In 1859 it was initially established as an agricultural school and in 1897 it became a scientific university college. From 1897 onwards, it was known as the Agricultural University of Norway (NLH) until receiving university status in 2005.

UMB is comprised of 8 departments and works closely with 5 centres on campus.  A broad range of study programmes are offered at Bachelor, Master and PhD level. Several Master's programmes and one Bachelor programme are conducted fully in English.