“If you want fun and the best chance of securing a graduate job, there is no better place than Harper Adams,” says Darcy Johnson.

From field to fork or in the kitchen, Darcy Johnson has always been interested in agriculture and the food industry. In autumn of last year, she decided to embark on a BSc (Hons) Agri-Food Marketing and Business degree at Harper Adams to prepare for her future career. 

“I’m from a farming family so Harper Adams has always been talked about, and I had read various articles about the research being conducted at the university.  

“However, it was not until I visited Harper’s stand at a Higher Education fair that I knew that the university was a real contender”.  

After deciding that Harper would be one of her options, Darcy was still torn as to which university and course she would put as her firm choice with UCAS – until she spoke to her sister and attended a summer school.  

“I saw family members and my sister worry about finding placements and internships and I knew that if I went to Harper, there’s no doubt I’d have a placement in the bag”, says the 20-year-old. 

“Additionally, I went to a summer school at another university and a PhD student there showed me the employment, grade and wage statistics of those who did a placement year – so what sold Harper to me was definitely the placement”. 

Darcy is only part way through her first year, but is already singing the praises of the course, support and social life on offer.  

“Marketing and business communication have been fascinating modules, as they explore the psychological side of consumer purchasing which really interests me,” says Darcy. 

“Overall though, it’s the outdoor hands-on practical lessons that have been my favourite part of my course so far, as it’s education which sticks in the brain!” 

Darcy who is from Devizes, Wiltshire adds that: “I’m dyslexic, and the support on offer at Harper was another big selling point.  

“I knew it would be able to give me the help I needed and so far, I’ve managed to get all the software I need and Learning Support are always there if I need guidance.  

As for settling in, making friends and figuring out her social life, the Harper Adams Rugby and Rowing team member says: 

“I’ve settled in well and it’s been nice to meet different people from all over the nation and being able to network as well as making lifelong friends. 

“I came to university to kickstart my career, but the sports facilities and the social life was a big factor when choosing university for me… and Harper has not let me down.  

“Joining a sports team ensured I had a family-like support network from the off and really helped me feel comfortable in those first few weeks.  

“With or without joining a sports team you make so many friends here and honestly, if you want fun and the best chance of securing a graduate job, there is no better place than Harper Adams.”