Type of qualification
Level of study
An undergraduate qualification is usually the first one you study.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
Study a Diploma in Agriculture – DipAg
This is a foundation qualification delivering an experience for students new to the agricultural sector. It offers those who work in agriculture the opportunity to understand high-tech solutions being used to ensure profitability and sustainability in agri-businesses today.
To enrol
Call the Telford Campus of the Southern Institute of Technology on +64 3 419 0300.
Study topics include:
- animal production and health
- pasture and crop production
- soil productivity
- farm and industry studies
- farm management
- animal production
- farm production systems
- agricultural engineering.
The Diploma is available full-time, over two semesters.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Diploma in Agriculture you will need to have completed:
- 12 weeks farm employment, or
- a level 3 NZQF Certificate that is agriculture related.
To enrol or find out more about the courses
Call the Telford Campus of the Southern Institute of Technology on +64 3 419 0300.
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 Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
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 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
120 credits
- Part One compulsory courses – 60 credits
- Part Two compulsory courses – 60 credits
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.
Part One
Course code: 117006 Animal Production and Health 15 credits
An overview of the sheep, dairy and beef cattle industries in New Zealand, and an introduction to the deer and intensive livestock industries. Topics covered include: principles of reproduction, genetics, nutrition, welfare and health of farmed livestock.
View full course detailsCourse code: 119106 Farm and Industry Study 15 credits
An introductory study of farm inputs and products such as meat, milk and wool, and the application of farm practical experience, technical data, and industry procedures and practices, to contemporary issues facing farmers. Focused both within and beyond the farm gate, this course involves individual and group learning and expression.
View full course detailsCourse code: 189006 Soil Productivity 15 credits
A study of the soil as a resource in farming systems. Modification of soil conditions by various agricultural practices such as fertiliser use, liming, drainage and irrigation. Maintenance of the soil through conservation practices and use of soil and land resource information.
View full course detailsCourse code: 283006 Pasture and Crop Production 15 credits
An introduction to the importance of pastoral farming to New Zealand agriculture and the role of legumes in pastures. The identification, selection, and establishment of pasture species and crops, including weed control. The seasonality of pasture growth and matching pasture growth with animal requirements, through monitoring of grazing systems, supplementary feeding, and crop management.
View full course detailsPart Two
Course code: 117106 Animal Production 15 credits
Development of production outputs of farmed animals and meat production. Students study beef cattle production, sheep production and dairy production. Topics covered in beef and sheep production include nutrition, reproduction, genetic improvement, wool and the wool industry. Topics covered in dairy production include nutrition, reproduction, genetic improvement, principles of milk production, milk harvesting and quality.
View full course detailsCourse code: 119101 Farm Production Systems 15 credits
A detailed analysis of whole-farm systems involving a number of field visits. An analytical approach to problem-solving is developed. Field visits to case farms. This course must be passed to qualify for the award of the Diploma in Agriculture
View full course detailsCourse code: 119116 Farm Management 15 credits
An introduction to farm management principles and the application of techniques for planning, implementation, and control of, agricultural systems. A study of New Zealand farms as social, economic and business units. Decision-making about land, labour, and capital, in the context of farming uncertainty. Visits to farms provide case-studies for aspects of farm management
View full course detailsCourse code: 138106 Agricultural Engineering 15 credits
A study of basic engineering principles as they apply to design and operation of agricultural buildings and structures, farm water, refrigeration and heating, fencing and subdivision, waste management; the utilisation of modern technologies in agriculture; and the Resource Management Act and how that affects agricultural businesses.
View full course detailsFees and scholarships
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.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
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 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 can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
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
The Diploma of Agriculture is an excellent qualification for people interested in farming jobs including:
- shepherd
- farm assistant
- farm manager
- sharemilker
- equity partner
- livestock agent
- fertiliser rep
- sales rep.
Related study options
Agricultural Science – Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology
Improve the productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems in New Zealand and around the world. The Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Agricultural Science) is the stepping stone to a research-based degree.
Agricultural Science – Master of Science
Join the Master of Science (Agricultural Science) to help increase the productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems in New Zealand and around the world.
Bachelor of Agricultural Science – BAgSci
Massey’s Bachelor of Agricultural Science will give you the contemporary agriculture-related skills you need to become a leader in this rapidly growing international industry.
Foundation Certificate in Agriculture – FoundCertAg
Take the first step towards a career in agriculture. Gain an understanding of key aspects of agriculture within New Zealand.
Master of Dairy Science and Technology – MDairyScTech
Learn chemistry, microbiology, and process technology required to manufacture high-quality dairy products. The qualification covers dairy industry structure, strategy, organisation, and function, including legislation and safety.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz