University of New England (UNE)
3 years full-time, up to 10 years part-time
Gain practical, production-oriented agricultural expertise through a three-year degree combining science-based knowledge with hands-on industry experience. Choose from animal, plant, or mixed farming specializations and graduate ready to solve real-world agricultural challenges with paddock-ready skills.
Applicants must have completed Australian Year 12 or overseas equivalent qualification. Assumed knowledge includes sound understanding of 2 units of English, 2 units of Chemistry or HSC Science Board Developed Courses, and thorough knowledge of 2 units of HSC Mathematics Standard. Recommended prior study includes HSC Biology and/or Chemistry, and HSC Mathematics Advanced. International students must meet English language requirements (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or equivalent). All students must be vaccinated against Q Fever unless pre-existing immunity is demonstrated.
The Bachelor of Agriculture comprises 144 credit points across core agricultural science units, specialized major units, and elective options. Core curriculum includes Fundamentals of Agriculture, Agricultural Plants: Adaptation and Physiology, Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Animal Production Systems, Biology, Genetics, Soil Science, and Quantitative Methods. Students select one major (Animal Production, Mixed Farming, or Plant Production) providing 48 credit points of specialized study. Optional minors include Agricultural Sustainability, Agricultural Technology, Business, Climate Resilience, High Intensity Cropping, Genetics, Livestock Production, Plant Production, and Sheep and Wool. Practical experience is mandatory, with students completing 12 weeks of industry placement before the capstone unit. Specialized units cover topics such as grazing systems, animal health, crop production, soil management, precision agriculture, and agricultural consultancy.
UNE has a proven 70-year history in agricultural education, pioneering distance education since the 1950s and consistently receiving five-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support from The Good Universities Guide for 20 consecutive years. The university offers unparalleled access to SMART Farms—8 properties covering 3,655 hectares including commercial-scale facilities—providing world-class hands-on learning opportunities. UNE's teaching staff are world-leading researchers in agronomy, soil science, animal production, genetics, and plant production. The university ranks #1 in NSW for Social Equity and among the top 20% nationally for Graduate Employment and Starting Salary, ensuring students receive quality education with strong career outcomes.
Graduates are well-positioned for diverse careers across agricultural industries including broadacre agronomy, intensive and extensive animal production, soil science, agricultural consultancy, breeding and genetics, agribusiness, and farm management. The degree also provides a pathway to teaching and education through UNE's Master of Teaching (Secondary). High-achieving graduates can pursue research-focused careers via the Bachelor of Science with Honours, leading to research master's degrees or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs. Professional recognition through Ag Institute Australia membership enhances career prospects. Graduates are known in the industry as adaptable, innovative professionals driving advancements in sustainable farming practices globally.
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