Courses_
Study Science at the University of Sydney
Overview
Whether you'd like to join the forefront of agricultural research or improve food security to make the planet a better place, a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Agriculture) will give you highly sought-after skills for a huge range of careers.
The Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Agriculture) bring you into the multidisciplinary world of agriculture, as you examine how living systems interact with their economic and social dimensions. In this degree, you'll gain knowledge in four key areas: soil science and hydrology; plant production; animal production; and agribusiness.
You'll graduate armed with the skills to embark on a huge range of careers from scientific research, managing production systems, through to agricultural policymaking and agribusiness.
Majors
You will complete the Agriculture program, which includes one of the below agriculture majors, as part of this stream:
You will also take a second major from the agriculture majors, the shared pool of majors, or select a major offered by our academic schools:
- School of Chemistry
- School of Geosciences (including Geography and Geology and Geophysics)
- School of History and Philosophy of Science
- School of Life and Environmental Science (including Agriculture, Animal Science, Biology, Ecology, Environment and Food Science)
- School of Mathematics and Statistics (including Data Science)
- School of Physics
- School of Psychology
- School of Veterinary Science
Subject areas
You are required to complete a program in Agriculture including a major in Animal Production, Plant Production, Soil Science and Hydrology. You are also required to choose a second major either from your faculty options below or from our shared pool of majors.
Shared pool
Admission, fees and how to apply
Depends on your qualification, citizenship status
My qualification is
The details on this page based on your selections are a guide only, and are subject to change.
English language proficiency
Find out if you need to prove English language proficiency (depends on your country of origin and educational background).
Your fee
How to apply
Prospective domestic students apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) for a Commonwealth supported place . Refer to the UAC website for key dates. Separate scholarship deadlines apply, visit the scholarships website for details.
For other useful information, visit our How to apply page.
Current University of Sydney students applying to transfer from one bachelor's degree to another apply directly to the University. The exact process will depend on the course you are currently in and the course to which you wish to transfer. For more information visit the Change your course page.
Current students applying to transfer from a diploma to a bachelor's degree must apply through UAC.
Refer to the UAC website . Separate Scholarship deadlines apply - visit the scholarships webpage for details.
Starting date
Semester 1 (March) and Semester 2 (August)
Visit the How to apply page for detailed information on if you need to apply directly to the University or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). If you are a direct applicant, when you are ready to apply select the `Apply’ button on this course page.
Current University of Sydney students applying to transfer from one bachelor's degree to another apply directly to the University. The exact process will depend on the course you are currently in and the course to which you wish to transfer. For more information visit the Change your course page.
Standard closing dates:
Direct applicants:
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year.
Semester 2 - 30 June of the commencing year.
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - visit the scholarships webpage for details.
UAC Applicants: Refer to the UAC website
Starting date
Semester 1 (March) and Semester 2 (August)
What you'll study
In your Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Agriculture) you can complete an embedded major in either soil science and hydrology, plant production, or animal production.
You will also need to take a second major from those available in the Bachelor Science or from a shared pool of majors offered in areas across the University Shared Pool for Undergraduate Degrees. For example, if you have an interest in agribusiness you can complete a second major in business or economics.
In your first year you will gain a broad scientific and economic overview of agriculture in the context of global issues around food, water and climate. You'll also take some science units to give you the scientific foundation for the rest of your degree. Second year provides breadth, then you can specialise in the third year. In fourth year, you'll complete a research project, a professional development unit, and an advanced coursework unit in your chosen major discipline.
Work component
Mandatory work component = 300 hours.
This mandatory work component must be completed as part of the award requirements for the course.
Sample study plan
Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Agriculture)
| Year | Sem | Unit of study | |||
| 1 | 1 | Life and Evolution* | Earth, Environment and Society | Introduction to Statistical Methods | Major 2 |
| 2 | From Molecules to Ecosystems* | Global Challenges: Food, Water and Climate | Elective | Major 2 | |
| 1 | 2 | Plant Management in Agro-ecosystems* | Soil & Water | Applied Statistical Methods | Major 2 |
| 2 | Plants and Environment* | Animal Production Systems | Open Learning Environment unit | Major 2 | |
| 1 | 3 | Plant Protection* | Agroecosystems in Developing Countries, or Environmental GIS, or Production Horticulture* | Open Learning Environment unit | Major 2 |
| 2 | Sustainable Plant Production * | Applied Plant function, or Science Interdisciplinary Project* | Elective | Major 2 | |
| 1 | 4 | Research Project A | Research Project A | Adv CW | Major 2 |
| 2 | Research Project B | Research Project B | PD | Major 2 | |
*Plant Production major units are represented in the above sample plan as an example only. Animal Production and Plant Production majors require different units.
Assumed knowledge
Chemistry and Mathematics
Admission criteria
Admission to this course is on the basis of the following criteria:
- a secondary education qualification such as the NSW Higher School Certificate (including national and international equivalents), or approved higher education study, including approved preparation courses.
- English language requirements where these are not demonstrated by sufficient qualifications taught in English.
Admission pathways are open to domestic applicants on the basis of equity or other adjustment factors, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. For details, visit admission pathways.
Prerequisites
This course has a mathematics course prerequisite. For details on the prerequisite, and how it applies to you, visit: Mathematics course prerequisites.
Credit for previous study
If you've already completed university-level or equivalent subjects, you may be able to apply for credit for previous study.
Course opportunities
If you have a high ATAR you may be invited to join our Dalyell Scholars program.
Career pathways
Our graduates can be found in many settings and roles, including:
- Agricultural business manager
- Agronomist
- Biotechnologist
- Environment protection manager
- Financial manager
- Horticulturalist
- Marketer of agricultural products
- Plant breeder
- Scientific researcher
- Soil scientist
- Statistician
- Sustainable production manager
We’ve reimagined the Sydney Undergraduate Experience – the way we teach and the way you’ll learn – to prepare you for a future full of possibilities.
Domestic students
International students
