Reading Uni ‘best place’ to study agriculture
Reading University has been named as the best institution in the UK for agriculture, according to a new independent university league table.
The Complete University Guide 2013, published online today (24 April 2012), places Reading as the best university in the country in the agriculture and forestry category.
Professor Mike Gooding, head of agriculture, said: “We are delighted at the news. Being routinely ranked at the top of league tables reflects our commitment to add value to the experience of our students and to serve the industries to which they aspire.
“A degree in agriculture from Reading is particularly valued by employers. There are many graduate opportunities to improve food security, environmental sustainability and diet with good business sense. An agriculture BSc is an excellent option for those wishing to combine natural and social sciences to make a real impact in the world today.”
Reading’s success follows significant investment in recent years – with £17.5m spent on agricultural teaching, farming and research facilities.
The university has consistently featured strongly in the table, featuring among the top three every year for the past four years.
In the 2012 guide it ranked second, with Nottingham University taking the top spot. In the 2010 and 2011 guides it was placed third in the rankings, with Harper Adams (2010) and Glasgow (2011) coming in first.
The Complete University Guide bases its judgments on nine key criteria, which include student satisfaction scores, research quality, facilities, graduate prospects and the percentage of graduates achieving a first or upper second class honours degree.
Reading University has also been ranked number one for agriculture by the Guardian University Guide, and number two by the Times Good University Guide.
See what Reading students have to say about the university on Farmers Weekly‘s Guide to the Best places to Study Agriculture.