Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Honours (S4A)

• 1 Explain the role, relevance, contemporary issues and major drivers of sustainable agricultural production and their value chains in society.
• 2 Guide multi-disciplinary decision-making through integrating knowledge and skills from the core sciences, business and agriculture.
• 3 Design and implement sustainable agricultural applications and solutions using scientific investigations, including quantitative and qualitative analyses, and critical evaluation of results.
• 4 Compile and communicate scientific results, information, and arguments using a variety of modes including a research thesis or a professional report to a range of audiences to expand the knowledgebase and inform agricultural decision making.
• 5 Use ethical, responsible, respectful and safe work and project management practices while adhering to relevant regulatory, and professional frameworks

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.

Become a Student Ambassador

Improve your communication, teamwork and leadership skills, meet new people, inspire and help others, and developing lasting friendships and networks as a student ambassador. Our ambassadors proudly represent the University throughout Tasmania in schools, at University and community events, and support a range of recruitment and engagement activities. Though the Student Ambassador Program or STEM Outreach Team you will have many opportunities for training and professional development, experience in real-world community engagement and outreach, networking, and public speaking, plus end up with a key point of distinction on your CV.

Study overseas at one of our partner institutions

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.

Alternative Virtual Exchange Opportunities can be found on our Virtual Overseas Experiences tab. For more information please contact Global.Mobility@utas.edu.au

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.

Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Honours graduates are eligible for membership of the Ag Institute Australia.

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the 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.

Schools Recommendation Program

Australian year 12 students can apply for this course via our Schools Recommendation Program (SRP). Rather than an ATAR, your application is based on a recommendation by your school teachers. This can factor in your year 11 results, an assessment of your capabilities, and other considerations.

Through the SRP, you can receive and accept an offer prior to completing year 12. You will still need to finish your year 12 studies – including any exams – to commence your studies.

If you don’t receive an offer for this course through the Schools Recommendation Program, you will be re-assessed for a higher preference offer once your ATAR is released.

Domestic applicants who recently completed secondary education

Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers are made based on the number of places available.  This course has a Guaranteed ATAR of 65.

In 2024, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 78.5. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.

Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.

Domestic applicants with higher education study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:

• Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two units of study (equivalent to 25 University of Tasmania credit points). If an applicant has failed any units, the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; OR
• Completed the University of Tasmania University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian university).

Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed a Certificate IV (or equivalent) in any discipline.  

Domestic applicants with work and life experience

This course does not admit students on the basis of work or life experience.

Please enquire online for advice on pathways, or alternative course options.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION

We believe university education should be an option for everyone, no matter your background. 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, a serious medical condition, or disability.

We can only approve applications for special consideration if we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the University admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.

COURSE PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS 

This course includes compulsory Work Integrated Learning (professional experience placements). In order to participate in placements, all students must:

• Complete a Safe to Practice Agreement declaring they have the medical, physical or psychological capacity to safely participate in professional experience practice. 

English Language Requirements

This degree requires an IELTS (Academic) of 6.0, with no individual band less than 5.5, or a PTE Academic score of 50, with no score lower than 42 or equivalent.

For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship or prior studies in English in an approved country, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided.

See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

General Entry Requirements

Admission to undergraduate courses at the University of Tasmania requires the completion of qualifications equivalent to a year 12 education in Australia.

Please review the equivalent undergraduate entry requirements to see the minimum requirement relevant to your country. The ATAR information for this course is located in the “For Domestic Students” section of the entry requirements on this page.

You can also meet the General Entry Requirement for this course with the following qualifications or prior studies:

• Completion of an equivalent AQF Certificate IV or above
• Complete or incomplete (minimum 25 credit points) of previous tertiary study at Diploma level or higher

If you do not meet the minimum requirements, we offer the Foundation Studies Program.

Course Specific Requirements

This course does not have any course specific requirements.

COURSE PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS 

This course includes compulsory Work Integrated Learning (professional experience placements). In order to participate in placements, all students must:

• Complete a Safe to Practice Agreement declaring they have the medical, physical or psychological capacity to safely participate in professional experience practice. 

As per University policy. Decided by the course coordinator in consultation with the unit coordinator for which RPL is sought.

Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.