- Where you can study
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Distance and onlineManawatū campus (Palmerston North)
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International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
- Open to international students on campus in New Zealand, or studying online outside New Zealand
Specialise in Horticultural Management for your Bachelor of Agribusiness at Massey
Horticulture is a rapidly growing sector of New Zealand's primary industries. From strategic to organisational skills, you’ll learn how to build and deliver profitable businesses on a sustainable basis. If you are invested in a career in management in the horticulture industry, this specialsiation is for you.
Varied, applied and relevant study
The industry requires graduates with a broad knowledge of plant-based food value chains to fill positions across production, processing, logistics and governance, and particularly in management roles. Many students wanting to study agribusiness have an interest in horticulture; now we are combining the two in demand areas.
A growing, innovative industry
The horticulture industry is expected to generate $7 billion in export revenue this year, rising to $8.19 billion in 2025.
Relevant horticulture industry knowledge
This is a horticulture industry focused qualification. There is an unmet demand for graduates with a knowledge of business allied with horticulture.
Put horticultural business into perspective
Horticulture currently employs about 40,000 people in New Zealand and demand for workers at all levels of the industry is predicted to increase as a result of on-going growth. This includes horticulture agribusiness managers.
Massey has been teaching agriculture and horticulture since 1927 and horticulture was one of our first qualifications. Massey's goal of supporting New Zealand’s primary industries is well established and we are ranked first in New Zealand. We work with industry to train the graduates they need for the future.
A Bachelor of Agribusiness in Horticultural Management is a good fit if you:
- are interested in horticulture and business
- have an interest in the science behind food production
- enjoy practical problem solving
- want a broad range of practical skills and knowledge in horticultural agribusiness that you can apply to your future career.
Planning information
Planning information
The Bachelor of Agribusiness (Horticulture Management) is 180 credits. In your first year, you'll take mainly compulsory courses from the qualification core. Most of these courses are shared with other majors in the BAgribusiness. You could switch majors with little disruption.
Courses in years two and three define the major and include a mix of compulsory and compulsory selections. Remaining credits for the degree are made up of elective courses. You'll also include two zero-credit practicum courses, and compile reports based on two 13-week periods of work experience.
The schedule includes a mix of courses offered by the College of Sciences and Massey Business School.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.
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 qualification 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 qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Courses you can enrol in
Courses you can enrol in
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.
Core courses for the Bachelor of Agribusiness
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Bachelor of Agribusiness core courses
Horticultural Management courses
Compulsory courses
Course code: 119258 Agricultural and Horticultural Systems 15 credits
An interdisciplinary study of agricultural and Horticultural systems to describe and analyse the relationships between system components. Analysis of the inter-relationships within these systems, including the sub-systems for primary production, processing, marketing and policy, and the relationships of these systems within their environment.
View full course detailsCourse code: 119281 Decision Tools for Primary Industries 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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 119381 Decision-Making in Primary Industry 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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 161140 Agricultural and Horticultural Statistics 15 credits
An introduction to statistics in an agricultural and horticultural context, including the presentation, analysis and interpretation of quantitative data.
View full course detailsCourse code: 189151 Principles of Soil Science 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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 247111 Science and Sustainability for Agriculture and Horticulture 15 credits
The pursuit of environmental sustainability is a complex societal issue. This is a problem-based course, where students will develop their critical thinking, communication and information literacy and management skills as they evaluate interdisciplinary approaches to the contemporary sustainability challenge of climate action. Students will explore the intersection of science and community through exemplars of partnership between research and Te Ao Māori (the Māori world) in the context of primary production in Aotearoa New Zealand.
View full course detailsCourse code: 284301 Horticultural Crop Development & Yield 15 credits
Physiological and applied aspects of monitoring, predicting and manipulating crop growth and development in production horticulture in order to optimize yield, quality and timeliness. Prediction of crop growth and development in response to changes in the environment and the associated decisions made by growers.
View full course detailsCourse code: 284342 Horticultural Productivity and Quality 15 credits
The role of crop architecture and the modification of the aerial environment for optimising yield and pre-harvest product quality, as well as the factors affecting quality and shelf life of horticultural commodities through the handling chain.
View full course detailsCourse code: 285201 Understanding Plant Protection 15 credits
The importance of diseases, pests and weeds to horticultural, agricultural and forestry production, trade, gardening and conservation is outlined. The course introduces the biology of these organisms and gives an understanding of their management and control. An introduction to strategies available for chemical, non-chemical and integrated control methods is included together with examples. A course of practical work.
View full course detailsCompulsory Course Selection
Course code: 119231 Agricultural and Horticultural Infrastructure 15 credits
Overview of agricultural and horticultural properties detailing the structures, electricity supply, water systems, site layout and wastewater management.
View full course detailsCourse code: 119270 Policy, Regulation and Government in Primary Industry 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 detailsCourse code: 120219 Plants and People 15 credits
Plants as sources of food and beverage, medicine, fibres and dyes, with emphasis on their origin, domestication and the role of plant breeding to improve plants for human use. The physiological effects of active plant compounds on the body. The cultural and geographic origins of commercially important plants.
View full course detailsCourse code: 138255 Applied Engineering in Agriculture and Horticulture Systems 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 detailsCourse code: 152261 International Business 15 credits
A study of business and management from an international perspective. This course provides an introduction to the conduct of business in the global environment by exploring different forms of international business activity in the context of regionalism and globalism.
View full course detailsCourse code: 189251 Soil Fertility Management 15 credits
This course examines the influence of soil factors on plant nutrient cycling in agricultural production systems. The composition, properties and uses of fertilisers to improve soil fertility and the associated environmental issues arising from soil water relationships and interactions with plant nutrients. Methods for measuring nutrient levels in soils will also be covered.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Fees and scholarships
Fees and scholarships
2026 tuition fees
- Domestic students: $8,761
- International students: $42,300
Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The estimates do not include the Student Services Fee. This fee is $1,164 for on-campus students and $948 for distance students for full-time study (120 credits). For more information about this fee and other fees you may need to pay, see non-tuition fees.
There may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
Course fees
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
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, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Inland Revenue website.
Scholarship and award opportunities
- Massey University Undergraduate First Year Scholarship – School Leavers
- Zespri Horticultural Scholarship
Fees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
Careers and job opportunities
Many potential employers operate in the horticulture industry, reflecting its diversity. Massey horticulture graduates have found employment in a range of organisations including OnionsNZ, Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Southern Cross Horticulture, Biolumic and PGGWrightson. These organisations are engaged in grower advocacy, research, nutrient management, water management and supply of goods and services for the food and farming industries.
Representatives of these organisations visit the Manawatū campus every year to meet students interested in the careers available, including the horticulture industry. Massey’s strength is in its connections to the industry and some of the larger employers visiting have included Ministry for Primary Industries, Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Ravensdown, ASB Bank, Rabobank, BNZ and ANZ Bank.
International students
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.
Plan your courses
View your course options and plan your study using our course planner.
Related study options
Horticultural Production – Bachelor of Horticultural and Plant Systems
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Horticultural Science – Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology
Learn from, and research with, highly-skilled, researchers in horticulture. A Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Horticultural Science) is the stepping stone to a research-based qualification.
Horticultural Science – Master of Science
Dig deeper into horticulture. Use Massey’s experts and world-leading facilities to develop your own ground-breaking research.
Integrative Plant Biology – Bachelor of Horticultural and Plant Systems
Where plant biology meets real-world impact – hands-on, job-ready, future-focused.
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