Bachelor of Agriculture

Our Bachelor of Agriculture gives you the skills and knowledge to apply science to significant real-world issues.

The Bachelor of Agriculture degree will:

• Strengthen your foundation knowledge in basic agricultural sciences
• Help you to understand the broader industry context
• Integrate cross-disciplinary subjects at each year level
• Give you an important global perspective
• Improve your communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills
• Expose you to the latest precision farm technologies at our Dookie campus
• Provide many opportunities for external practical placements.

In the first year of the course you’ll focus on a solid foundation in agricultural science, with core studies in biology, natural environments, agricultural production and agricultural science. In second and third year you’ll have the opportunity to pursue your interests by selecting a major in plant and soil science, animal science or agricultural economics.

As an Agriculture student, you will develop core practical skills across plant and soil science, animal science and agricultural economics and examine key aspects of agricultural production from scientific, economic, environmental and ethical points of view.

You will also work in cross-disciplinary teams to apply your knowledge to solve major industry challenges – from improving animal production and welfare to addressing climate change and food sustainability.

A semester of practical learning at Dookie - our working farm and science hub

We offer a  unique opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds – access to our city campus as well as a semester at our Dookie campus, near Shepparton, about 180 kilometres north-east of Melbourne. The optional semester allows you to focus on practical learning in an on-the-ground environment.

Dookie campus is a focal point for key research, training and technology development that is helping to shape the future of agriculture in Australia. The largest farm campus in the southern hemisphere, Dookie is situated on 2240 hectares and has a high-technology robotic dairy, broad acre farming crops and 5000 merino sheep.

You have the opportunity to live on campus too, close to classrooms and study facilities and just a 30-minute drive to Benalla and Shepparton and 60 minutes to Wangaratta. As well as enjoying this unique study opportunity, you have access to many campus recreational facilities, including swimming pool, gym, tennis, basketball and squash courts, cricket nets as well as horse club and agistment facilities. Take a walk through the campus bushland reserve, or enjoy the beautiful Goulburn Valley.

Be job ready

With important input from industry experts and potential employers, our curriculum focuses on developing graduate agricultural scientists job ready from day one.

On graduating you will have:

• An understanding of the science behind agricultural production and agricultural farming systems
• An appreciation of broader economic,environmental and ethical issues
• Business acumen, including a basic understanding of the key drivers of profit and growth
• Critical thinking skills that you can apply to practical production and farming issues
• The ability to communicate with a diverse range of industry stakeholders.

Be in demand

The agricultural boom places agricultural science graduates a position in high demand, with three jobs for every graduate of agriculture and related disciplines.* Around 90 per cent of graduates gain full-time employment four months after graduation (significantly above the average of 71 per cent for all bachelors degree graduates in Australia). A high percentage of positions are available in cities, as well as rural and remote areas.

*Based on data from the Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture

Make a difference to global agricultural issues

You will become an agricultural scientist with the skills and knowledge to contribute to key industry fields at local, national and international levels. University of Melbourne graduates are highly sought after by employers because they possess the right combination of technical skills and personal attributes, including a confidence in their ability to problem-solve and address challenges, their ability to work as a team, an interest in sustainable farming practices and a genuine desire to work with rural communities.

Enjoy a range of exciting career opportunities

Enter a range of interesting and diverse careers as well as graduate study options and research. You can even take advantage of the pathway Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, with credit (with the requisite average score).