Nestled amidst the rolling green hills of Shropshire, England, Harper Adams University is preparing students to meet the needs of industry now and in the future. The University may be old (it’s over 120 years old ) but it is aptly described as a “forward thinker on grandparents’ shoulders,” a reference to how it fuses the experience of the past with a focus on the future for today’s students. This can be seen in how the university has evolved from offering traditional agriculture programmes and moved into the dynamic realms of technology, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI), alongside a range of other specialist course areas.
It is this kind of preparation that produces a 99.2% graduate employability rate. In September 2024, the university plans to continue this streak of making graduates ready for future-facing careers by launching the Telford-based Station Quarter initiative.
Harper Adams will have a home in this new business district alongside eco-conscious homes, innovative start-ups, leisure facilities, transport links and an educational hub. Located in the Skills Hub Building, it will prepare students for the future through the following programmes:
Robotics, Automation and Mechatronic Engineering
At the core of Harper Adams’s forward-thinking approach lies its commitment to producing industry-ready engineers. Here, students are not just learning theory; they are actively designing, testing, and evaluating processes and products, creating automated assembly lines for the future.
The programme is hands-on. You won’t be buried in textbooks; you’ll be designing, testing, and creating alongside industry partners and academics, tackling real-world problems like sustainability, climate change, and innovation. These include the likes of Cap Gemini, Denso, EPSON, RBSL, Avara Foods, Magna, and more. In STEM and Robotics competitions like the CLAAS Field Robot Challenge or Efficiency For Access Design Challenge, your skills are further tested in the real world.
This dynamic learning environment mimics workplaces, opening doors to many career paths. Whether you’re drawn to the world of autonomous vehicles and drones, the magic of computing and software development, or the intricacies of mechanics, AI, and machine learning, the RAM degree equips you with the expertise to forge your own path.

At Harper Adams, we’re proud to champion our Digi-Bridge principle, offering a degree programme that equips you with the essential skills that are often missing from secondary education. This means that when you step into the ‘real world’, you’ll be thoroughly prepared with a skill set that sets you apart from other graduates in the field. Source: Harper Adams
Applied Data Science
In response to the UK’s Digital Skills Gap, Harper Adams empowers students to become the next generation of digital experts through its Applied Data Science programme. The university’s Digi-Bridge principle ensures that graduates possess a solid theoretical foundation and practical skills that set them apart in the workforce.
You’ll be taught by the university’s data science team, which comprises industry experts deeply engaged in research and sector developments, ensuring your education is always current, relevant, and tailored to industry needs. You’ll dive into case studies, join live hackathons, and be inspired by TED-style talks — every class, every workshop, hones your skills for immediate impact. No wonder Harper Adams has held the top spot for career prospects in the UK for seven years.
A degree in Applied Data Science opens doors to many exciting opportunities. You could become a data analyst, data scientist, machine learning engineer or even pursue further academic research.
Digital Business Management
The focus of FdSc in Digital Business Management is navigating the complex intersection of business and technology. This comprehensive programme equips you with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to thrive in the digital age. From digital marketing to e-commerce and data analytics, you’ll understand traditional business concepts and master the digital ecosystem shaping our world.

At Harper industry experts who bring their real-world experiences and cutting-edge insights into the classroom, providing you with a blend of theory and practical wisdom. Source: Harper Adams
Graduates who are industry-ready from the first day on the job
These programmes are as challenging as they are rewarding. More than just equipping you with the skills, knowledge and experience engineering companies want, they change your horizons and empower you to achieve more than you think is possible. While there may be long days, you’ll never be alone in your pursuit of success. Staff, who are professional engineers with expertise in many areas including vehicle and machine design for off-highway and agricultural applications, electronics and hydraulics, are always ready to help.
The result? Harper Adams’s engineering graduates boast an impressive 97.8% employment or further study rate 15 months after graduating, according to Graduate Outcomes 2023. What’s more, according to the revamped National Student Survey, Harper Adams students have proven to be some of the most satisfied in the UK.
Just ask MEng (Hons) Agricultural Engineering student Rhodri Williams, who says: “I’d recommend Harper to anyone; the opportunities you are exposed to here would not be given anywhere else.” Williams says.
Follow Harper Adams University on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn