Bachelor of Rural Science

Overview

With UNE's Bachelor of Rural Science, you will graduate at the forefront of the agricultural industry ready to solve complex problems in agricultural systems across enterprises, landscapes and the globe. You will have the paddock-ready scientific skills to adapt to future challenges as a professional, and you will gain an understanding of the sustainability of the whole agricultural system from the biophysical (soils, plants and animal production) including environmental, social and economic principles.

You will be fit for the future and well positioned to become a leader in a range of industry contexts from farm management, the corporate world and scientific research.

Why study the Bachelor of Rural Science with UNE?

UNE's four-year Bachelor of Rural Science will equip you with the sought-after knowledge and practical skillset that the industry needs in a rapidly changing world. You will graduate with a deep, science-based understanding of complex agricultural systems, ensuring you are ready to advise, manage and lead agriculturally based enterprises towards success.

High achievers within the Bachelor of Rural Science have the option of undertaking Honours study within their fourth year, where you will complete a research project and dissertation on a topic that interests you. Graduates who achieve the appropriate level of Honours are eligible to apply for a research master's degree or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Studying an agricultural-based course at UNE offers you the opportunity to:

Gain formal practical experience in agricultural enterprises and apply coursework theory to workplace situations during your studies to improve your employability as a a graduate.

Specialise your studies by selecting one of eight minors in areas such as climate resilience, sustainability, genetics, cotton, wool, plant production, animal production or business.

Access the latest agricultural techniques and technology at our innovative SMART Farms. With eight properties covering 3,655 hectares, including a farm on campus and a commercial scale feedlot, the UNE SMART Farms are diverse and valuable teaching and research resources you will utilise during your course. The farms support a range of disciplines including grazing and intensive livestock, cropping, pastures, poultry, genetics and precision agriculture.

Further develop your knowledge through field trips to our commercial partners.

Learn hands-on through our world class facilities including our state-of-the-art glasshouses, and animal house and handling facilities to learn skills and techniques that you will use throughout your working life.

What makes our course different?

UNE's Bachelor of Rural Science offers you the opportunity to:

Study a broad selection of science-based agriculture units to give you strong skills and knowledge as a professional in the agricultural industry.

Learn from world-leading and ground-breaking researchers in soil science, animal behaviour, nutrition and health, genetics, agronomy, precision agriculture and agricultural systems.

Gain an integrated, agricultural systems understanding which will enable you to adapt to complex situations and solve complex problems across enterprises, landscapes and the globe.

Study in class sizes that are small enough to provide great support from academic mentors, but large enough for peer-to-peer group work with other students.

Study flexibly either on campus or online. On campus classes give you the opportunity to interact and engage face-to-face with your peers and academic staff, and gain essential practical skills. If you choose to study online, some units include mandatory intensive schools on campus.

Graduate as part of the Rural Science alumni who have been leaders in the agricultural industries for over 60 years.

Complete your course in four years (full time) or up to ten years (part time).

We’re highly rated – year after year, students award UNE 5-star ratings in The Good Universities Guide for Overall Experience and Student Support, so when you study with us, you know you are in good hands.

Study on campus

Most of our Bachelor of Rural Science students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation in our residential colleges and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

Study online

Some of our Bachelor of Rural Science students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. They bring valuable experience with them and form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities. Bringing their life and work experience together at UNE, they study to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.