Study Science at the University of Sydney
Our rankings
We're ranked 60th globally for agriculture and forestry by the 2021 QS University Rankings by Subject.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 4th globally for employability by the 2022 QS Graduate Employability Rankings.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely whilst the Australian border remains closed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely.
About this course
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:
In the final year of your degree, you have two options, Advanced Coursework OR Honours:
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.
Honours subject areas: Only available to students who meet the eligibility criteria for the honours pathway. Minimum WAM and additional entry requirements apply.
Depends on your qualification, citizenship status
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.
Semester 1 (February) 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.
Direct applicants:
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year.
Semester 2 - 25 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
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
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.
Mandatory work component = 300 hours.
This mandatory work component must be completed as part of the award requirements for the course.
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.
Until 2024: Mathematics Advanced or higher, chemistry, other assumed knowledge depends on majors or units of study chosen.
From 2024: Mathematics Advanced or higher; chemistry, biology; other assumed knowledge depends on majors or units of study chosen.
Admission to this course is on the basis of the following criteria:
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.
Mathematics Advanced (Band 4) or Mathematics Extension 1 or 2 (Band E3). For details on the prerequisite, and how it applies to you, visit: Mathematics course prerequisites.
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
If you have a high ATAR you may be invited to join our Dalyell Scholars program.
Our graduates can be found in many settings and roles, including:
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.
