Overview 2021
This course may not be available to international students. Please see the list of distance courses (i.e. online and taken outside Australia) that are offered to international students
View archived years for this course
For years prior to 2015, please view the Course and Unit Handbook Archive
View the current year's course page
NOTE: In 2020 the first year of this course will be available at the Launceston campus after which students transfer to Hobart to complete their final 3 years.
Agricultural Science is a future-focused degree that equips graduates to address some of the world’s biggest challenges, and improve practices using scientific research knowledge and skills. Taught by the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), a specialist research and teaching institute at the University of Tasmania, your education is at the cutting-edge of agriculture, applying food systems concepts and ideas from around the world.
We offer a true science based agricultural education, delivered by academics who lead Australia and the world in agricultural research and development. This means you graduate with genuine evidence-based investigation and solution focused knowledge and skills that set you apart.
You will study topics that are locally relevant, and globally significant, including natural resource management, agricultural production, supply and value chain analysis, and policy development. Our strong connections to other research, development, extension and education institutions in Australia and around the world, provides unmatched opportunities for you to become globally connected and engage directly with industry.
Scholarships for Semester 2 2020
Professor George Wade Scholarship in Agricultural Science
Available to a student commencing first year in the Bachelor of Agricultural Science or Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture and Business) in Semester 1, 2020 or Semester 2, 2020. Learn more
For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
Course objectives
The Bachelor of Agricultural Science provides a sound basis in the physical and biological sciences before you specialise in a broad range of agricultural science disciplines, giving you comprehensive multi-disciplinary knowledge suitable for careers all over the world.
Your studies, assessment tasks and learning experiences will also help to develop additional workplace skills such as evidence-based problem-solving, critical thinking and decision-making, effective communication and time management. These skills are in high demand by all employers and will serve you well no matter what industry you join.
Practical experience
Your learning experience goes beyond lectures, labs and tutorials. Field-based units can also give you the opportunity to participate in excursions to farms and businesses around the State.
The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) and the University farms
The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) is a specialist research and teaching institute at the University of Tasmania specialising in impact-driven research to support prosperous, innovative and sustainable agriculture and food sectors, and a healthy bioeconomy that supports communities around the world.
TIA maintains four farms around the State including dairy, vegetable and grain farming. These provide essential teaching and research links.
The dynamic team of 130+ scientists and technical experts, many of whom are internationally renowned and your lecturers, have developed collaborative links with scientific and business communities, including cooperative research centres in fields such as separation science, geological research, food safety, ocean monitoring, climate and ecosystems.
Support during your study
We provide online academic skills tutorials to help with your research assignments, as well as access to programs designed to develop your communication, mathematical and English language skills. Students also have 24-hour access to computer labs.
Industry Experience
You also have the opportunity to work with leading organisations to get real-world experience and network with potential employers while undertaking your studies. Students are encouraged to undertake 15 weeks of work experience, usually taken during vacation periods, providing valuable opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills on agricultural properties, in agribusiness and research-related activities, even in wilderness areas.
Overseas Exchange
Our international exchange program offers opportunities to study at universities around the world, and it counts towards your degree. Exchange can allow you to have an affordable educational and cultural experience in a foreign country for a semester, or a full year. To facilitate this, we offer a range of scholarships and financial assistance. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP Loans or scholarship funding to assist with their airfares, accommodation and other expenses.
Find out more about Student Mobility.
Work placement
You will have the opportunity to work with leading organisations to get real-world experience, and network with potential employers while undertaking your studies. Students are encouraged to undertake 15 weeks of work experience, usually taken during the semester breaks, providing valuable opportunities to link academic learning with its practical application on agricultural properties, in agribusiness and research-related activities, even in wilderness areas.
Career outcomes
My degree provided me with a lot of knowledge - not just the theory, but also the practice of seeing how different crops grow, what the different problems are, and learning about soil types and things like that, which is something the University of Tasmania does really well.
There is growing demand for skilled Agricultural Science graduates, and the skills and knowledge you graduate with can see you working all over the globe, in both government and private sectors, indoors, outdoors, in the lab and in the field. The degree gives you the opportunity to travel, work and provide innovative solutions to the problems facing agriculture.
Our University allows you to choose specialist studies that can focus your career or prepare you for various roles in this dynamic and global industry, including:
Agronomist
Sustainable farming relies on primary producers receiving the most up to date information possible to enable sustainable and profitable decisions. As an agronomist you would be actively working with industry to ensure Australia’s farming systems remain both economically and environmentally sustainable for future generations.
Agricultural Scientist
Sustainably feeding more people with fewer resources is the enormous challenge facing the world. A career in any area of the agricultural research sector, including soils, pest and disease management, plant and animal genetics, and much more, will place you on the front line of meeting this ongoing challenge.
Food Safety Consultant
It has been estimated that we waste approximately one third of the food we create. Much of this waste is from bacteria or inappropriate storage. A career in the food safety sector will provide you with the skills you need to reduce food waste and the impact of food pathogens.
Course structure
Entry requirements
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Scholarships
Scholarships for domestic students
Each year, the University offers more than 900 awards to students from all walks of life, including: those who have achieved high academic results, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, students with sporting ability, students undertaking overseas study, and students with a disability.
The Agricultural industry are desperate for graduates, and as a result there are currently more scholarships available for Agriculture students than any other discipline at the University of Tasmania! Over $300,000 in scholarships and bursaries are available, including:
- Agricultural Science Relocation Bursary
- Agriculture and Food Systems Scholarship ($4,000 per year for four years)
- Bruce Wall Scholarship ($5,000 per year for four years)
- City of Devonport Lions Club Taste the Harvest Scholarship
- Costa North-West Scholarship in Agricultural Science ($10,000 per year for four years)
- Neale Edwards Scholarship in Agricultural Science or Forestry ($6,500 per year for three years)
- Tasmanian Beef Industry Trust Scholarship in Agricultural Science
For information on all scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please refer to scholarships.
Applications for most awards commencing in Semester 1 open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior to study.
Scholarships for international students
There are a huge range of scholarships, bursaries and fee discounts available for international students studying at the University of Tasmania. For more information refer to Tasmanian International Scholarships (TIS).
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 13 8827 (13 UTAS)
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries