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Overview  2020

Entry Requirements

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Duration

Minimum

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.
Entry requirements

Location

For years prior to 2015, please view the Course and Unit Handbook Archive

View the current year's course page

Studying an Associate Degree in Agribusiness at the University of Tasmania.
The Associate Degree in Agribusiness is an industry-focused course designed for people who want to learn everything there is to know about running a successful farm-based business from paddock to plate. It is an ideal stepping stone for those currently working in agriculture who wish to move into leadership and management roles, or a great foundation for those wishing to enter the industry.

The program combines business studies in management, finance, marketing and planning with technical studies in agriculture through a unique blend of online learning, face-to-face classes, practical workshops and industry placements. The course content has been developed in consultation with industry experts and they are actively involved in its delivery.

A key feature of the course is the focus on hands-on learning, where students develop knowledge and skills through work integrated learning opportunities such as industry placements, fieldwork, case studies and applied research. This aims to enhance students’ problem solving, communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills by allowing them to ‘learn through practice’. It has been designed to make university study a little less daunting—and a lot more practical.

While the first year serves as a foundation year in agribusiness, the second year allows students to choose an employment-based pathway, specialisation pathway, or a pathway into a higher level of study.

In the second year of study, students can undertake a pathway to further bachelor study, or choose to specialise in:

  • Dairy
  • Horticulture
  • Agriskills
  • Value Chain Management

Pathway to further study

The Articulation option, in the second year of the Associate Degree, prepares you to undertake a bachelor degree. You’ll be eligible for two years of full credit into the University of Tasmania’s Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture and Business) degree, or partial credit into another University of Tasmania bachelor program, subject to the relevant College's discretion.

The program is available for full-time and part-time study across all campuses in Tasmania and is delivered through a combination of online study, face-to-face classes, practical workshops and tutorials.

Completing our Associate Degree in Agribusiness will give you:

  • a pathway to a great career in agriculture
  • strong commercial awareness of agribusiness industries
  • practical skills to take straight into the workplace
  • opportunities to advance in your chosen field
  • the skills to help you meet personal career development goals
  • credit towards a Bachelor degree at the University of Tasmania.

Experiential education and work integrated learning approaches are central to the Associate Degree in Agribusiness. Students will therefore learn through project and problem-based learning activities such as field work, case studies (local and international), action learning, design thinking, simulated environments, placements, data for decision making, wicked problems and more. These approaches ensure practical experiences are placed at the centre of learning and assessment and that students have the opportunity to develop work-related skills, knowledge and behaviours.

In the first year of an associate degree, students are introduced to learning through practice and exposed to authentic experiences that develop skills and understandings related to industry, community or global needs. Students engage with (i) a range of methods and approaches to practice, (ii) principles and perspectives such as values, ethics, empathy and leadership in real world scenarios, (iii) reflection and deliberative thinking as a means of developing knowledge, skills, attitudes and aspirations, and (iv) ways of understanding problems and developing solutions through active inquiry.

A key component of the course, which is established in the first year, is a Practice Manual. The Practice Manual contains all portfolio requirements for the course, including the Professional Development Plan (PDP) and is a collection of evidence that highlights personal, academic and professional development. Dedicated teachers are in coaching roles to support you to continuously develop your Practice Manual over the duration of the course. This involves working with you to determine what evidence best highlights your ability to apply theory in practice, and what activities and experiences showcase your achievement in terms of transferable skills, professional attributes, technical skills and knowledge, and so forth.

The second year of an associate degree builds on the concept of learning through practice by introducing students to more complex learning experiences. Students are therefore introduced to (i) discipline-based skills and knowledge in dynamic practice situations, (ii) concepts of managing effective relationships and communicating with others, (iii) the development and use of adaptive leadership skills and how these skills relate to innovative and entrepreneurial practice, and (iv) the nature of responsible, accountable and reflective workplace skills, and creative and critical thinking relevant to para-professional practice. In addition, students are expected to exercise self-awareness, initiative and judgement to manage themselves and professional relationships effectively. On completion of the two years, students are expected to have a fully developed Practice Manual that highlights all their achievements, including the development of transferable skills and professional attributes, so they leave with a tangible asset that showcases what industry are looking for.

Career outcomes

Career Outcomes

Graduation from the Associate Degree in Agribusiness can provide an entry opportunity for those seeking work in an agribusiness, accelerate progression through a graduate's present agribusiness organisation, or open up new career paths and opportunities.

New to agribusiness and never worked in the industry before?

For those graduates new to agribusiness, roles including trainee positions, team leaders, field officers and researchers are likely.

Already working and want to fast track or leverage off past experience?

For those graduates already working in agriculture, the Associate Degree in Agribusiness should enable graduates to progress from assistant positions to managerial roles, lead a small team, become a field officer, research team member or salesperson and liaise better with suppliers and/ or customers.

Potential types of employers:

  • Upstream of the farm: suppliers of seed, fertiliser, chemicals, machinery, stockfeed, labour, finance, business advisory, transport, consultancy, and specialist services such as harvesting contractors.
  • Primary production: cropping, horticulture, animal based enterprises, aquaculture, pharmaceuticals, wineries, farm-based tourism.
  • Downstream of the farm: processors and value-adders, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transport and storage operations, logistics, consultants.

Course structure

Entry requirements

Fees & scholarships

Domestic students

International students

International students should refer to the International Students course fees page to get an indicative course cost.

Scholarships

Scholarships and Bursaries

Each year the University of Tasmania administers an estimated $7 million in scholarships 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.

Tasmanian boot brand Blundstone have generously donated a scholarship that will be offered students commencing Year 1 of the Associate Degree in Agribusiness in 2018 who were educated in the Tasmanian State School system. The scholarship will support up to 20 students, and selection for the scholarship will be based on financial need and quality of written application, with a preference for students based in the North and North-West of Tasmania. For more information, visit the Blundstone Scholarship page.

For more information on scholarships and to view the full range of scholarships available to you, head to the Scholarships website.

Additional costs

In addition to course costs, students may be subject to other costs related to study at university including:

How can we help?

Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.

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International
+61 3 6226 6200
Email
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