Study Agriculture, Rural Science and Plant Science

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Courses

When you study Agriculture, Rural Science and Plant Science at UNE you will learn the skills required to understand the science of agriculture and food production. As issues such as food security and sustainability become increasingly important, such skills are in high demand in the rural sector both in Australia and around the world.

You will also undertake a 16-week practical industry work experience during university vacation periods for the Bachelor of Rural Science, and 12 weeks for the Bachelor of Agriculture.

Featured Courses

The Bachelor of Agriculture will give you an understanding of the implications of land use and management change on agricultural productivity. This degree suits students who are interested in the management of agricultural landscapes, primary production, landcare, soil conservation and natural resource management.

The Bachelor of Rural Science will provide you with a sound scientific understanding of the interactions in Australian agricultural systems between the soil, plants, animals and changing climate. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a research project in an area of your own interest in the final year of the degree.

Plant scientists seek to explain the structure and function of plants in terms of their environmental adaptations and evolutionary history and to use this understanding to manage plants in natural and agricultural systems. When you study the Bachelor of Plant Science you will learn about the modern technologies that have allowed plant science to expand beyond traditional disciplines of botany and agronomy. The knowledge of what plants are and how they work is fundamental to our efforts to feed and clothe the world and to maintain our living environment.

The Master of Science in Agriculture is designed for students with a strong science-based undergraduate degree in the fields of animal, plant, chemical and environmental sciences who wish to obtain specialist professional knowledge and skills in agriculture.

The majors in the Graduate Certificate in Agriculture are:

Agricultural Consulting
Animal Science
Canine Management
Cotton Production
Precision Agriculture
Sustainable Grains Production

Other Available Courses in Agriculture, Rural Science and Plant Science

UNE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in agriculture, rural science and plant science. Most are available to be studied online and can be started in one of our three entry periods: February, June, and October.

The following table shows the courses that are available in our currently open entry periods.

Course	Trimester 2 - Start June	Trimester 3 - Start October
Diploma in Agriculture	✔	✖
Bachelor of Agriculture	✔	✔
Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business	✔	✔
Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Laws	✔	✔
Bachelor of Agrifood Systems	✔	✖
Bachelor of Plant Science	✔	✔
Bachelor of Rural Science	✔	✔
Graduate Certificate in Agriculture	✔	✖
Master of Science in Agriculture	✔	✖

Please see course details for individual course rules and admissions criteria. Note some degrees have mandatory intensive schools which require attendance on campus.

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Studying Online

Flexibility is the key to our online learning programs. Whatever your commitments you can study at any time or place around the world - at home, travelling or at work. Your study can be balanced with the competing interests of work, family and social commitments.

UNE has been providing flexible education for over 60 years, so we know what the challenges are, and have a wide range of support services in place to help students overcome them. Our online teaching is designed to be inclusive, and to create a learning community for all students to engage with each other as well as academic staff. This is one of the reasons why we’ve been rated the best online university by Online Study Australia in its national list of top ten online universities.

How does online study work?

Instead of turning up to a lecture on campus at a designated time, the course content is provided online for you to access when it suits you each week. It might be a podcast (recorded lecture), a set of readings, questions posed in a discussion board, an online quiz or a video. Your lecturer will guide you through the unit with a weekly plan of study.

To make sure your learning can take place when it suits you, UNE provides online facilities which allow you to send questions, submit assignments, order library books, check your grades and access other resources, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

We also believe that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond just the subject matter.

Intensive Schools

Some online units have intensive schools, which are usually held in the term breaks at our Armidale campus. Intensive schools are a valuable and enjoyable experience that enrich the learning process and help build your networks. Check the Course and Unit Catalogue to see if any units in your degree have intensive schools.

Please note: International students who wish to study wholly online are only permitted to do so if they are studying online from overseas or are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa.

Pathways Courses

Pathways Enabling Course

The Pathways Enabling Course prepares you for admission to an undergraduate course at UNE. It is free from course fees and available online. The course awards you with the minimum entry requirements and can provide credit towards your UNE degree.

Why study the Pathways Enabling Course?

Prepare for university without paying course fees
Gain admission to university
Flexible online study
Develop valuable skills and knowledge
Complete study that can count towards your degree
Start in any three teaching periods

More information about the Pathways Enabling Course.

You may also be interested in TRACKS Tertiary Preparation Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Science Pathways

The Science Pathways program in the Bachelor of Scientific Studies is designed for students who may have little or no scientific background. It aims to build the skills and knowledge to help prepare students for more specialised science-based degrees. It includes foundation units in basic sciences and allows you to choose units from a range of specific study pathways. On completion of the program you can transfer into the science degree of your choice, and receive credit for units already completed.

More information about the Science Pathways Program.

How To Apply

Getting Started

Prior to applying we suggest you:

Check out our Course and Unit Catalogue, to see all the degrees UNE has to offer. You can search by course or for specific subjects. If you find yourself thinking 'that might be good', then have a look at which degree program is linked to those subjects.
Check if you need to add any entry requirement documentation to your application.
Check the closing dates for applications. Some courses have earlier closing dates and requirements.
You may also be eligible for credit for study you've previously undertaken successfully, find out about Advanced Standing.

Ready to apply?

Applications are now open for Trimester 2, 2017

Apply Now

Need some more information?

Use the form below to email our Future Student Team and they'll be able to help you with details about the application process, degree questions, studying at UNE and more.