The Bachelor of Agricultural Science provides training in the major disciplines that underpin our modern agricultural industries.
Agriculture is facing many new challenges and demands. The way ahead is not the way of the past. We need new ideas, new ways of learning, new ways of producing, we need 'new agriculture'. It is vital that our graduates are well trained, skilled, knowledgeable, dynamic thinkers, who are confident and job ready. It is our aim at CSU to produce graduates with these qualities - graduates who can meet the challenges faced, who can make a difference in the industry and who can help feed the world with new agriculture.
The degree is science-based, but focuses on the practical issues facing agriculture, producers, agribusiness and the environment. The science aspect of the course forms a foundation, which is drawn upon to build understanding of management and integration of agricultural issues and allows students to gain a strong foundation in agricultural science and related disciplines.
The course reflects the School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences’ emphasis and commitment to new agriculture, providing students with a variety of study options that maximise their potential and career.
CSU’s School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences has long been considered a world leader in agricultural education and is located in one of the most productive regions in south-eastern Australia. CSU's Bachelor of Agricultural Science is the choice for anyone considering a career in agriculture because of its:
Year one provides a strong foundation in the basic sciences and their importance in agriculture with all students studying chemistry, botany, microbiology, soil science and animal physiology. Students are also introduced to basic concepts in agricultural systems, data analysis, agricultural business and economics.
Year two extends your studies in the agricultural sciences with even more agricultural application of the knowledge gained. Topics studied include crop and pasture science, pasture agronomy, animal nutrition and agribusiness. Students also learn essential skills in communication, in various forms, essential for all professions regardless of career path.
Year three studies take on a management focus within agricultural disciplines. Management of plant pests and diseases, crop production, soil fertility and grazing animals are key focuses.
After satisfactorily completing 24 specified subjects (after a minimum of three years study), students can elect to leave the course and graduate with the Bachelor of Agriculture.
In year four, students can chose between two pathways of study: one for professional agriculturalists and one for students wishing to pursue a career in agricultural research (Honours).
The professional agriculturalist pathway contains an industry placed practicum in which students work with a company over the period of one year while completing other coursework. In both practicum and coursework streams, students are able to select the area of agriculture of interest to them, thus there is scope to specialise in a discipline such as agronomy, animal production, or farm management. Students are required to integrate the knowledge gained in the previous years to understand and manage the complexity of agricultural systems.
The Honours pathway involves competition of a research project on a topic of interest to the student. Coursework conducted also equips students with valuable research skills such as experimental design and data interpretation, scientific communication, and literature inquiry and review.
A diverse range of career opportunities is available to graduates. Using this degree as a vocational tool, you can expect to pursue a career as:
Using the degree as a general qualification, students can find employment in many areas outside science and agriculture.
Graduates are eligible for membership in a variety of related professional bodies, such as the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology and the Australian Society of Soil Science Incorporated.
As well as the rich resources in the region, students in the School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences have an array of state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities for practical experience. These include:
Our dedicated and caring staff are committed to providing the highest quality education in a uniquely rural, equal opportunities environment.
Students who have studied and successfully completed subjects at other universities or TAFE that are likely to be equivalent to subjects in the CSU Bachelor of Agricultural Science may apply for credit for those subjects when applying. Credit will be granted for subjects which are equivalent in content and standard at the discretion of the Course Coordinator.
CSU's Science Scholarships are available for on campus applicants to this course, providing $4000 per annum for up to four years (subject to satisfactory progress). Once awarded the Scholarship, the money is the student's to spend in the way that assists them most.
Applicants must achieve an ATAR (NSW) of 82 or above, or equivalent ENTER (VIC)
(inclusive of the Regional Bonus) to be eligible to receive the Scholarship.
To apply, download the Science Scholarships application form, complete all sections, then return the form to the Scholarships Officer before the end of October in the year prior to commencing your studies.
To graduate from the Bachelor of Agricultural Science, students must satisfactorily complete 256 points, including the successful completion of the agricultural practicum component of the final year of the course.
To graduate from the Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours), students must successfully complete 256 points, including the successful completion of a research project and submission of its associated dissertation.
After satisfactorily completing 192 points (24 subjects in the first three years of the course), students may graduate with a Bachelor of Agriculture.
| Study through | Wagga Wagga |
| Study mode and normal course duration | 4 years full-time on campus |
| Fee information | Australian & New Zealand students This course is not available to international students |
| Commence study in | Session 1 |
| Admission rank cut-offs | 72.55 |
Choose your preferred method. Make note of the admission code as you will need this to complete your application. More information on application closing dates.
| Apply through UAC |
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This course comprises 256 points. After satisfactorily completing 192 points (24 subjects in the first three years of the course), students may exit the course with the Bachelor of Agriculture. Students must pass all subjects from the first three years of the course before commencing the fourth year of study. In year four, students can chose between two pathways of study: one for professional agriculturalists and one for students wishing to pursue a career in agricultural research (Honours).
An indicative course structure and enrolment pattern are available in the CSU Handbook.
To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:
Previous studies include:
NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.
Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.
Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:
All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.
Acceptable tests for English proficiency
Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:
An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University’s requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.
You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:
CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.
The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.
Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.
It is highly desirable that students have knowledge of mathematics and chemistry, however it is not mandatory. For those without this background, bridging courses are available through STUDY LINK.
Contact info.csu for further information on 1800 334 733 (free call within Australia).
For all inquiries about Charles Sturt University courses, please contact info.csu on:
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Telephone: 1800 334 733 (free call within Australia) |