Overview 2021
This course may not be available to international students. Please see the International Online Course Guide (PDF 809KB) for courses that are offered to international students
As part of her degree, Georgia undertook work experience with Macquarie Franklin and Sheep Connect Tasmania and says having the opportunity to develop her practical business skills and make connections in the industry was incredibly valuable.
“People severely underestimate the number of careers in agriculture. I know people who have gone onto jobs in forestry, aquaculture and even banking.”
Our Agriculture and Business degree has been created to meet the demands of Australia’s thriving agricultural sector through a powerful combination of knowledge and skills in science based agriculture, production and farm management with the business world of marketing and economics.
While food and fibre production is a large component of the Australian agribusiness sector, getting that produce into the hands of consumers requires an extensive supply chain, including packaging, distribution, and related sectors such as finance, insurance and risk management, as well as governmental policy.
Agribusiness studies emphasises the business, process, and entrepreneurial side of the global agriculture enterprise. You studies combine agriculture production with marketing, economics, management and distribution, providing multidisciplinary skills that will equip you to work in a variety of careers, from the family farm to multinational companies.
Our campuses have unparalleled access to Tasmania’s natural environment and thriving agricultural sector, enabling you to explore key questions about sustainable resource management and productive landscapes. Beyond our location, you will be learning from our dynamic team of researchers at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, many of whom are internationally renowned and exporting best practices in sustainable agriculture from Tasmania to the world.
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
You will gain knowledge, understanding and skills in the principles and practices of agricultural production and how they contribute to best-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, which is why work experience is offered in the third year of the degree and there are significant other opportunities to engage directly with the vibrant and dynamic Tasmanian agricultural industry.
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
Learning outcomes
- Explain the major biophysical, environmental, economic, social and policy drivers that underpin agricultural practice and how they contribute to practice change.
- Examine the agricultural contexts within which producers, processors and consumers, make decisions.
- Analyse complex economic issues in agriculture through applying knowledge of:
- The core agricultural and business disciplines
- Relevant agricultural production systems and their value chains
- Formulate advice for key issues in agriculture and practice change by:
- Identifying contemporary issues and opportunities in agriculture.
- Gathering, critically evaluating and synthesising information from a range of relevant sources and disciplines.
- Selecting and applying appropriate theoretical techniques or tools.
- Collecting, accurately recording, analysing, interpreting and reporting data.
- Working ethically, effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual and team context
- Communicating effectively with a range of stakeholders using a variety of modes.
- Disseminate a series of research conclusions for a scholarly audience informed by analysis, synthesis and evaluation of data using appropriate methods
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.
Engagement with industry throughout your degree
Our Agriculture and Business course 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 have the opportunity to visit thriving Tasmanian small to medium enterprises such as Westlands nursery, Cracknell Tomatoes, Reid Fruits, and Shambles Brewery. Industry experiences also include research companies such as Peracto, and Tasmanian agronomy companies focused across a wide range of crops all grown locally.
You will also gain valuable and highly relevant knowledge by hearing from industry guest lecturers.
Several of the advanced level units provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate self-directed learning, such as small group projects and industry placement.
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.
Overseas Educational Experiences
Our international educational programs 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 Exchange.
Work placement
A work-integrated-learning business placement is offered as part of this degree, providing you the chance to connect with Tasmania's vibrant and dynamic agricultural businesses, facilitated by the strong relationships that the University of Tasmania have with industry. You will get hands-on experience in the industry, and develop networks with potential employers while studying, building valuable career connections before you even graduate.
This week-long placement during your third year generally taking during semester break. Combined with sector wide demand for graduates, these placements give you a great opportunity to gain employment opportunities before you graduate.
Career outcomes
"The best part about the degree for me is learning about all the new industries that are happening in Australia and globally as well. We did a trip up the North West coast of Tasmania, which was really exciting.
We learnt about some amazing industries there and I think that was really important for me. It opened my eyes to what I can take back to the family farm and where the future of farming is going, not just in Tasmania, but Australia as well."
The University of Tasmania collaborates closely with industry and organisations – both locally and internationally – to give you exciting, challenging opportunities to further your career 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.
This degree will provide you with a solid foundation for career opportunities in agribusiness-related consulting and management in the public or private sector. Employment opportunities include:
Agricultural Entrepreneur
Our increasing interest in quality, niche food products has enabled Australia’s agricultural sector to become one of the world’s great food tourism destinations. Studying agriculture and business will provide you with hands on skills in agricultural science and farm management, combined with the business world of marketing and economics.
Agribusiness Consultant
Currency exchange rates, subsidies, tariffs, consumer preferences, climate and interest rates are just a few of the things that influence the business decisions that make Australia’s farming enterprises profitable. A career in agribusiness will enable you to help both primary producers and business lenders make smart business decisions.
Postgraduate study
If you successfully complete this course, you may be also 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.
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 Sustainable Agriculture (eight units) and Agribusiness (eight units), as well as units delivering core knowledge in business and science, plus electives and breadth units.
Sustainable Agriculture
The sustainable agriculture major includes study of sustainable food and fibre, agricultural technology, food microbiology and agricultural extension. You study impacts on agriculture from insects and plant diseases, and specialist units in insect ecology and plant pathology. The study of agricultural landscapes and soil science is also included. 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. This gives you a breadth of knowledge and skills to have an impact throughout the entire supply chain, plus gives you the foundations for exploring your own entrepreneurial initiatives.
Agriculture Major
Year 1
The unit explores human population growth and the impending global food crisis by introducing agriculture as a managed ecosystem, from the earliest shifting cultivation systems to the most intensive systems currently practiced today. The ecological, economic and social sustainability of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
Approximately two thirds of Australia's agricultural commodities are exported each year, generating $50 billion. This unit provides an understanding of historical developments, current status and future opportunities and challenges of the dominant agricultural and horticultural industries in Tasmania and Australia.…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for KLA100 Food and Fibre Production in a Global Market
Year 2
This unit introduces you to the disciplines of entomology and plant pathology. It explores the classification, diversity, structure, function and general biology of insects and examines the concepts of plant disease and diagnostic procedures for plant pathogens (including viruses, bacteria,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for KLA255 Introductory Entomology and Plant Pathology
This unit introduces soils of Tasmania and their formation, fertility, and hydrology. The unit links to concepts important in agronomy and horticulture and it aims to develop an understanding of land and soil resources as assets in Tasmanian landscapes. It…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Year 3
This unit links your knowledge in agronomy, horticulture and business to the area of agricultural land resource assessment. We will develop your understanding and land management skills via practical experiences with SE Tasmanian soil and land resources. This unit will…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
In this unit we study the principles behind the management of agricultural pest insects, weeds and diseases. The unit includes modules on (1) Biosecurity, (2) Weeds, (3) Pest & disease monitoring and decision making, (4) Chemicals in crop protection,(5) Cultural…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Welcome to Insect Ecology & Behaviour. This unit is research focused in its contentand assessment. We will explore three key research areas in depth: these are insectmating systems, insect natural enemies and insect-plant-interactions. In each of theseareas we will ask…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
The focus of this unit is on advanced topics of plant disease biology and management. Concepts will be illustrated with diseases caused by viral and virus-like agents, phytopathogenic bacteria, fungi and nematodes in agricultural and horticultural systems. Topics include infection…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Examines the status of agronomy, including developments in breeding, physiology and management. Farming systems research is also examined through a study of topics such as seasonal forecasting and climate change, crop sequence, crop simulation modelling and precision farming, Practical work…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit in soil science aims to develop students’ ability to understand key soil physical and chemical properties and processes, and their ability to relate these to soil management in agriculture.The unit is taught in two sections; (i) Soil Chemistry…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Agribusiness Major
Year 1
KZA161 Biology of Animals is offered in Attending and Distance mode. In Attending mode, (offered in both Launceston and Hobart) student participation in fortnightly face to face practical classes is compulsory during the semester. Students enrolling in Distance mode will…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
Biology of Plants is a 1st year core unit for students specialising in plant science, biotechnology, and marine science. In Biology of Plants we introduce you to the origin, diversity, structure and internal processes of plants. In lectures and practical…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
BEA111 introduces the key concepts in economics, both microeconomics and macroeconomics. It demonstrates how these concepts can be used to describe and explain the decisions of businesses and individuals and their reactions to world events, social and economic change and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Accelerated Study Period 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hong Kong Universal Ed | Semester 1 | ||||
| Shanghai Ocean University | Shanghai Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for BEA111 Introduction to Markets and the Economy
Year 2
The unit provides students with an overview of intensive and extensive crop production and management. Study includes agro-ecological aspects of fruit, vegetable and grain crop production in Australia and the growth and development of the major crop species. Principles underlying…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
This unit provides an overview of the major Tasmanian animal production systems and how they fit within the broader Australian and worldwide contexts. Students use systems thinking to explore the variety of strategies that growers use meet their production targets…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
The unit introduces the science behind pasture production and management and the link between pasture or other feedstuffs on animal digestion, feed and nutrient utilisation and productive performance. In the practical classes, students are given the opportunity to perform pasture…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Microorganisms, though invisibly small, collectively make up the majority of the living matter on Earth and have profound influences on many aspects of our lives. This unit will draw on contemporary, real-world examples to explore the influence and impact of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Year 3
In this interdisciplinary unit, students explore systems approaches to farming, wherein understanding of various components of a farm is linked to broader social, cultural, political, institutional, economic and ecological factors that influence how a farm operates. The first partof the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
The unit explores theoretical and practical technologies and innovations applicable to extensive and intensive animal and plant production systems. These technologies and innovations address current productivity and sustainability challenges and include topics such as precision farming and spray technologies, communication…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for KLA316 Agricultural Technology and Innovation
This unit involves first-hand experience of entrepreneurship in agriculture and food through a work placement or study tour and the investigation and writing of two reports and presentation of a seminar related to the enterprise/s experienced. Students will explore a…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
The objective of the unit is to provide students with a detailed understanding of key physiological processes underlying horticultural crop production and pre- and post-harvest management practices that are designed to provide products desired by the market. The focus of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit enables students to plan and complete scientific investigations essential to agricultural research. The unit follows a logical progression from understanding the importance of the principles of the scientific method and crafting a well-defined research hypothesis that can be…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for KLA310 Experimental Design and Analysis for Agri-Food Research
Other Requirements
Year 1
This unit explores the basic chemical concepts with a particular focus on biological systems and processes such as bonding and structure of organic molecules, aerobic respiration, ions in physiological systems, nutrient cycles and photosynthesis.Topics include fundamental chemical bonding theory, molecular…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Finance is a discipline that deals with the sources and uses of money by individuals, businesses and governments. This unit provides an introductory examination of business finance. Emphasis is placed on the development of analytical tools that can help in…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Year 2
Marketing is the practice of managing an organisation’s market offerings to createvalue-laden customer exchanges. Adopting a market orientation means organisationsallow their marketing practices to be responsive to opportunities, and threatspresented in the business environment. This responsiveness enables them to competeeffectively…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Accelerated Study Period 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Accelerated Study Period 3 | ||||
There are multiple perspectives from which you can analyse an industry; this unit will inform students about industry analysis, from the perspective of an advisor or a consultant, with a view to adoption for practice change. It will provide the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Need help choosing your first year units? Try the Unit Selection Guide.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you’re not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study at UTAS.
Domestic applicants
Domestic applicants who have recently completed secondary education (in the past two years)
Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. In 2019, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 62.65. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.
All other domestic applicants
To be eligible for an offer, you must meet the University’s General Entry Requirements based on your prior studies and experience.
Special consideration
If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors, including economic hardship, serious medical condition or disability.
We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.
International applicants
Admissions information for international applicants, including English language requirements, is available from the International Future Students site. You can also enquire online to check your eligibility.
Credit transfer
You may be eligible for advanced standing (i.e. credit points) in this degree if you:
- Have completed an award such as a Diploma or Advanced Diploma from another institution;
- Are currently studying another Bachelor degree at the University or at another institution;
- Have completed a Bachelor degree at the University or an equivalent award from another institution.
How to apply for a credit transfer
You can apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing as part of the standard online application process for this degree.
For more information on credit transfers, contact us on 1300 363 864 or enquire online.
Articulation from
The Associate Degree in Agribusiness offered through the University College provides a direct pathway into the Bachelor degree.
Articulation to
If you successfully complete this course, you may be also 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 aren’t eligible for an offer to this course, you should consider enrolment in the Diploma of University Studies (Science Specialisation) or the University Preparation Program.
In all cases, 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
2021 Total Course Fee (international students): $111,669 AUD*.
Course cost based on a rate of $35,950 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).
* Please note that this is an indicative fee only.
International students
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
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:
- 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
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.
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 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