Why Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences?
Sow the seeds to an exciting career with a degree in agricultural science.
Agriculture is all about producing the food and materials that we use every day. Learn how the world utilises natural resources. Deepen your understanding of crops, soil, livestock and community. Study the only Agricultural Science degree in South Australia and explore a hands-on approach to joining this booming industry. With positions for graduates outstripping supply, you’ll graduate in-demand and ready to be an agricultural leader. From consulting to sustainability, the field of agriculture is broad. Learn how to be a modern innovator to improve global food supply and adapt with new technologies.
Overview
Adelaide University’s Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences provides broad training in science and agriculture. Agriculture is more than just production. Discover social and environmental settings of farms and the lifecycle of producing products for consumption with our hands-on program.
You’ll develop basic skills in chemistry, biology and statistics and build knowledge in soils and agriculture. You’ll also learn key concepts in crop and pasture science, horticulture, livestock science, soil science and agribusiness.
Our comprehensive program includes field trips and excursions throughout your three-year degree. Exposure to industry will come from study tours across South-East South Australia and Queensland. Gain practical skills through industry internships, preparing you for life after graduation.
Agricultural Science graduates are highly sought after in Australia. You might find yourself consulting in the livestock and cropping industries – or working in biosecurity, agribusiness, research or natural resource management.
Key features
Use sustainable practices, environmental stewardship and new technologies to respond to global food shortages and a changing climate.- Gain practical skills through at least 240 hours of placement within the agricultural industry.
- Uncover industry-transforming technology like drones, GPS and crop sensors.
- Learn about the business of farming and develop skills in agribusiness.
- Get hands-on and discover everything from dryland farming to glasshouse systems.
- Access the latest in research, innovation and technology through government and industry partners.
What you'll learn
This degree will build your skills and knowledge in basic sciences and core courses in soils and agriculture. You’ll learn in diverse classroom settings – discovering concepts in crop and pasture science, horticulture, livestock science, soil science and agribusiness.
In first year, you’ll focus on the role that biology and chemistry play in agricultural science. Build core knowledge in understanding the biophysical and socioeconomic factors that underpin major agricultural industries. A general introduction to Australian agriculture will come in the form of systems and productions courses.
Second year will see you dive into agriculture, plant science and soil resource courses. These courses are designed to broaden your skills in identifying the interrelationship between agronomy and the environment.
Practical skills are developed through industry internships. This work experience is coupled with numerous field trips and excursions during the program, building necessary skills in agricultural practices. Field trips take place across the Upper South-East and Mallee regions in South Australia and South East Queensland.
Your final year will allow you to tailor your learning experience to your preferences, with choices in subjects covering crop, horticulture, livestock and soil sciences. You’ll also explore the function and structure of agricultural markets to expand your professional knowledge of the industry.
You might even get to experience agricultural practices internationally through an overseas study tour.
Assessments include a combination of oral presentations, written assignments, practical work and examinations.
Degree Structure: Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences
Program code: BAGSC
Courses
Listed here are all the courses that contribute to your program, including elective options that can be chosen. These courses come together to form your study plan. Courses fall into different categories, each of which have specific unit values that need to be met under the program rules.
Career outcomes
You’ll graduate highly sought after and be well-positioned to work in industries such as:
- Advisory and regulatory services
- Agricultural and business consulting
- Agricultural and horticultural production
- Agronomy
- Banking and rural finance
- Food security
- Climate smart food production
- Managing commercial enterprises
- Journalism, communication and marketing
- Research, laboratory and technical work
- Secondary, tertiary and vocational education.
With around 70% of Australia’s agricultural produce exported (Delivering Ag30, 2022), you might even start a career in international agricultural trade.
You might also consider as career as an:
- Agricultural scientist
- Consultant
- Biosecurity officer
- Horticultural manager
- Livestock scientist
- Geospatial scientist
- Sustainability officer.
Industry trends
On average, there are four jobs available for every agricultural science graduate (ABC News, 2022). Australia has seen an increasing and unprecedented demand for university graduates into the agricultural field in recent years. Over 90% of daily food consumption in Australian is made by Australian farmers (Delivering Ag30, 2022) – be a part of a local booming industry.
The Australian Government is continuing to support the agriculture industry as it works towards reaching its goal of $100 billion in production by 2030 (Delivering Ag30, 2022). With exponential growth expected, an Adelaide University degree will ensure you find your place in the agriculture industry.
Ready to apply?
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your program team
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
