Agribusiness
The Associate Degree in Agribusiness is an industry-focused course, designed for those who want to learn about running a successful agricultural-based business.
Our Agribusiness courses is a ideal steppingstones 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.
Your study experience combines business studies in management, finance, marketing and planning with technical studies in agriculture through an engaging blend of online learning, face-to-face classes, practical workshops and industry visits. All our course content has been developed in consultation with industry, and local industry partners contribute to your learning experience.
If you have a passion for agriculture you may also want to explore our Agricultural Science options.
Learn about university terminology and definitions in our glossary
Course Options
Associate Degree in Agribusiness
Minimum 2 years full-time, up to 5 years part-time
Hobart, Launceston, Cradle Coast CRICOS 099993B
Graduate Diploma in Agribusiness (Specialisation)
Minimum 1 year full-time, up to 3 years part-time
Fully online
Get hands-on experience with local industry leaders who contribute to your studies through case studies, site visits, and networking opportunities.
Undertake site visits across a range of thriving Tasmanian farms and production facilities.
Within three months of completing this course, it’s estimated that 90% of graduates gain employment or are promoted in their current workplace.
Pathways
At the University of Tasmania, we’ll help you get the skills you need to pursue a degree. We offer a wide range of preparatory and pathway programs, as well as short foundation programs, to assist in the transition to university.
Course breakdown
Which degree for me?
Associate Degree in Agribusiness
This degree is perfect for those looking to enter or upskill in the agriculture industry. It provides practical skills and knowledge for those who wish to step into a leadership role, or are looking to set themselves up for success when starting a business.
Graduate Diploma in Agribusiness (Specialisation)
This degree, with it's two focussed specialisations in Dairy Farm Management, and Horticultural Business, are designed for those already operating in the industry, likely already in or progressing into management or strategic decision making roles. It provides postgraduate level agribusiness knowledge and skills, and specialist application of those agribusiness practices customised to Dairy or Horticulture. Created in partnership with peak industry bodies in horticulture and dairy, this course has been developed under the guidance of national industry steering committees for each sector.
1
Associate Degree in Agribusiness
Year 1, 100 credit points
Core units
12 units over two years that provide a broad knowledge of both the profitability and productivity of agriculture-based businesses.
75 credit points are met by core units in year one:
- Agribusiness Planning and Management
- Managing People
- Data and Analysis
- Value Chain Management in Agribusiness
- Business Finance
- Principles of Weed Pest and Disease Management
Elective Units
You will complete two Elective Units in your first year, for a total of 25 credit points.
These electives can be used to add breadth to your degree, by exploring a variety of different subject areas from across the University in areas such as Arts, Business, Design, Science, and Information Communication Technologies. Alternatively, you can deepen your engagement with specific subject areas, for example, by completing additional units in the same discipline field.
2
Associate Degree in Agribusiness
Year 2, 100 credit points
Core units
12 units over two years that provide a broad knowledge of both the profitability and productivity of agriculture-based businesses.
75 credit points are met by core units in year two:
- Fundamental Principles of Ag (A)
- Fundamental Principles of Ag (B)
- Principles of Soil Management
- Principles of Crop Production
- E-agribusiness, Technology, and Innovation
- Herd and Pasture Management
Elective Units
You will complete two Elective Units in your second year, for a total of 25 credit points.
These electives can be used to add breadth to your degree, by exploring a variety of different subject areas from across the University in areas such as Arts, Business, Design, Science, and Information Communication Technologies. Alternatively, you can deepen your engagement with specific subject areas, for example, by completing additional units in the same discipline field.
3
Graduate Diploma in Agribusiness (Specialisation)
Typically one year, 100 credit points
Core units
Five core units, making up 62.5 credit points, providing knowledge and skills in contemporary agriculture business management. Topics include:
- Leadership, people and culture
- Financial management
- Global trends and market opportunities
- Innovation and entrepreneurship
- Business development and strategy
Specialisation units (Dairy Management, or Horticultural Business)
Three units making up 37.5 credit points, based on your choice of specialisation that customise your learning experience to your industry.
Learning across business and supply chain management, farm systems, and marketing is customised to the specific needs of the dairy, or horticultural industry, and has been developed collaboratively with some of the largest names in the respective industries including Dairy Australia, and Horticulture Innovation Australia.
Career outcomes
Madeleine Muirhead - Graduated 2019
“Since completing the Associate Degree in Agribusiness, I secured a place in the Nutrien Ag Solutions Graduate Program. I’m currently working within the livestock sector under Nutrien Ag Solutions involved in many areas including project management, branding & marketing, work health & safety, animal welfare & livestock management.”
For those graduates new to agribusiness, roles including trainee positions, team leaders, field officers and researchers are likely.
For graduates already working in agriculture, this degree will enable you to progress from assistant positions to managerial roles, or become a field officer, research team member or salesperson.
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.
*ABS Labour Force Survey, National Skills Commission trend data to May 2019 and projections to 2024.
Agricultural Consultant: Future Demand
National Skills Commission: Skills Priority List June 2021
Sheep, Beef Cattle and Grain Farming
Increase projected by 2024*
Horticultural Trades
Increase projected by 2024*
Study Experiences
Experiential education and work integrated learning approaches are central to the Associate Degree in Agribusiness.
Whilst this course can be undertaken online, face to face and interactive enrichment activities are offered when appropriate. 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 the industry is looking for.
Entry information
Entry requirements
Entry requirements vary across courses. You'll find the requirements on our individual course pages. These can be accessed from Course Options, which is located at the top of this page.
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, our admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Credit for prior learning
The University of Tasmania aims to provide you with credit for approved prior study or equivalent professional experience which exceeds standard entrance requirements for courses. For more information please visit Recognition of Prior Learning.
English language 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. For more information, please visit International Future Students.
