Bachelor of Agriculture

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New England Armidale

Program Overview

University of New England offers the Bachelor of Agriculture for students who want to build strong scientific and practical expertise in modern farming systems, sustainable agriculture, and food production. This program suits students interested in working across crop production, livestock systems, soil management, and agribusiness to support global food security and agricultural innovation.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students develop a strong foundation in agricultural science through core units such as Introduction to Agricultural Systems, Biology for Agriculture, and Soil and Plant Science Fundamentals. These subjects help students understand how biological and environmental systems interact to support agricultural production.

Year 2

The second year focuses on applied agricultural knowledge through units like Crop and Pasture Systems, Animal Production Science, and Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Management. Students begin applying scientific principles to real farming systems, learning how productivity and sustainability are balanced in agriculture.

Year 3

In the final year, students engage in advanced study such as Sustainable Agriculture Systems, Agribusiness Principles, and Advanced Crop and Soil Management. This year strengthens decision-making and problem-solving skills, preparing students for professional roles in agriculture or further study.

Focus Areas

Crop science, animal production systems, soil science, sustainable agriculture, agribusiness, environmental management, and food security systems.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates gain the ability to apply agricultural science to improve productivity, evaluate and manage farming systems, and develop sustainable solutions for global food and environmental challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

University of New England programs are aligned with Australia’s agricultural science and rural industry standards, preparing graduates for careers in farming enterprises, research organisations, and agribusiness sectors.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

University of New England is widely recognised in Australia for its strong focus on agriculture, rural science, and regional education, with a long-standing reputation for producing industry-ready graduates in the agricultural and agribusiness sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

University of New England provides a highly practical learning environment where students develop real agricultural skills through a combination of farm-based training, laboratory science, and industry-engaged projects. A major strength of the program is its access to UNE’s regional agricultural setting, where students can connect classroom theory with real farming systems, research environments, and agribusiness practices across northern New South Wales. Learning is strongly applied, ensuring students graduate with both scientific understanding and hands-on capability:

UNE Smart Farms exposure: Practical learning across university-managed farm sites, supporting real-world training in crop production, livestock systems, and sustainable land management.
Field-based agricultural training: Hands-on experience in soil testing, pasture assessment, crop monitoring, and environmental observation in real farming environments.
Agricultural science laboratories: Practical sessions in soil science, plant physiology, and agricultural chemistry using specialised university lab facilities.
Industry-engaged learning projects: Students work on applied agricultural problems linked to farming systems, agribusiness challenges, and rural industry needs.
Statistical and analytical software use: Training in data analysis tools (including commonly used research platforms such as R and Excel-based modelling) for agricultural decision-making.
Group-based applied projects: Collaborative tasks involving farm system planning, sustainability analysis, and agribusiness problem-solving scenarios.
Regional field visits & industry exposure: Learning experiences connected to agricultural enterprises across the New England region, supporting understanding of real production systems.
UNE library & digital research resources: Access to extensive agricultural science journals, databases, and academic research materials supporting coursework and projects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

University of New England graduates are well-prepared for careers across Australia’s agriculture, agribusiness, and environmental sectors, where scientific knowledge and practical farming skills are in high demand. The program equips students to work in both field-based and advisory roles that support sustainable food production and rural industry development. Common roles include: Agronomist, Farm Manager, Agricultural Consultant, Soil/Plant Technician.

Career development and employability support are strengthened through structured university services and strong regional industry links:

UNE Careers and Employability Service: Provides personalised career advice, CV and interview preparation, job search support, and guidance for entering agriculture and rural industries.
Strong regional industry connections: Close engagement with agricultural enterprises and rural communities across New South Wales, supporting real-world exposure to farming and agribusiness systems.
Graduate outcomes & salary range: Agriculture graduates in Australia typically begin careers with salaries around AUD $55,000–$75,000+, with higher earning potential in agronomy, farm management, and consultancy roles as experience grows.
Industry-relevant skill development: Practical fieldwork, laboratory training, and applied agricultural projects ensure graduates are job-ready for both technical and management roles.
Long-term professional value: The degree is well-recognised in Australia’s agriculture sector, supporting long-term career growth in farming, research, and agribusiness industries.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can continue into postgraduate study such as a Master of Agricultural Science, Master of Agribusiness, Master of Rural Science, or PhD, specialising in areas like sustainable farming systems, soil science, crop production, agricultural economics, or environmental land management.