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    Bachelor of Agricultural Science
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    Massey University

    Bachelor of Agricultural Science

    Massey University
    University RankQS Ranking
    239

    Key Facts

    Program Level

    Bachelor

    Study Type

    Full Time

    Delivery

    On Campus

    Campuses

    Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)

    Program Language

    English

    Start & Deadlines

    Next Intake Deadlines15-Jul-2024
    Apply to this program

    Go to the official application for the university

    Duration 4 year(s)
    Next Intake 15-Jul-2024

    Bachelor of Agricultural Science

    About

    Study a Bachelor of Agricultural Science – BAgSci

    Agriculture dominates New Zealands economy – generating billions in export earnings every year.

    The Bachelor of Agricultural Science will give you the relevant, up-to-date skills to help you take your place in this exciting industry.

    You will dig into every aspect of agriculture. That includes pastures, crops, animal and soil sciences, economics, agribusiness.  and the influence of Government policies, regulations and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations. You will learn about future and present issues in the industry and gain skills in the use of technology in agriculture. Disciplines like engineering, physics, chemistry and biology are also an important part of gaining a broad understanding of the primary industries.

    Experience before you graduate

    Industry experience is integrated into this degree. Youll be able to experience and analyse real-world scenarios while you are studying. We align this qualification with what employers are looking for – globally. Most agriculture students secure employment before they graduate.

    Variety

    One of the best things about this degree is the variety of study. Youll learn about animals and agriculture, soils and pasture, be introduced to agribusiness and decision-making skills. Youll also study economics, chemistry, physics and ecology.

    Practical work

    As part of this qualification, youll need to do at least 26 weeks of full-time work. This is usually done during the summer when work is readily available on farms and with rural businesses.

    Award-winning facilities

    Masseys Manawatū campus has internationally award-winning multi-function teaching laboratories. These are unique in Australasia.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Courses and specialisations

    Key terms

    Courses
    Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
    Course code
    Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
    Credits
    Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
    Specialisations
    Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.

    Credit summary

    360 credits

    • Compulsory courses – 255 credits
    • Schedule A compulsory course selection – 90 credits
    • Elective selected from specified degrees – 15 credits
    • 26 weeks of practical work experience and reports

    Ensure that overall, you have:

    • No more than 165 credits at 100 level
    • At least 75 credits at 300 level

    Elective can be chosen from BAgSci, BHortSci, BAgribusiness, BSc, BA, BBus, BAnSci or BInfSc.

    Course planning key

    Prerequisites
    Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
    Corequisites
    Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
    Restrictions
    Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.

    Schedule A (Choose 345 credits from)

    Compulsory courses (Choose 240 credits from)

    Code
    Course
    Credits
    Choose 240 credits from
    Course code: 115113 Economics for Business Credits: 15 credits

    The course examines the nature of the contemporary economic environment in which businesses operate, and considers how economics can aid in business decision-making.

    Restrictions: 115106

    View full course details
    Course code: 117153 Introduction to Animal Production in New Zealand Credits: 15 credits

    An introduction to animals and animal science in New Zealand, covering a broad range of animal species and incorporating the principles of nutrition, reproduction, lactation, genetics and growth. A brief overview of New Zealand’s livestock production systems and consideration of animal ethics, welfare and biosecurity issues.

    Restrictions: 117152, 117155, 199101

    View full course details
    Course code: 117201 Livestock Production Science Credits: 15 credits

    Developing understanding of the important drivers underpinning New Zealand’s livestock and companion animal industries and how these can be altered to achieve the desired outcomes. Knowledge will be gained on the major animal welfare and environmental issues facing New Zealand agriculture and how these might be mitigated against.

    Prerequisites: One of 117152, 117153, 117155, 194101, 199101, or 199103

    View full course details
    Course code: 119120 Plants for Agriculture and Horticulture Credits: 15 credits

    An introduction to the agricultural and horticultural species important to New Zealand's economy. Growth and development of agricultural and horticultural plants; their responses to the environment and management, and implications for production. Identification and biology of agricultural and horticultural plants, including weeds, pests and pathogens important to plant production.

    Restrictions: 283101, 284101

    View full course details
    Course code: 119150 Practicum I Credits: 0 credits

    Industry experience for at least ten consecutive weeks in a public or private business related to the land-based industries. A descriptive report demonstrating satisfactory observational, analytical and reporting skills is required.

    View full course details
    Course code: 119180 Introduction to Agribusiness Credits: 15 credits

    An introduction to the organisation, structure and governance of New Zealand agribusiness in a global context. Examines the international and domestic macro environment and its impact on New Zealand agribusiness. Explores New Zealand farm systems within an agribusiness context.

    View full course details
    Course code: 119250 Practicum II Credits: 0 credits

    Industry experience for at least ten consecutive weeks in a public or private business related to the land-based industries. A detailed, investigative report identifying and analysing opportunities, problems, policies and technical and research issues is required.

    Prerequisites: 119150

    View full course details
    Course code: 119258 Agricultural Systems Credits: 15 credits

    An interdisciplinary study of agricultural systems to describe and analyse the relationships between system components. Analysis of the inter-relationships within agricultural systems, including the sub-systems for primary production, processing, marketing and policy, and the relationships of these systems within their environment.

    Prerequisites: 119281

    View full course details
    Course code: 119270 Policy, Regulation and Government in Primary Industry Credits: 15 credits

    Legal responsibilities and compliance associated with primary production; obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and examples of legislation including resource management, hazardous substances and new organisms, animal welfare, health and safety, food safety, biosecurity and employment. Central and local government, and industry systems. Implications for owners, managers and employees in the rural sector.

    View full course details
    Course code: 119281 Decision Tools for Primary Industries Credits: 15 credits

    Application of decision tools for farm systems analysis at the tactical level. Analytical frameworks to assist decision-making in finance, human resources, production and marketing.

    Prerequisites: 119180 or 117155

    View full course details
    Course code: 119373 Integrative Studies Credits: 15 credits

    An integrative course designed to emphasise the importance of the broad knowledge base gained in the degree and the value of multidisciplinary teams in addressing the issues and problems of importance to the industries served by the degree. Emphasis will be placed on the application of knowledge to problem-solving, group learning and problem-solving strategies and communication in the context of applied science. Real-world problems will be used.

    Prerequisites: 119250

    View full course details
    Course code: 119381 Decision-Making in Primary Industry Credits: 15 credits

    A practical approach to the management of strategy, finance and tactics in primary industry. An exploration, through in-field case studies and business analysis, of planning under uncertainty.

    Prerequisites: 119281

    View full course details
    Course code: 138255 Applied Engineering in Agriculture and Horticulture Systems Credits: 15 credits

    Engineering principles underpinning the systems used in the growing, harvest and post-harvest treatment of agricultural and horticultural products. Emphasis is placed on deriving the system performance specification following consideration of capacity, product quality and safety, and ecological requirements.

    View full course details
    Course code: 161140 Agri-Statistics Credits: 15 credits

    An introduction to statistics in an agricultural context, including the presentation, analysis and interpretation of quantitative data.

    Restrictions: 161100, 161101, 161111, 161120, 161122, 161130, 115101, 195101

    View full course details
    Course code: 189151 Principles of Soil Science Credits: 15 credits

    An integrated introductory course in soil science. An exploration of the interaction between soil and the environment, soil formation and morphology, soil physical, chemical, and biological properties and their influence on soil management, nutrient cycling, and soil-plant interactions.

    Prerequisites: 247111

    View full course details
    Course code: 189251 Soil Fertility and Fertilisers Credits: 15 credits

    Soil conditions in relation to nutrient cycling in agricultural production systems. Macro and micro plant nutrients. The composition, properties and uses of fertilisers. Soil water relationship, interactions with plant nutrient uptake and loss from soil. Methods of evaluating nutrient levels in soils.

    Prerequisites: 189151 or 189142

    View full course details
    Course code: 247111 Science and Sustainability for Agriculture and Horticulture Credits: 15 credits

    The pursuit of environmental sustainability is a c

    English Program Requirements

    We offer short English language courses, such as the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course, IELTS tests and preparation courses and Occupational English Tests.

    Recognised English language examinations

    We recognise these English language examinations:

    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – academic scores only
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
    • Cambridge English Qualifications
    • NZCEL
    • Pearson Test of English (Academic)
    • LanguageCert.

    Career

    Careers and job opportunities

    The industry is made up of a huge range of organisations, including farming, processing and marketing produce, logistics of product supply, as well as the associated service industries such as banking, company technical representatives and consultants. That means there is a huge range of careers on offer for those with the right skills.

    Industries where agricultural science skills are utilised include:

    • fertiliser
    • seed
    • banking
    • biosecurity
    • breeding
    • consultancy
    • agricultural production
    • farm tourism
    • management
    • policy
    • research and development
    • sales and marketing
    • teaching. 

    How to Apply

    When you apply to study with us as a international student the first step is to apply for admission into a qualification.

    You will be admitted into your chosen qualification once you have:

    • been offered a place
    • accepted your offer, and
    • paid your fees.

    You will then be able to apply for enrolment in the courses that make up your qualification.

    View our overview of the application process

    Prepare to apply for admission

    Check the entry and English language requirements

    Entrance and English language requirements

    Choose your qualification

    Explore the qualifications Massey has to offer and choose what you would like to apply for.

    Find a course or qualification

    If your qualification has majors or endorsements (specialisations) you will be able to choose one when you apply for admission. You will be able to choose an additional major or endorsement, and minors, when you apply for courses.

    For some qualifications you will need to give us specific information when you apply such as personal statements, portfolios or completed forms.

    If you are a postgraduate research student you may also need to decide how many credits of research you would like to do. You should also contact the right department to discuss the possible research opportunities.

    List of Massey departments

    Choose where you want to study

    As an international student you will generally study full-time at one of our campuses in New Zealand. However, there are also options for distance and online study.

    Massey campus guides

    Distance and online study

    Identify documents you need to supply

    Documents you need to apply for admission

    Check application due dates

    Make sure you check the admission application due dates so you don not miss out.

    Admission application due dates

    Apply for admission

    New students apply for admission on our website.

    Returning students apply by logging in to the student portal and going to the Admissions tab.

    After you apply for admission

    Acknowledgement of application

    You can expect to get an acknowledgement from us within 1 week of submitting your application.

    Outstanding documents

    We will contact you if you have not given us all of the documents we need.

    Offer of Place

    You will get an email letting you know an Offer of Place message is in the student portal if your application is successful.

    Once you get your Offer of Place you can:

    • accept it
    • decline it
    • apply to defer your start date or change your study location.

    If you decline your offer you will be withdrawn from the qualification you applied for.

    If you want to change to a different qualification you need to make a new admission application.

    Paying your fees

    Once you have accepted your Offer of Place you need to pay your fees.

    View fee payment options

    After your fees are paid we will send you an international Receipt of Payment. You can use this letter and your admission Offer of Place as part of the documentation you need to get a visa from Immigration New Zealand. We will also send you an email with your Massey student ID number.

    Prepare for course enrolment

    You will be invited to apply for the specific courses you want to study within your qualification once:

    • you have accepted your Offer of Place
    • you have paid your fees
    • enrolments are open.

    Choose your courses

    Review your qualification structure. When you select your courses you need to make sure you meet all of the requirements for your qualification. You also need to work out which courses to study first and how many to study.

    Find a course or qualification

    Planning your courses guide

    Contact our academic advice team

    Check the due dates

    Make sure you know the due dates for adding courses. You should also check the semester dates and exam periods.

    Due dates for adding courses

    Semester and exam period dates

    Log in to the student portal

    To apply for enrolment in courses, go to the Qualifications and courses tab when you log in to the student portal

    After you apply for courses

    Offer of Enrolment

    If we approve your application to enrol in the specific courses for your qualification you will get an Offer of Enrolment message in the student portal. You need to accept this.

    Finalise your enrolment in person

    If you are a new international student studying in New Zealand you will need to show evidence of your identity and your student visa to finish your enrolment.

    Bring your visa and passport to Campus Information Service – Mōhiohio a few days before semester starts. You can also bring them to orientation. Orientation is a series of events to celebrate your start at university.

    Orientation dates and information

    Confirmation of Enrolment

    Once you accept your Offer of Enrolment, you will get a Confirmation of Enrolment message in the student portal. It will contain:

    • confirmation of the qualification you are studying and any specialisations (majors, minors or endorsements)
    • confirmation of the courses you are approved to take
    • any courses that could not be approved or that you withdrew from (the reason will be shown)
    • due dates for withdrawing from courses without financial and academic penalties
    • fees information.

    Changing your qualification or courses

    You can change your qualification or courses on the Qualification and courses tab in the student portal.

    You need to allow time for us to process your changes so you get access to your study material before you start.

    Changing and withdrawing from study

    Massey University

    Bachelor of Agricultural Science

    Massey University

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    New Zealand,

    Palmerston North

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