Bachelor of Agricultural Science
Overview
Prepare to shape the future of agriculture and tackle global challenges. Gain the expertise to improve the productivity, competitiveness and sustainability of agricultural practices.
As the world’s population continues to expand, demand is high for agricultural scientists who can find sustainable solutions to the complex challenges of food security, nutritive value and climate change.
In the Bachelor of Agricultural Science, you'll learn from world-class academics with an active research focus and strong industry connections. They’ll teach you to apply and integrate the scientific, technological, managerial, economic and social principles of agriculture to improve livestock and cropping outcomes for small, medium and large-scale farming operations.
You can enhance your skills with a 120-hour industry placement, where you'll build a strong understanding of current and emerging trends in agricultural innovation.
Graduate job-ready with an internationally respected qualification, or undertake an additional year of independent honours research to focus on a specific topic.
Program highlights
- Access some of the best animal and veterinary facilities in the Southern Hemisphere as well as research greenhouses, nursery and more than 1000 hectares of farmlands.
- Learn from highly awarded teachers and gain professional skills through placements or internships, contact with industry representatives, and participating in our Summer Research Program.
- Customise your study to suit your goals with a major in Agronomy, Horticulture or Animal Science.
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
- Agronomy
- Animal Science
- Horticulture
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Work placements
- Overseas study
- Research experience
- Laboratory work
- Fieldwork
- Seminars
- Workshops
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:
- Agricultural Biochemistry
- Sustainable Agricultural & Animal Systems
- Biological Concepts & Plant Science
- Animal Health & Epidemiology
Dual programs
Double your skills and your opportunities with a dual degree. You can study the Bachelor of Agricultural Science as a part of these dual programs:
Career possibilities
Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Depending on which major you choose, here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Agronomist
- Animal technician
- Horticulturalist
- Biosecurity officer
- Research manager
- Animal management officer
- Propagator
- Crop scientist
- Animal health officer
- Plant scientist
Graduate salary
Agriculture & environmental studies (undergraduate)
compared.edu.au
Next steps after graduation
The agriculture sector contributes billions of dollars annually to the Australian and international economies.
You will find diverse career opportunities in organisations such as:
- local, national and international agribusiness companies such as agricultural service companies, banks, seed companies, food producers and agricultural consultancies
- research institutions, including universities and CSIRO
- local, state or federal government departments
- biosecurity, extension and animal production enterprises
- small- or large-scale organisations involved in production, post-harvest and marketing of horticultural products
- feed mills, stock equipment manufacturers, and livestock and poultry health companies within allied industries.
Alternatively, you can further your research ambitions by applying for a 12-month honours program.
“Studying agricultural science from a rural campus means I'm with like-minded students and can immerse myself in the agricultural sector while studying. The lecturers are eager to share knowledge and explore avenues for students to gain further experience or education.”
Michael WellingtonCurrent student, Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours)
“UQ helped me focus on my passion, and enabled me to stand out amongst the crowd. Studying at UQ Gatton enabled me to focus on the theoretical side of horticulture and back up my existing knowledge with a formal tertiary qualification.”
James FeezGraduate, Bachelor of Applied Science
“UQ gave me the opportunity to develop new ways of thinking. The fundamental knowledge I learnt throughout my degree as well as the opportunity to enhance my problem solving and analysis skills have served me well throughout my career.”
Marie PicconeGraduate, Bachelor of Agricultural Science
“Studying agricultural science from a rural campus means I'm with like-minded students and can immerse myself in the agricultural sector while studying. The lecturers are eager to share knowledge and explore avenues for students to gain further experience or education.”
Michael WellingtonCurrent student, Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours)
“UQ helped me focus on my passion, and enabled me to stand out amongst the crowd. Studying at UQ Gatton enabled me to focus on the theoretical side of horticulture and back up my existing knowledge with a formal tertiary qualification.”
James FeezGraduate, Bachelor of Applied Science
“UQ gave me the opportunity to develop new ways of thinking. The fundamental knowledge I learnt throughout my degree as well as the opportunity to enhance my problem solving and analysis skills have served me well throughout my career.”
Marie PicconeGraduate, Bachelor of Agricultural Science
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UQ people
Meet Sai from Myanmar, studying Agribusiness in Australia
Entry requirements
Prerequisites
Prerequisites
Entry score threshold
| OP | Rank | IB |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | 77 | 27 |
These are the lowest adjusted scores we made an offer to in Semester 1, 2020. Entry scores are based on the most recent Semester 1 intake and are updated in April each year. Meeting the threshold doesn't guarantee admission.
ATAR scores: See QTAC's OP to ATAR conversions (PDF) for a rough guide to equivalent ATARs.
English language requirements
IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ
TOEFL IBT - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.
TOEFL PB - Overall 570, listening 54, reading 54, writing 59/5.
Pearsons - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.
BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.
CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.
OET is not accepted.
There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.
Need help meeting the entry requirements?
Student visas
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Bachelor of Agricultural Science are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).
There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement.
Entry score range
This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the B Agricultural Science for Semester 1, 2020
| Without adjustments | With adjustments | |
|---|---|---|
| Highest | 5 / 92 | 5 / 92 |
| Median | 9 / 82 | 9 / 82 |
| Lowest | 12 / 75 | 11 / 77 |
Who you'll study with
Here's a snapshot of our student intake for this program in Semester 1, 2020:
| Applicant background | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
(A) Higher education study | 13 | 52% |
(B) Vocational Education and Training (VET) study | 0 | 0% |
(C) Work and life experience | <5 | <5 |
| (D) Recent secondary education | ||
| 8 | 32% |
| 0 | 0% |
| <5 | <5 |
International students | <5 | <5 |
Total | 25 | 100% |
"<5" — The number of students is less than 5.
N/A — Students not accepted in this category.
N/P — Not published. The number is hidden to protect the privacy of students in other cells.
Majors
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Agronomy
You'll learn how science can enhance food production, create healthier food, investigate plants as a future source of energy and manage the environmental impacts of agriculture.
You'll combine the study of biology, chemistry, ecology and earth science, or genetics to examine variables such as crop rotation, irrigation and drainage, plant breeding, plant physiology, soil classification and fertility and the control of weeds, insects and other pests.
Animal Science
You'll study nutrition and reproduction of both grazing animals and intensively housed animals, animal health and genetics, animal behaviour, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, and biochemistry and pasture science.
Your practical classes will be conducted in some of the best animal teaching and research facilities in the Southern Hemisphere.
Horticulture
You'll also learn about the use of plants for recreational and therapeutic benefit or to enhance the urban landscape.
You'll learn how to use scientific techniques in plant breeding, biochemistry, physiology and propagation to improve plant yield, quality, nutritional value and resistance to insects, diseases and environmental stresses.
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Agronomy
You'll learn how science can enhance food production, create healthier food, investigate plants as a future source of energy and manage the environmental impacts of agriculture.
You'll combine the study of biology, chemistry, ecology and earth science, or genetics to examine variables such as crop rotation, irrigation and drainage, plant breeding, plant physiology, soil classification and fertility and the control of weeds, insects and other pests.
Animal Science
You'll study nutrition and reproduction of both grazing animals and intensively housed animals, animal health and genetics, animal behaviour, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, and biochemistry and pasture science.
Your practical classes will be conducted in some of the best animal teaching and research facilities in the Southern Hemisphere.
Horticulture
You'll also learn about the use of plants for recreational and therapeutic benefit or to enhance the urban landscape.
You'll learn how to use scientific techniques in plant breeding, biochemistry, physiology and propagation to improve plant yield, quality, nutritional value and resistance to insects, diseases and environmental stresses.
Fees and Scholarships
Indicative annual fee
AUD $43,504
Indicative annual fee 2021
This indicative annual fee is the cost of enrolling in the Bachelor of Agricultural Science for the 2021 academic year. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load (16 units per academic year).
If you enrol in a larger or smaller study load, your fees will be calculated on a proportionate basis. All fees are reviewed annually.
Indicative annual fee
AUD $3,950
Indicative annual fee 2021 Commonwealth supported place
This indicative annual fee is the approximate cost of enrolling in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) in the Bachelor of Agricultural Science for one academic year. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load (16 units over two semesters).
Actual fees will vary according to your choice of courses and their unit value. The Australian Government indexes fees each year.
Government assistance
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
HECS-HELP
Domestic places in the Bachelor of Agricultural Science are Commonwealth Supported. This means the cost of your education is shared between you and the Australian Government.
Instead of tuition fees, Commonwealth Supported students pay what are called student contribution amounts.
HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their student contribution amounts.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Scholarships
Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:
Scholarships
Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:
How to apply
Applying online
How you apply depends on what type of applicant you are.
Your senior schooling is from Australia or New Zealand
Submit your application to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre if you are an international student who is currently:
- completing Australian Year 12 (either in Australia or offshore) or
- studying the International Baccalaureate in Australia.
The QTAC code for the Bachelor of Agricultural Science is 762019.
Find out more about applying for undergraduate study
All other international applicants
Submit your application to UQ. If you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent in your country.
The program code for the Bachelor of Agricultural Science is 2448.
Applying through QTAC
All domestic applications should be submitted to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC).
The QTAC code for the Bachelor of Agricultural Science is 762019.
Important dates
If you’re studying Year 12 in Australia, go to the QTAC website to check the closing date for this program.
If you’re applying to UQ, the closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
To check the closing date for this program, go to the QTAC website.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Admissions schemes
Applying to university can be both exciting and daunting, which is why we’ve tried to make the process as simple as we can.
We have several schemes in place to improve your chances of getting a place at UQ.
Pathway options
A rank or score doesn’t determine your potential.
If you're not offered a place in your first-choice program – or if you don't meet the entry requirements – you still have a number of options.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying - or if you have any questions about Uni - get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.
Explore other programs
Express yourself. And your interest.
They say choosing a degree is hard, which is why we've made it easy. Register your interest in the Bachelor of Agricultural Science and we'll send you everything you need to know about applying to UQ.