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Bachelor of Agriculture - CV85

The Bachelor of Agriculture will equip you with the agriculture knowledge, critical thinking and problem solving skills required to play important professional roles in improving productivity and sustainability of modern agriculture.

DOMESTICINTERNATIONAL
STUDY MODES

On Campus

RANK THRESHOLD

SR:66 ATAR:66

UNITS/CREDITS

20/144

DURATION

3 years full-time, 6 years part-time

AVAILABILITY

Rockhampton

RECOMMENDED STUDY

Biology and Mathematical Methods

CRICOS

088550J

The Bachelor of Agriculture will equip you with the agriculture knowledge, critical thinking and problem solving skills required to play important professional roles in improving productivity and sustainability of modern agriculture. The course has an applied focus that will provide you with industry relevant training on a firm scientific basis. A suite of eight core units will provide the strong foundation you will use to acquire understanding of increasingly complex concepts in the context of industry relevant problems. A series of eight discipline units starting in year 2 will help you build your systemic thinking and you will learn about emerging agricultural innovations and current technological advances, culminating in a capstone unit where you reinforce and apply the principles and thinking skills acquired throughout the course to address challenging case studies. Through the professional placement or research project, you will apply the theoretical and practical knowledge gained in your degree to an authentic professional work or research environment.

Eight extension units offer great choices to creatively combine your agriculture core knowledge with other disciplines to give you an additional edge as a professional. You will profit from the University's research excellence in agriculture and its focus on regional and industry engagement through the opportunities to learn from leading industry experts, interact with top researchers, hear from experienced practitioners and engagement activities such as summer research projects, conferences attendance, or international activities. The Bachelor of Agriculture course prepares you for the rigours of the real world and ensures you have the skills to make a difference in the context of the emerging opportunities that a highly technical agricultural industry provides.

Core Units 16 Major Units None
Electives None Minor Units 4

Course structure

You are required to complete 16 core units and either:

  • an eight-unit minor in agribusiness in depth or animal and plant biology in-depth, or
  • two four-unit minors from either food chemistry and nutrition; entrepreneurship; or sustainable landscapes.

    Unit information

    For information on the units, you could study as part of this course, visit the Handbook and select the "Course Structure" tab.

    Credit transfer information

    If you have already completed a study relevant to the course you have enrolled in, you may be eligible for credit transfer.

    INNOVATIVE COURSE CONTENT
    You will experience innovative course content that combines broad agricultural knowledge of livestock and cropping, with relevant technologies and agribusiness. The applied focus of the course will provide you with industry-relevant training on a firm scientific basis.

    Your core studies provide you with a well-rounded understanding of crucial agricultural facets including agricultural systems, scientific research, irrigation management, plant science and crop production, livestock production, plant and livestock breeding strategies, crop protection, food industries, agriculture technology and more.

    Your core study provides you with a strong foundation to build on as you gain an understanding of increasingly complex concepts in the context of industry-relevant problems. You will learn about emerging agricultural innovations and current technological advances. You will have the flexibility to extend your studies with a major in agribusiness or two four-unit minors in agribusiness, biotechnology, chemical analytics, environmental monitoring and management, sustainable landscapes, or food chemistry and nutrition. The course is available to study on campus, and online with a combination of delivery approaches for unit content plus block practicums in one of our agriculture locations – Rockhampton and Bundaberg.

    Throughout your studies, you will complete a professional placement unit that allows you to apply the course content to real-world situations and enhances your understanding of agriculture from both a theoretical and practical perspective.

    LOCAL PRESENCE
    You will benefit from our local presence in regions that are home to a rich farming and agricultural landscape. Our courses are based in Central Queensland, where there is a diverse range of agricultural activities in livestock and crops such as cattle and sheep, cotton, grains such as wheat and sorghum, sugarcane, nuts, fruits and vegetable produce. Our local connections and reach provide you with practical and relevant experience and a solid understanding of Australia's diverse agricultural sector.

    WORLD-CLASS RESOURCES
    As a student, you will experience world-class facilities at our Central Queensland Innovation Research Precinct (CQIRP) and through the 3200-hectare Belmont Research Station.

    RESEARCH EXCELLENCE
    You will benefit from a University that strives for excellence in agricultural research. Our research and teaching in agriculture are recognised among the best in the world in six different agriculture and environmental science research categories, as noted in the 2018-19 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) National Report.

    Our strong focus on research means that you will learn from leading industry experts and experienced practitioners ensuring you graduate with relevant and up-to-date knowledge and skills.

    Home to the Institute of Future Farming Systems, CQUniversity offers an agricultural research program that is a world leader in delivering practical solutions which are bolstering the productivity, profitability and sustainability of the livestock and horticulture sectors.

    On-Campus Availability

    Term 1 - 2024Rockhampton
    Term 2 - 2023Rockhampton
    Term 2 - 2024Rockhampton


    Compulsory residential schools will be conducted in Bundaberg and/or Rockhampton.

    MinorsUnitsDescription
    Agribusiness in Depth8
    Animal and Plant Biology in Depth8
    Entrepreneurship4
    Food Chemistry and Nutrition4
    Liberal Studies4
    Sustainable Landscapes4


    MINOROVERVIEW
    Agribusiness in Depth Minor

    In this eight-unit minor you will learn about the principles of economics, marketing fundamental, foundations of business law, business finance, investment analysis and risk management, quality management, strategy and change, and entrepreneurship, innovation and start-ups. 

    Animal and Plant Biology in Depth Minor

    In this eight-unit minor you will study the basic functioning of plants and animals. You will explore a number of major themes in biology and learn about the role of the genome in adaptive change in living organisms, particularly animals. You'll have opportunities to gain knowledge of Australian vertebrate diversity and the necessary tools to understand the evolutionary, morphological, behavioural and ecological diversity of Australian vertebrate fauna. You will also learn about the limits placed on organisms by their physiology in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats, how organisms respond to environmental challenges, and how organisms have evolved to and are adapted to their ecological niche.

    Environmental Monitoring and Management Minor

    This minor will develop your skills in readiness for a career in any agricultural or environmental industry such as managing livestock or cropping operations, water systems or mining operations. Gain essential knowledge of natural and impacted landscape features and their management. Discover how erosion control, vegetation surveys, modern techniques of rehabilitation, productive use of degraded land and rehabilitation success criteria are used to return disturbed landscapes into sustainable or productive ecosystems. You will develop an understanding of geographic information systems and skills in making electronic maps and analysing geographic data.

    Food Chemistry and Nutrition Minor

    Agriculture is central to improving food security and nutrition of our communities locally and globally. In this minor you will learn fundamental chemical principles and discover the theoretical concepts of food science, from systems and sustainability and food chemistry to food quality and safety, preservation, additives, fermentation, microorganisms, biotechnology, food packaging, food regulation and labelling. You will also take a look at human nutrition and the role of nutrition in the maintenance of health and prevention of disease across the life span.

    Entrepreneurship Minor

    Business and Entrepreneurship plays a significant role in society. This unit builds your knowledge of the nature and roles of entrepreneurship, innovation and the entrepreneur in society. You will identify the key factors for entrepreneurial success and how to evaluate these factors. You will also explore theories and strategies of new product development and product management over its life cycle.

    Sustainable Landscapes Minor

    The environment plays a significant role in agriculture from droughts to flooding and in this minor you will become equipped you with the knowledge and skills to influence sustainable practices and find sustainable agricultural solutions.


    Unit NameCodeDescription
    Professional Placement or ProjectBIOL12050This unit provides students with an opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge and practical skills attained in their degree course to the professional work environment. Students will undertake either a) an industry placement, or b) a short research project for 120 hours. They will report on their experience in an appropriate format, identifying the nature of the work and activities undertaken. They will also reflect on how the knowledge gained and the skills developed during placement relate to their course of study and their future career.
    Students studying via distance and mixed-mode will be required to attend compulsory residential schools for some units.
    Entry scores are not applicable for this course.

    English Language Proficiency Requirements

    If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University.

    Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion of:

    • A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or
    • An Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) diploma level qualification, or
    • Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years fulltime with a minimum overall GPA 4.0

    completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.

    If you do not satisfy any of the above you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores:

    • An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 6.0 with a minimum 5.5 in each subset; or
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Requires 550 or better overall and minimum TWE score of 4.5 (Paper Based Test), or 75 or better overall and no score less than 17 (Internet Based Test); or
    • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Requires an overall score of 54 with no sub-score less than 46; or
    • An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components.

    English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.

    If you are an international student, visit our international student information for more details.

    Each student will be assessed individually.

    Security Requirements

    No information available at this time.

    Health Requirements

    No information available at this time.

    Assumed Knowledge

    Biology and Mathematical Methods

    Completion of the Bachelor of Agriculture will prepare you to pursue employment opportunities in areas such as:

    • agribusiness support sectors such as banking, consultancy, marketing, trading and logistics
    • agritech
    • agronomy
    • cropping
    • government policy development
    • horticulture
    • industry analysis
    • landcare coordination / management
    • livestock
    • production enterprise

    Employment opportunities exist within public and private sectors for example in management, consulting and research in cropping, agribusiness, horticulture, landcare, sustainability and livestock management.

    Professional recognition is not applicable to this course.
    2023 Indicative Fees
    Fee TypeFees
    International Indicative First Term Fee$17,280.00
    International Indicative First Year Fee$33,120.00

    Please note the following important information:

    • Fees are in Australian dollars (A$).
    • Fees are indicative only and do not cover additional costs such as textbooks, accommodation, visa applications, OSHC, general living etc.
    • Fees are based on a full-time study load and the final fee payable will be determined by your selection of units and if any credit was awarded for recognition of prior learning.
    • The University reserves the right to amend fees at any time during the course. Fees are reviewed yearly and may increase in the following year to enable CQUniversity to continue to provide quality services and facilities to students.
    • Courses are subject to change at the discretion of the University.
    • It is your responsibility to make yourself aware of the entry requirements and prerequisites of the courses you wish to undertake.
    • The typical annual fee shown provides an estimate of the tuition fees for the first year of the course in the same academic year. This estimate assumes a full-time study load of 4 units per term (based on two terms).
    • Students not on an Australian student visa can only undertake courses online from an overseas location.
    • Courses undertaken online may be studied on a full-time or part-time mode.
    • International students studying on-campus in Australia may take no more than 33 per cent of their entire course by online education, and this option cannot be taken in its entirety during a compulsory term (Term 1 and Term 2).

    Please refer to our international course fees page.

    We offer a range of scholarships to support international students and encourage you to apply for one that's right for you.

    QueenslandONL: 855532; BDG: 819632; EMD: 829632; ROK: 859632
    New South WalesONL: 160721
    Western AustraliaONL: 150721
    VictoriaONL: 1700110641

    If you apply via a Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC) listed under 'How to Apply', please use the relevant TAC code listed above to complete your application.

    Our easy to use online application system for international students will guide you through the process of applying for a course at CQUniversity Australia.

    Apply direct

    STUDY AGRICULTURE AT CQU

    Transcript

    I really enjoy the innovative course structure, and the theoretical and practical components. Specifically, the engaging field trips and having expertise from industry or other disciplines guest lecture to share different perspectives.

    Chang Hung Peng

    Bachelor of Agriculture

    The field trips are beneficial because researchers can observe and think at the scene of behaviour and have the flexibility that other research methods can't. CQU helps students to be enthusiastic and realise their full potential.

    Xinhan Yang

    Bachelor of Agriculture