“I always look forward to coming back to Harper Adams” says Hannah Scott-Cook.

Studying a degree in agriculture wasn’t a part of city-dweller Hannah Scott-Cook's plan when she signed up for a Harper Adams open day, to explore a different course – but after just one sample lecture, she was sold!

“The agriculture course just sounded so interesting and varied! Crops, waste management and the business aspect of farming amongst other things, because of the courses breadth I thought I could find my own niche and be more employable,” says the now final-year BSc (Hons) Agriculture student, from Birmingham.

“I’m not from a farming background at all, and I did think I would struggle with the course, but it hasn’t been an issue at all because the lecturers are so supportive and teach in a way that makes the course accessible. 

“Even though I love animals and was initially worried about the arable part of the course – crops and the practical experiments ended up being my favourite part.” 

“Part of the reason I chose Harper Adams was because it was immersed in the actual environment I wanted to learn about. I had looked at other institutions but they did not feel as hands-on, nor as forward-thinking or innovative.”  

Hannah has a keen interest in poultry and as part of being awarded the ABN Poultry Scholarship she went to work with broilers on her placement with the company, she hopes to continue working in the sector in either a professional or research capacity, because she is considering going to either Denmark or Germany and studying poultry nutrition or behaviour. 

“My placement year was an invaluable experience - It really helped me develop as a person and aided my confidence and communication skills. Part of my time with ABN was disrupted by Covid, but that made little difference in regard to what skills I came away with.” 

“I enjoyed my placement year but I always look forward to coming back to university – it is the people here that make Harper Adams.

Hannah is now back on campus enjoying her final year in Edgmond and focusing on her poultry-related Honours Research Project.

Open days can really open your eyes to new career paths – sign up for ours now!