Overview 2020
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
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur with a passion for agriculture?
Do you like the thought of growing your own business? Or becoming a leader in an industry that’s vital to the future of humanity?
A Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture and Business) has been developed at the demand of industry and delivers a powerful combination of knowledge and skills in agricultural science, production and farm management, with the business world of marketing and economics.
You emerge from this degree with strong business acumen combined with practical agricultural knowledge that makes you ideally suited to running your own business, working in all levels of the supply chain, providing business development advice to industry, and much more!
Course objectives
Students will gain knowledge, understanding and skills in the principles and practices of agricultural production and how they contribute to practice change. There is an emphasis on understanding the value chain and business environment that is fundamental to the economic performance of agricultural industries and enterprises.
The course includes theory and practical activities around agricultural production, economics, marketing, finance and communication. Together these are used to understand the real-life and complex problems facing agricultural production, practice change and agribusiness.
Areas of study covered in this course include:
- Agribusiness
- Agricultural production and technology
- Animal science and principles of breeding
- Crop production
- Crop protection and microbiology
- Economics, finance and marketing
- Soil science
Practical experience
Tasmania is an agriculture powerhouse, punching well above our weight in terms of output volume, diversity of what we grow and create, and especially the quality of both our products and natural resources.
The Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture and Business) turns the agriculture industry into your classroom through a range of hands-on experiences including field trips to leading agricultural businesses in the state, and the opportunity for development of skills in practical classes. You will also gain valuable and highly relevant knowledge by hearing from industry guest lecturers.
Several of the advanced level units provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate self-directed learning, such as small group projects and industry placement.
Work Placement
Students are also encouraged to undertake 10 weeks of work experience. This will give you the chance to connect with agricultural businesses, get hands-on experience in the industry and develop networks with potential employers while studying, building valuable career connections before you even graduate.
University Farm and the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA)
Our research organisation, the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, is a centre of excellence in agricultural research, development, extension and education. TIA maintains four farms around the State including dairy, vegetable and grain farming. These provide essential teaching and research links.
Our researchers, 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. This high-quality new thinking feeds into our teaching and will energise your student experience.
In 2015 the University of Tasmania was ranked as the top agricultural research institution in Australia*.
*Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2015 National Report
Overseas Exchange
Our international exchange program offers opportunities for a semester of study at universities around the world. Exchange can allow students 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. Participants may be eligible for OS-HELP Loans or scholarship funding to assist with their airfares, accommodation and other expenses.
Find out more about Student Exchange.
Career outcomes
Agriculture teaches a broad range of skills from soils to climate, it gives you that good platform to hone your skills, you need to know the why behind everything you do.
The University of Tasmania collaborates closely with industry and organisations – both locally and internationally – to give you exciting, challenging opportunities to further your careers and to contribute to the local and global community.
We have been closely entwined with the Tasmanian state government for many years through the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), helping ensure best practice and cutting edge technology and production in all aspects of agribusiness.
Career Opportunities with Applied Science (Agriculture and Business)
This degree will provide you with a solid foundation for career opportunities in agribusiness-related consulting and management in the public or private sector.
In addition to direct employment in the agriculture sectors, there are a broad range of supporting industries that need graduates skilled in both agriculture and business:
- Rural lending and investment
- Product development
- Rural politics
- Commodity trading
- Small and medium enterprise management
- Government departments such as trade and industry
- Marketing
- Strategic management
- Transport logistics
- International development
- Professional farm management
- Exporting
- Financial management
- Agronomic and livestock sales
- Business consulting
- Agribusiness management
- Agribusiness banking
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for membership of the AG Institute Australia.
Course structure
The Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture and Business) usually takes three years to finish and requires the completion of 24 units. You’ll complete majors in Agriculture (eight units) and Agribusiness (eight units), a minor in Enabling Science (four units), two student elective units, and two breadth units.
Agriculture
The agriculture major includes study of the principles of food and fibre production and sustainability in a national and global context. In second year you are introduced to the study of insects and plant diseases, which leads into advanced study in third year in integrated pest management and specialist units in insect ecology and plant pathology. Similarly, the study of soils is introduced in second year and is then applied to agricultural landscapes and soil science in third and fourth year. Other specialist units of study include agronomy, horticultural science and animal science.
Agribusiness
Agribusiness has a foundation in economics, finance and marketing. You then apply this knowledge to analysing agricultural businesses and industries on- and off-campus.
Agriculture Major
Year 1
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Credit Points: 12.5
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| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
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Credit Points: 12.5
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| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for KLA100 Food and Fibre Production in a Global Market
Year 2
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Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for KLA255 Introductory Entomology and Plant Pathology
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Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Year 3
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Credit Points: 12.5
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| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
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Credit Points: 12.5
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Credit Points: 12.5
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Credit Points: 12.5
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Credit Points: 12.5
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Enabling Science Minor
Year 1
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Credit Points: 12.5
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| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
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Credit Points: 12.5
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| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
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Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for KRA121 Chemistry 1 (Applied Agriculture)
Year 2
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Credit Points: 12.5
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| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
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Credit Points: 12.5
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Credit Points: 12.5
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Agribusiness Major
Year 1
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Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for BEA111 Introduction to Markets and the Economy
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Credit Points: 12.5
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| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Year 2
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Credit Points: 12.5
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| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Accelerated Study Period 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Accelerated Study Period 3 | ||||
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Credit Points: 12.5
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| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Year 3
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Credit Points: 12.5
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| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for KLA316 Agricultural Technology and Innovation
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Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
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Credit Points: 12.5
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Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Other
Need help choosing your first year units? Try the Unit Selection Guide.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
If you're interested in studying the Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture and Business), you'll need to meet the general entrance requirements of the University and any course-specific requirements.
School leavers
An ATAR score of 65 or higher.
Mature age students/non-school leavers
You will need to meet University General Entry Requirements for undergraduate programs.
International Students
All international applicants will need to meet the International General Entrance Requirements.
For those applicants who are nationals of and currently residing in a country where English is NOT the official language, evidence of an IELTS or TOEFL test must be provided. The Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture and Business) requires an IELTS (Academic) of 6.0.
You will also need to meet any course specific requirements with recognised qualifications, or equivalent experience. More information is available at the International Future Students website.
Credit transfer
Credit for appropriate studies completed at TAFE and/or other university courses may be granted. You can apply for advanced standing as part of the application process, or it can be assessed independently via a separate application.
Please contact us for further information.
Articulation from
Credit for appropriate studies completed in TAFE and other university courses may be granted. You can apply for advanced standing as part of the application process, or it can be assessed independently via a separate application.
Please contact us for further information.
Articulation to
If you successfully complete this course, you may be eligible to apply for a range of other postgraduate courses including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework and research. Filter the Course list on the Agriculture study theme page by Postgraduate to view the current courses available.
Alternative entry pathways
If you do not meet the minimum ATAR you should consider enrolment in the Diploma of University Studies (Science pathway) as a pathway to the Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture and Business).
If you do not meet the General Entry Requirements (GER), you should consider enrolment in the Diploma of University Studies (Science pathway). This will give you the GER plus foundation knowledge for studying the Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture and Business).
In all cases, you can contact us to discuss an option best suited to your needs.
Detailed Admissions Information
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Domestic students enrolled in a full fee paying place are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the fees you pay for each unit you enrol in. Full fee paying domestic students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Detailed tuition fee information for domestic students is available at the Domestic Student Fees website, including additional information in relation to a compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
International students
2020 Total Course Fee (international students): $105,456 AUD*.
Course cost based on a rate of $33,950 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).
* Please note that this is an indicative fee only.
International students
Domestic Students
Fees for domestic students are based on individual unit selections. Please refer to the fees section of each unit description in the online Course and Unit Handbook to work out an indicative annual cost.
If you are a domestic student enrolling in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture and Business), you may be eligible to receive a Commonwealth supported place at university. To find out what to pay and whether you are eligible you can read the information and guidelines.
In addition to course costs, students may be subject to other costs related to study at university including:
- Text books and stationery
- Accommodation
- Student Services and Amenities Fee
International Students
If you are an international student enrolling in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture and Business), the 2016 annual tuition fee is AU$32,500.
This rate is inclusive of the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). In 2016 the SSAF is AU$290.
For more information on international fees, head to the International Fees website.
International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Scholarships
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:
- Agriculture and Food Systems Scholarship ($4,000 per year for four years!)
- Bert Campbell Memorial Scholarship in Agriculture
- Blundstone Scholarship ($10,000 per year for three years!)
- Bruce Wall Scholarship ($5,000 per year for four years!)
- City of Devonport Lions Club Taste the Harvest Scholarship
- Horizon Scholarship ($5,000 per year for the duration of your degree!)
- Tasmanian Beef Industry Trust Scholarship in Agricultural Science
For information on all scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
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.
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 on these, visit the Tasmanian International Scholarships (TIS) website.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 1300 363 864
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries