Bachelor of Agriculture [Wangaratta]

Enhance your agricultural career

CSU's Bachelor of Agriculture at Wangaratta provides a pathway from TAFE to university study. CSU is considered a leader in agricultural education and its commitment to rural communities makes it the obvious choice for anyone considering a career in this industry.

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Agriculture provides a pathway for students with a Diploma of Agriculture into CSU's Bachelor of Agriculture, with credit. The program provides graduates with practical, relevant and up-to-date technical knowledge and skills desired by the agricultural industry.

The course is science-based, but focuses on the practical issues facing agriculture, producers, agribusiness and the environment. It provides training in the major disciplines that underpin our modern agricultural industries.

The course reflects the University's commitment to new agriculture, providing students with a variety of study options that maximise their potential and provide diverse career opportunities.

More about where this course will take you

Course structure and TAFE articulation

GOTAFE logoCSU and Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE (GOTAFE) have developed an articulated program that allows students who have successfully completed the GOTAFE Diploma of Agriculture or the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA) Diploma of Agriculture to enrol in CSU's Bachelor of Agriculture and receive credit for their previous study.

Students can then enrol in the Bachelor of Agriculture at CSU. This articulated pathway offers:

  • guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Agriculture
  • credit for four subjects towards the degree
  • the ability to complete the degree part-time in 5.5 years. In the first year of study, students are only required to complete one subject per session.

TAFE-specific scholarships are available for students in this course.

More about the Course structure

 

Reasons for studying Agriculture at CSU:

  1. Graduates are eligible for membership of a variety of professional bodies, such as the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, and the Australian Society of Soil Science Inc
  2. Flexible study options mean you can remain working while you study, and receive credit for your Diploma
  3. The degree is science-based but focuses on the practical issues facing the agricultural industry, so you gain a strong base in agricultural science and related disciplines. 

Study by distance education

This 5.5-year, part-time program is delivered by supported distance education. Online learning may include some or all of CSU forums, recorded lectures, a document or resource repository, email forms, online meetings, interactive video teaching, face-to-face tutorials at Wangaratta, and/or supplementary field exercises at Wangaratta. Some subjects may also require students to attend short residential schools at a CSU campus in Orange or Wagga Wagga.

As a leading distance education provider, CSU has a well-developed network of online resources and communication tools to support students throughout their studies. Distance education also offers you the flexibility of studying at your own pace, and in your own time. Each subject you study will have its own subject site in CSU's integrated online system, CSU Interact, and you will be able to communicate with other students and teaching staff using resources such as forums and the Online Meeting tool.

Graduation requirements

Students who have successfully completed a Diploma of Agriculture will receive credit for four subjects. Students then complete a further 20 subjects to graduate with the Bachelor of Agriculture.

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject outlines and in course materials.

Career opportunities

Agriculture is facing many new challenges and demands. The current agricultural industry is very different from that of the past. It needs skilled professionals with new ideas, new ways of learning and new ways of producing. Graduates need to be 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.

Career prospects in this new agricultural industry are excellent. There is a massive shortage of skilled professionals in a wide range of positions. Graduates take on careers such as:

  • agronomists
  • livestock / animal production specialists
  • farm managers
  • agricultural merchandise representatives
  • agricultural researchers
  • Landcare coordinators / managers
  • advisory and technical consultants
  • irrigation specialists
  • marketing professionals
  • rural financial supply officers
  • parks and recreation officers
  • teachers
  • journalists

 Using the degree as a general qualification, students can find employment in many areas outside science and agriculture.

Admission requirements

Applicants to this course should hold a completed Diploma of Agriculture from GOTAFE or the NCDEA.

Applications to this course are made direct to the University.

To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:

  1. previous studies, and
  2. other attainments and experience.

Previous studies

Previous studies include:

  • the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
  • the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
  • a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
  • a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
  • an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
  • completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.

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.

English language proficiency

Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:

  • have completed all their formal studies in one or more of the following countries; or
  • were born in one of the following countries and have completed at least one qualification in one of those countries; or
  • have completed senior secondary study or at least one year of full-time University study in one of the following countries: American Samoa, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, United Kingdom, USA, Zambia
    or
  • have successfully completed one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-secondary study at an affiliate institution of the University, with English as the medium of instruction and assessment.

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 Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) overall score of at least 6.0, and with no score below 5.5;
  • a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) paper-based score of 550 and TWE of 5.0;
  • a TOEFL computer-based score of 213 and Essay Rating of 5;
  • a TOEFL internet-based score of 80 for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs, and 90 for postgraduate research candidates with a minimum score of 25 in the writing section.
  • a Combined Universities Admission Test (CULT) overall score of at least 65;
  • a C pass in English at the GCE 'A' level examinations in either Singapore or the United Kingdom;
  • completion of the International Baccalaureate diploma with English A2 at higher or sub. Level;
  • a C pass in 'Use of English' in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE);
  • completion of the UNSW Foundation Studies Certificate with a C pass in 'Use of English';
  • completion of an AQF Certificate IV (including English for Academic Purposes);
  • successful completion of at least one year of study in a course at Associate Diploma or Diploma level on the Register of Australian Tertiary Education;
  • a score of 155 in the verbal component of the STAT test;
  • a Pass grade in the Uniworld English College English for Tertiary Entrance course; or
  • IRI Diploma of English.

An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University's requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.

Attainment and experience

You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:

  • voluntary or paid work experience;
  • performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
  • participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
  • completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Internet access

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.

Common Subjects

AGB110 Agricultural Economics
AGB310 Agricultural Marketing
AGR202 Food, Environment and Culture
AGS107 Precision Agriculture and Data Handling
AHT101 Professional Skills in Agriculture and Horticulture
AHT231 Agricultural Finance and Business Management
AHT274 Industry Practice *
PSC104 Soil Science

Additional Compulsory Subjects

AGR220 Extension
AGR203 Production Analysis and Optimisation
AGS203 Agricultural Biotechnology
AGS301 Weed and Pesticide Sciences
CHM108 Chemical Fundamentals
IRR200 Principles of Irrigation **
PSC102 Botany
PSC201 Invertebrate Pests
PSC202 Crop and Pasture Science
PSC271 Crop Agronomy
PSC360 Pastures and Rangelands
PSC371 Plant Pathology ***
PSC415 Soil Management
ASC171 Animal Anatomy and Physiology
ASC261 Animal Reproduction4
ASC273 Animal Nutrition2
ASC370 Ruminant Production
MCR101 Introduction to Microbiology
SCI301 International Experience ****

Notes
*, **, ***, **** see enrolment pattern for details

+ Residential School

Please note that the following subjects may have a residential school component.

AGR220 Extension
AGS107 Precision Agriculture and Data Handling
AGS301 Weed and Pesticide Sciences
AHT101 Professional skills in Agriculture and Horticulture
ASC171 Animal Anatomy and Physiology
ASC261 Animal Reproduction
ASC273 Animal Nutrition
ASC370 Ruminant Production
CHM108 Chemical Fundamentals
IRR200 Principles of Irrigation
MCR101 Introduction to Microbiology
PSC102 Botany
PSC104 Soil Science
PSC201 Invertebrate Pest Management
PSC202 Crop And Pasture Science
PSC271 Crop Agronomy
PSC360 Pastures and Rangelands
PSC371 Plant Pathology
PSC415 Soil Management

+ Workplace Learning

Please note that the following subject has a Workplace Learning component.

AHT274 Industry Practice

Enrolment pattern

Year 1
Session 1
AHT101 Professional Skills in Agriculture and Horticulture
PSC102 Botany

Session 2
AGS107 Precision Agriculture and Data Handling
MCR101 Introduction to Microbiology

Year 2
Session 3
CHM108 Chemical Fundamentals
AGB110 Agricultural Economics

Session 4
ASC171 Animal Anatomy and Physiology
PSC104 Soil Science

Year 3
Session 5
AHT231 Agricultural Finance and Business Management
AGR203 Production Analysis and Optimisation

Session 6
AGR202 Food, Environment and Culture
AGS301 Weed and Pesticide Sciences

Year 4
Session 7
AGS203 Agricultural Biotechnology
PSC202 Crop and Pasture Science

Session 8
PSC360 Pastures and Rangelands
ASC273 Animal Nutrition OR
IRR200 Principles of Irrigation *

Year 5
Session 9
AGB310 Agricultural Marketing
PSC415 Soil Management

Session 10
PSC371 Plant Pathology ** OR
AHT274 Industry Practice OR
SCI301 International Experience
PSC201 Invertebrate Pests

Year 6
Session 11
AGR220 Extension
ASC261 Animal Reproduction OR
AHT274 Industry Practice *** OR
SCI301 International Experience ****

Session 12
PSC271 Crop Agronomy
ASC370 Ruminant Production

Notes
* In Session 8 students have a choice of either ASC273 or IRR200
 ** In Session 10 students have a choice of either PSC371 or AHT274 or SCI301 but students must complete AHT274 or SCI301 uring their course
*** AHT274 Industry Practice or SCI301 International Experience are included as an option in both session 10 and 11 to allow BAgSc Students exiting with the 3 year degree to complete the industry requirement.
**** In Session 11 students have a choice of either ASC261 or AHT274 or SCI301 but students must complete AHT274 or SCI301 during their course

GOTAFE & NCDEA Articulated Program
For eligible candidates who are GOTAFE or NCDEA alumni holding the Diploma of Agriculture the completion of the artculation program requires successful completion of hte subjects listed below:

Year 1
Session 1
AHT101 Professional Skills in Agriculture and Horticulture
AGB110 Agricultural Economics

Session 2
AGS107 Precision Agriculture and Data Handling
PSC104 Soil Science

Year 2
Session 3
AHT231 Agricultural Finance and Business Management
AGB310 Agricultural Marketing

Session 4
MCR101 Introduction to Microbiology

Year 3
Session 5
CHM108 Chemical Fundamentals
PSC102 Botany

Session 6
ASC171 Animal Anatomy and Physiology
AGS301 Weed and Pesticide Sciences

Year 4
Session 7
AGR203 Production Analysis and Optimisation
AGS203 Agricultural Biotechnology

Session 8
ASC370 Ruminant Production
PSC201 Invertebrate Pests

Year 5
Session 9
AGR220 Extension
PSC202 Crop and Pasture Science

Session 10
AGR202 Food, Environment and Culture
PSC271 Crop Agronomy

Year 6
Session 11
PSC415 Soil Management

Articulation agreements

NCDEA & GOTAFE Diploma of Agriculture

  • Students will receive 4 x 8point subject credits for successful completion.
  • Completion of the Articulation Program requires successful completion of the 20 x 8 point CSU Degree Course subjects as outlined in the course structure.
  • The application of any NCDEA/GOTAFE student who seeks credit for partial completion of a NCDEA/GOTAFE course shall be considered by CSU on a case by case basis.
  • Credits granted for NCDEA/GOTAFE subjects ino the CSU course, based of alignment of disciplinary knowledge and volume of work, shall be:

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for relevant membership of either the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, the Agribusiness Association of Australia or the Australian Institute of Horticulture.

  • The Australian Society of Agriculture
  • The Australian Weed Society
  • The Australian Soil Society

csp

 




More information:

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Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2

Australian and New Zealand students

Apply online

ETAG

Mail your application

International students

This course is not available to international students.

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Agriculture is facing many new challenges and demands. The way ahead is not the way of the past.

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