Overview
Join an industry with a bright future
The Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree gives you the contemporary agriculture-related skills you will need to become a leader in this rapidly growing international industry.
Level
- Undergraduate, NZQF Level 7
Credits
- 360
Duration
- 3 year(s) full-time. Available part-time.
Other
- Not all listed subject course options are on offer every year. Some distance courses contain compulsory contact workshops.
Agriculture dominates New Zealand’s 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. You’ll be able to experience and analyse real-world scenarios while you are studying. We align this programme 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. You’ll learn about animals and agriculture, soils and pasture, be introduced to agribusiness and decision-making skills. You’ll also study economics, chemistry, physics and ecology.
Practical work
As part of this programme, you’ll 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
Massey’s Manawatū campus has internationally award-winning multi-function teaching laboratories. These are unique in Australasia.
Careers and further study
Careers
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.
International students
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
Entry requirements
University admission
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Programme admission
Required
There are no specific entry requirements for this programme, outside of university admission regulations.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language and the admission requirements were not completed at an educational institution where English is the medium of instruction, you need an IELTS of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 to enter this programme.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Enquire button on this page.
If you do not have the entry requirements
English language and foundation courses
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, we have courses and programmes that may help.
- English Language Proficiency
- Foundation Certificate in Academic English
- Foundation Certificate in Advanced Academic English
- Full Foundation - Certificate in Foundation Studies
Summer School
If you need to do a course before you start your programme, there may be options for you in Summer School.
Courses and planning
Credit summary
360 credits
300 credits (at least)
From the Schedule to the Degree including:
Compulsory courses
300-level Schedule courses
60 credits
Elective courses selected from specific degrees
Ensure that overall, you also have:
- No more than 165 credits at 100 level
- At least 75 credits at 300 level
- 26 weeks of practical work experience and complete reports 119150 and 119250
Attend block courses, contact workshops, field trips, studios, workshops, tutorials and laboratories as required.
See ‘Courses for this programme’ below for schedules of courses.
Courses for this programme
Schedule A (300 credits)
Compulsory courses
| 255 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| 115113 | Economics for Business | 15 |
| 117153 | Introduction to Animal Production in New Zealand | 15 |
| 117201 | Livestock Production Science | 15 |
| 119120 | Plants for Agriculture and Horticulture | 15 |
| 119150 | Practicum I | 0 |
| 119180 | Introduction to Agribusiness | 15 |
| 119250 | Practicum II | 0 |
| 119258 | Agricultural Systems | 15 |
| 119270 | Policy, Regulation and Government in Primary Industry | 15 |
| 119281 | Decision Tools for Primary Industries | 15 |
| 119373 | Integrative Studies | 15 |
| 119381 | Decision-Making in Primary Industry | 15 |
| 123103 | Chemistry for Modern Sciences | 15 |
| 138255 | Engineering Principles in Food and Fibre Production | 15 |
| 161140 | Agri-Statistics | 15 |
| 189151 | Principles of Soil Science | 15 |
| 189251 | Soil Fertility and Fertilisers | 15 |
| 247111 | Science and Sustainability for Agriculture and Horticulture | 15 |
| 283201 | Pasture and Crop Agronomy | 15 |
Compulsory course selections
| 45 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| 117371 | Animal Production | 15 |
| 117381 | Solving Problems in Animal Production | 15 |
| 119358 | Agricultural Production Systems | 15 |
| 138301 | Precision Agriculture Technologies | 15 |
| 189362 | Soil Fertility and the Environment | 15 |
| 189363 | Soil Resources and Sustainable Land Use | 15 |
| 189365 | Studies in Soil Science | 15 |
| 283301 | Pasture Production and Practice | 15 |
| 283305 | Arable Production | 15 |
| 283311 | Controlling Weeds | 15 |
| 283321 | Trees on Farms | 15 |
Schedule B: Elective courses (60 credits)
An approved selection of 100-, 200- and 300-level courses listed in the schedules to the following degree programmes: BAgSci, BHortSci, BAgriCommerce, BSc, BA, BBus and BInfSc.
Schedule C: Specialisations
Please refer to individual specialisation page for a list of courses for your specialisation.Elective courses (60 credits)
An approved selection of 100-, 200- and 300-level courses listed in the schedules to the following degree programmes: BAgSci, BAgriCommerce, BSc, BA, BBus and BInfSc.
Planning your programme
Planning overview
If you study full-time, in your first year, you’ll take eight 15-credit courses, making a total of 120 credits.
If you wish to study over two semesters, you should aim for 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school. Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.
Compulsory courses
You will take a selection of compulsory courses throughout the degree, most of which are in the first year. These include courses in introductory science, economics and agribusiness. This will equip you to go on to more advanced courses in the second and third years of study.
Practical work requirement
The practical work requirement consists of at least 26 weeks full-time work. This is completed by submission of two reports for assessment. Practical work is normally done during summer vacations throughout the degree. Summer jobs are readily available on farms, orchards and other rural enterprises.
Typical pattern for the Bachelor of Agricultural Science
Core courses These courses are a compulsory part of your qualification.
Elective courses Follow your interests. Your qualification may have selection guidelines for elective courses.
| Year one |
|---|
| 115.113 Economics of Business |
| 117.153 Introduction to Animal Production in NZ |
| 119.120 Plants for Agriculture & Horticulture |
| 119.180 Introduction to Agribusiness |
| 123.103 Chemistry for Modern Sciences |
| 161.140 Agri-Statistics |
| 189.151 Principles of Soil Science |
| 247.111 Science and Sustainability for Agriculture and Horticulture |
| Year two |
|---|
| 117.201 Livestock Production Science |
| 119.258 Agricultural Systems |
| 119.270 Policy, Regulation & Government in Primary Industry |
| 119.281 Decision Tools for Primary Industries |
| 138.255 Engineering Principles in Food & Fibre Production |
| 189.251 Soil Fertility & Fertilisers |
| 283.201 Pasture & Crop Agronomy |
| Elective from selected degrees |
| 119.150 Practicum I 0 credits |
| Year three |
|---|
| 300-level course from compulsory list |
| 300-level course from compulsory list |
| 300-level course from compulsory list |
| 119.373 Integrative Studies |
| 119.381 Decision-Making in Primary Industry |
| Elective from selected degrees |
| Elective from selected degrees |
| Elective from selected degrees |
| 119.250 Practicum II 0 credits |
Courses are each worth 15 credits
Fees and scholarships
Fees and finance
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
If you already know which courses you are going to take, you can use our fees calculator to get an estimate of your fees.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students will find their National Student Number on their student homepage.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student homepage login
A good fit if you:
- enjoy applied sciences
- are interested in a career in the primary industries.
Meet our students
“
I loved my experience at Massey University, keeping busy with sport, study and Massey Young Farmer’s Club. My time at Massey University gave me friendships and skills that will last the rest of my life.
” Courtney Hill
“
Studying agriculture opened my eyes to the vast range of career opportunities in the primary industry.
” Hamish Best
“
The best part of my degree was the people I studied with. We helped each other out, knew what each other were up to, and created a support network to lean on. I also enjoyed the practical elements of my degree.
” Kate Stewart
Accreditations and rankings
Massey is world-ranked and New Zealand’s No 1 university in agriculture according to QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) rankings.
Massey University is ranked No.1 in New Zealand for agricultural science by ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Regulations
Review this important information before you apply for this programme. This gives you full details of the rules and regulations about what you need to study and what you must achieve in order to graduate with this qualification. That includes structure, courses and requirements. These regulations should be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including the below.
Undergraduate programmes
Postgraduate regulations
General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
Applying and enrolling
Applying for the programme
Check you are ready
If you are ready to apply, have a look at our application checklist. It will help you get prepared with what you need. Please also check the entry requirements carefully before you apply.
Choose your programme and click on Apply now
You will apply for the programme using the Apply now button on this page. You’ll also choose your specialisation (major, subject or endorsement) if applicable.
Some programmes have additional requirements such as the submission of a portfolio or CV. Click on Apply now and you will be able to submit those documents as part of the application process.
Receive and accept an Admission Offer of Place
You will receive an Admission Offer of Place when you have been accepted into the programme. You need to accept this before you can enrol in your courses. International students also need to pay their fees at this point.
Enrolling in courses
You’ll then get access to your own student homepage (also known as the student portal). This is where you can enrol in courses. Any updates on your application or enrolments will also be on your student homepage. Make sure you check this regularly.
When you choose courses, ensure you check for any requirements that apply including:
- prerequisites (courses you have to do before the one you are enrolling in)
- corequisites (courses you have to do at the same time as the one you are enrolling in)
- restrictions (courses that you cannot enrol in if you are completing or have completed another identified similar course)
- location – for instance some distance-based courses still have an on-campus element, so double check that the way the course is taught is suitable for your situation.
Each of our courses has its own webpage where you can find this information. You can use our course search to find course pages.
More information on courses is in the ‘Courses for this programme’ section on this page.
You can find information on application due dates and semester dates on the key dates page.
We look forward to welcoming you to Massey!
If you have any questions, contact us through the Enquire button on this page.
What are courses and credits?
What are courses and credits?
Each Massey programme is made up of courses (in some tertiary institutions they are called ‘papers’).
You will have some compulsory courses and some you can choose from.
Each course is worth a certain amount of credits (often 15 credits, but this does vary). You must gain a set number of credits to be able to graduate from this programme.
There may also be some rules about which courses you need to pass to progress to the next year, or stage, of your study (known as progression). There are also courses you must pass to graduate with a specialisation.
- See the ‘Courses for this programme’ section for the list of courses.
- Courses search
Understanding course numbers
The first three digits of our course numbers show you which subject the course is about.
The second three digits show you the level and course ID number. For instance:
- sub-degree courses are '0' (i.e. xxx.0xx)
- undergraduate study begins at 100-level, (i.e. xxx.1xx)
- as you progress through 200- and 300-level courses this number changes to 2 and 3 respectively. The higher the number that starts the second three digits, the higher the level of study
| 1 | 6 | 2 | . | 3 | 0 | 1 | |
| Subject area | Level | Course ID number | |||||
About electives
Electives are courses that are not compulsory. Certain guidelines are usually provided on courses you may take. Elective courses contribute to the programme, but not to your major or specialisation.
Workload and time management
Use this tool to help determine how much time you will need each week to complete your studies.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the programme or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these programmes go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
Scholarships and awards
Scholarships related to this programme
- Agcarm Undergraduate Agricultural Scholarship
- Alex C P Chu Trade for Training Scholarship
- Allan Kay Undergraduate Memorial Scholarship
- Andrew Turnbull Scholarship
- CRV AmBreed Scholarship
There are a number of scholarships available for new and current students. They could relate to your situation, achievement or interest.