- Type of qualification
- Graduate diploma
- Level of study
-
Graduate study
Graduate qualifications normally involve study in a different area to your first undergraduate qualification. Some are stepping stones to postgraduate-level study.
NZQF level 7Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
- Time to complete
-
1 year full-time (120 credits)Part-time available
Study a Graduate Diploma in Agriculture – GradDipAg
The Graduate Diploma in Agriculture is designed for graduates who want to build expertise in modern agricultural systems and transition into New Zealand's primary industries or students wanting to pursue postgraduate study in agriculture.
You'll develop practical and scientific knowledge of agricultural production, farm systems, resource management and sustainability, preparing you for a wide range of careers across the food and fibre sector.
Moving to another area of science
This qualification is useful if you have a background in 1 area of science, and are looking to move into another.
A shorter time
This graduate diploma is also useful if you are looking for a flexible qualification that allows you to undertake a shorter course of study at university level than that required by a 3-year bachelor’s degree. It will take 1 year of full-time study to complete (120 credits).
Study at a higher level
This qualification does require an existing competence in the subject you are to study. You will be required to complete several courses at 300-level (third year).
Enter with industry experience
If you have substantial industry experience at a senior level this may be considered towards your application. This is on a case-by-case basis.
Not right for you?
If you do not have a background in science, only need a few courses or are looking for a qualification with more flexibility, we recommend you consider the Certificate or Graduate Certificate in Science and Technology. These are 60-credit qualifications that will give you the background you need to progress to a degree in science or technology-related areas.
Further study
If you successfully complete your Graduate Diploma in Agriculture, you could go on to study a Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture or Master of Science depending on your academic background.
A GradDipAg is a good fit if you:
- are looking for a tertiary qualification in a shorter time frame
- wish to enter postgraduate study but do not have the prerequisite qualification in the area you wish to choose
- want a qualification that prepares you for diverse career opportunities across New Zealand's agricultural sector
- are interested in sustainable food and fibre production and contemporary farming practices.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Graduate Diploma in Agriculture you will:
- have been awarded or qualified for a relevant bachelor’s degree, or equivalent; or
- have been admitted to the qualification on the basis of equivalent relevant professional experience.
You may be expected to have the relevant background to meet prerequisite requirements for courses that you wish to include in your qualification.
You will need to provide verified copies of all academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
This qualification is classified as NZQF Level 7 and requires the same English language standard as most undergraduate bachelor degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
If you complete this qualification within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with Distinction.
Look for further information under ‘Student Progression’ in the regulations for this qualification.
More information
- Read the regulations for this qualification thoroughly
- Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
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.
Structure of the Graduate Diploma in Agriculture
Structure of the Graduate Diploma in Agriculture
If you study full-time you’ll take four 15-credit courses (60 credits per semester), making a total of 120 credits in 1 year.
The Graduate Diploma in Agriculture is awarded without endorsement.
The majority of available courses are those listed for the Bachelor of Agricultural Science and its majors (at 200 and 300-level).
Courses and specialisations
Courses and specialisations
Credit summary
Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
120 credits
- Courses from the Schedule – 120 credits
Ensure that overall, you have:
- At least 75 credits at 300 level
- At least 90 credits of 200/300-level courses from the 112, 119, 189 and/or 117 prefixes
- Remaining credits from the Schedule
90 credits from courses at 200 level and 300 level selected from the following prefixes:
112 Agribusiness, 119 Agriculture and Horticulture, 189 Soil Science, 117 Animal Science
30 credits from courses at 200 level and 300 level selected from the following prefixes:
112 Agribusiness, 117 Animal Science, 119 Agriculture and Horticulture, 121 Environmental Science, 138 Agricultural Engineering, 188 Natural Resource Management, 189 Soil Science, 194 Physiology
233 Earth Science, 246 Natural Science, 283 Agronomy, 286 Equine.
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
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