma has a degree in Agricultural Bioscience and is currently part way through a Postgraduate Certificate in Tertiary and Higher Education.

Fees and funding

Eligible full-time students studying HND Agriculture should apply to SAAS for fees and funding. A student loan is also available to help students with living costs.

If you do not apply, you will have to pay your fees yourself and if you have studied at HNC/D/degree level before SAAS may not pay your fees.

More information about funding your course

Find out more about your payment options for this course in our fees and funding section

Fees & funding

Other possible routes to funding

Care experienced bursary: There are a number of bursaries available to care-experienced students studying full time. Find out more from our student funding teams at: registryfunding@SRUC.ac.uk
Discretionary fund
- SAAS student bursary
- Care Experienced Accommodation Grant
- Childcare
- Going further bursary
- RUK bursary (for students from outside Scotland)
- The Gregor Thomas Royan Lamb Bursary for Future Farmers
- Centenary bursary
- Change your path bursary

HND Agriculture

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