Bachelor of Agriculture

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

La Trobe University

Program Overview

La Trobe University offers a Bachelor of Agriculture designed for students who want to build strong scientific and practical skills to work in modern farming, food production, and agribusiness industries. This program suits students interested in sustainability, plant and animal systems, and the future of food security in Australia and globally.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in agricultural science through introductory study in areas like plant biology, soil systems, and agricultural chemistry principles. You will also explore how farming systems operate in Australia through subjects such as Introduction to Agricultural Systems and Foundations of Crop and Soil Science, helping you understand the science behind food production.

Year 2

The second year focuses on applying scientific knowledge to real agricultural challenges, including crop production systems, animal science fundamentals, and soil fertility management. Subjects such as Plant Production Systems and Animal Production Science help students understand how livestock and crops are managed efficiently and sustainably.

Year 3

In the final year, students move into advanced and industry-focused learning, including agricultural innovation, farm management, and sustainable food systems. Units such as Agribusiness and Farm Management and Advanced Agricultural Systems prepare you for decision-making roles in real agricultural enterprises and future leadership positions.

Focus Areas

Agronomy, soil and plant science, animal production systems, sustainable agriculture, agribusiness management, and food security systems.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to apply scientific principles to improve agricultural productivity, analyse farming systems for sustainability, manage agricultural enterprises, and develop solutions for global food and environmental challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is industry-aligned with Australia’s agricultural and agribusiness sectors, preparing graduates for roles supported by national farming, research, and food production organisations.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

La Trobe University is recognised internationally for its strong focus on applied learning and research-led teaching. Its agriculture and environmental science pathways are closely connected with Australia’s growing agri-sector, supporting strong graduate employability outcomes in rural and regional industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

La Trobe University focuses heavily on hands-on, industry-connected learning so students don’t just study agriculture in theory—they actively work with real farming systems, research environments, and modern agricultural technologies. You’ll develop practical skills through field-based training, laboratory work, and industry engagement that mirrors real agricultural careers across Australia. This learning experience is supported by access to research facilities, experimental farms, and data-driven agricultural tools:

Field-based learning: Students participate in practical fieldwork involving soil sampling, crop monitoring, and land management practices to understand real agricultural environments.
Laboratory facilities: Training in plant science, soil testing, and biological analysis using university science labs designed for agricultural and environmental research.
Industry engagement & placements: Opportunities to connect with agribusinesses, farms, and agricultural organisations through internships and professional placements.
Research exposure: Access to agricultural research projects focused on sustainable farming, climate-resilient crops, and food production systems.
Modern agricultural tools: Use of data analysis tools, GIS mapping, and digital agriculture technologies to study precision farming techniques.
Collaborative projects: Group-based assignments that simulate real agribusiness decision-making, including farm planning and sustainability problem-solving.
Library & learning resources: Access to specialist academic databases, agricultural research journals, and digital learning platforms supporting scientific study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

La Trobe University graduates from the Bachelor of Agriculture are prepared to step into Australia’s growing agricultural and food production sector with strong scientific, technical, and management skills. Graduates typically move into roles that support sustainable farming systems, agribusiness operations, and agricultural research, where data-driven decision making is increasingly important. Common career paths include: Agronomist, Farm Manager, Agribusiness Consultant, Soil/Plant Scientist.

Progression from study to employment is supported through strong university systems and industry connections:

La Trobe Career Development Centre: Provides one-on-one career counselling, CV support, interview preparation, and job-matching services tailored to science and agriculture students.
Industry-linked learning outcomes: Strong collaboration with agricultural employers, helping students transition into roles in farming enterprises, research organisations, and agribusiness firms.
Graduate employability outcomes: Agriculture and environmental science graduates from Australian universities generally experience strong demand, particularly in regional and sustainability-focused industries (salary levels vary widely, with entry-level agribusiness roles typically starting around AUD $55,000–$70,000 and increasing significantly with experience).
Professional relevance: The program is aligned with Australia’s agriculture and land management sector needs, supporting long-term employability in both private and government agricultural services.
Work-integrated learning advantage: Practical training and field experience strengthen employability by ensuring graduates are job-ready at the time of graduation.

Further Academic Progression
Graduates may continue their studies into postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Agricultural Science, Master of Agribusiness, or Master of Environmental Management, allowing them to specialise further in areas like precision agriculture, sustainability systems, or agricultural policy and research.