Specialise in Animal Agri-Technology for your Bachelor of Animal Science at Massey
The Bachelor of Animal Science (Animal Agri-Technology) combines animal science with advanced technologies and data management. You'll be prepared for the future of animal production and management.
By combining a strong foundation in animal science with knowledge of cutting-edge technologies and data skills, you'll graduate ready to drive innovation across New Zealand's primary sector and beyond.
Learn from the best
Massey University’s animal, agricultural and veterinary science professionals are among the best in the world. They will teach you about the latest developments in animal science. You will obtain a solid base of knowledge in animal welfare. You’ll also learn about nutrition and growth as well as animal genetics and breeding.
Internationally relevant
Massey has a number of internationally recognised animal-based research centres. These include the world-leading Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre (AWSBC).
The Centre's research focuses on areas including developing fresh frameworks for understanding animal welfare. It evaluates husbandry practices and systems. It also covers pest control and analysing ethical dimensions of welfare problems.
The AWSBC was the first animal welfare focused research centre in the world to become an OIE Collaborating Centre (with the World Organisation for Animal Health). This recognises the AWSBC as being a group with internationally relevant expertise.
A Bachelor of Animal Science in Animal Agri-Technology is a good fit if you:
- are interested in both animal biology and emerging agri-technologies
- want to learn to use data and digital tools to improve animal health, welfare, productivity and sustainability
- enjoy solving real-world problems in agriculture using science, technology and evidence-based decision making.
Planning information
Planning information
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 2 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.
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 Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
Courses you can enrol in
Courses you can enrol in
Core courses for the Bachelor of Animal Science
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Bachelor of Animal Science core courses
Animal Agri-Technology courses
Compulsory courses
Course code: 119180 Introduction to Agribusiness 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 detailsCourse code: 119373 Integrative Studies 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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 138250 Introduction to Agri-Technology 15 credits
This course is an introduction to new technologies in the primary industries including satellite monitoring and communication, wireless networking, drone monitoring, spectral imaging, big data analysis, global positioning systems, biotechnology and artificial intelligence. Opportunities to integrate use of these technologies in New Zealand primary production systems and the potential benefits will also be explored.
View full course detailsCourse code: 138301 Precision Agriculture Technologies 15 credits
Knowledge of remote and proximal sensing, and precision livestock techniques to provide information to mitigate environmental impacts under intensive farm production systems. Consideration of issues of resource use, optimization of farm production and environmental performance of primary industries.
View full course detailsCourse code: 138350 Agriculture Technology Systems 15 credits
This course covers the use of Agri-Technology to improve productivity, profitability, environmental performance and resilience to economic, climatic and biological threats in pastoral and horticultural production systems. Case studies will be used to illustrate the advantages and challenges with Agri-Technology. The course will include visits to local businesses already using or considering investing in Agri-Technology.
View full course detailsCourse code: 157241 Technology Innovations for Organisations 15 credits
A comprehensive study of major technology innovations and organisational contexts within which digital innovations are developed and used from user, manager, organisational and societal perspectives.
View full course detailsCourse code: 233214 GIS and Spatial Statistics 15 credits
Introduction to handling and analysis of digital geospatial data. Operation of GIS software, including collection, processing and understanding of data, production of maps and geospatial projection systems. Integration of spatial statistical software with GIS. Introduction to appropriate spatial statistics techniques including kernel smoothing, kriging, point processes and spatially correlated areal data.
View full course details15 credits from
Course code: 157216 Management, Analytics and Decision Making 15 credits
Introduction to techniques and issues involved in using data to support organisational decision making.
View full course detailsCourse code: 297201 Data Wrangling and Machine Learning 15 credits
An introduction to the data science workflow involving the acquisition, processing, transformation and integration of data from disparate sources having inherently different data structures, from which actionable insights can be extracted. Entry-level machine learning and statistical techniques for analysing and extracting knowledge from data will be covered. Particular emphasis will be placed on attaining competency in using a high-level programming language for conducting data-driven problem solving and appreciating the necessary agility such tools afford.
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.
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Expected high school preparation
Knowledge gained in the following NCEA subjects (or the equivalent in Cambridge International Examinations, International Baccalaureate, or similar) will give you the expected background knowledge to take this qualification.
- At least 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Biology.
- At least 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Chemistry.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Can't meet the entry requirements?
If it’s some time since you have studied mathematics at school you can find out if you have the required background by taking this maths quiz.
Haven’t studied the right subjects at high school?
The following pathways will get you prepared to study this qualification:
If you have not studied NCEA Level 3 Biology (or equivalent) take the following course first:
- 162103 Introductory Biology
If you have not studied NCEA Level 3 Chemistry (or equivalent) take the following course first:
- 123103 Chemistry for Modern Sciences.
These courses are available in summer school and can be taken as a Certificate in Science and Technology or Certificate of Proficiency. One 100-level course can be counted as an elective towards the Bachelor of Animal Science.
If you won’t have reached University Entrance before summer school begins, you may be able to apply through Discretionary Entrance.
Fees and scholarships
Fees and scholarships
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.
Scholarships and awards
Search our scholarships and awardsCareers and job opportunities
Careers and job opportunities
The Bachelor of Animal Science with a major in Animal Agri-Technology offers the knowledge, attributes and expertise you'll need for the careers of the future. You will be qualified for technical, advocacy and management roles across different types of industries and animals. These include:
- Precision Livestock Farming Specialist
- Animal Agri-Technology Consultant
- Livestock Data Analyst
- Farm Systems Analyst
- Livestock Systems Advisor
- Animal Production Technology Specialist
- Digital Agriculture / Smart Farming Advisor
- Animal Health and Monitoring Systems Specialist
- Research and Development Officer (Agri-Technology)
- Technical Support Specialist (Agri-Tech Industry)
You could use this degree as a stepping stone to postgraduate study and a career in research.
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 5 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 3 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.
Accreditations and rankings
QS Ranking - Agriculture and Forestry
Massey is world-ranked and New Zealand’s No 1 university in agriculture according to QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) rankings.
ShanghaiRanking - agricultural science
Massey University is ranked No.1 in New Zealand for agricultural science by ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
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