Program Overview

---

Bachelor of Agricultural Science – BAgSci

The Bachelor of Agricultural Science will give you the contemporary agriculture-related skills you need to become a leader in this rapidly growing international industry.

Type of qualification

• Bachelor's degree

Level of study

• Undergraduate study
• NZQF level 7

Time to complete

• 3 years full-time (360 credits)
• Part-time available

Where you can study

• Distance and online
• Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)

International students

• Open to international students on campus in New Zealand

Key dates

• Admission application due dates
• Course enrolment dates for accepted students
• Semester dates

Study a Bachelor of Agricultural Science – BAgSci

Agriculture dominates New Zealand’s economy – generating billions in export earnings every year.

The Bachelor of Agricultural Science will give you the relevant, up-to-date skills to help you take your place in this exciting industry.

You will dig into every aspect of agriculture. That includes:

• pastures
• crops
• animal and soil sciences
• economics and agribusiness
• the influence of government policies and regulations
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations.

You will learn about future and present issues in the industry and gain skills in the use of technology in agriculture. Disciplines like engineering, physics, chemistry, and biology are also an important part of gaining a broad understanding of the primary industries.

Experience before you graduate

Industry experience is integrated into this degree. You’ll be able to experience and analyse real-world scenarios while you are studying. We align this qualification with what employers are looking for – globally. Most agriculture students secure employment before they graduate.

Variety

One of the best things about this degree is the variety of study. You’ll learn about animals and agriculture, soils and pasture, be introduced to agribusiness and decision-making skills. You’ll also study economics, chemistry, physics, and ecology.

Practical work

As part of this qualification, you’ll need to do at least 26 weeks of full-time work. This is usually done during the summer when work is readily available on farms and with rural businesses.

Award-winning facilities

Massey’s Manawatū campus has internationally award-winning multi-function teaching laboratories. These are unique in Australasia.

A BAgSci is a good fit if you:

• enjoy applied sciences
• are interested in a career in the primary industries.

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

• Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language and the admission requirements were not completed at an educational institution where English is the medium of instruction, you need an IELTS of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 to enter this qualification.

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 Bachelor of Agricultural Science

Structure of the Bachelor of Agricultural Science

If you study full-time, in your first year, you’ll take eight 15-credit courses, making a total of 120 credits.

If you wish to study over two semesters, you should aim for 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school. Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.

Compulsory courses

You will take a selection of compulsory courses throughout the degree, most of which are in the first year. These include courses in introductory science, economics, and agribusiness. This will equip you to go on to more advanced courses in the second and third years of study.

Practical work requirement

The practical work requirement consists of at least 26 weeks full-time work. This is completed by submission of two reports for assessment. Practical work is normally done during summer vacations throughout the degree. Summer jobs are readily available on farms, orchards, and other rural enterprises.

Transition students

Majors are no longer available for this qualification. Transitioning students with a major may complete 60 credits of electives. Please refer to the regulations for this qualification for a list of courses for your major.

Typical pattern for the Bachelor of Agricultural Science

Core courses These courses are a compulsory part of your qualification.

Elective courses Follow your interests. Your qualification may have selection guidelines for elective courses.

Year one

Economics of Business
Introduction to Animal Production in NZ
Plants for Agriculture & Horticulture
Introduction to Agribusiness
Agri-Statistics
Principles of Soil Science
Science and Sustainability for Agriculture and Horticulture
Introduction to Animal Behaviour and Welfare OR
Animals and the Environment OR
Our Dynamic Earth
Year two

Livestock Production Science
Agricultural Systems
Policy, Regulation & Government in Primary Industry
Decision Tools for Primary Industries
Applied Engineering in Agriculture and Horticulture Systems
Soil Fertility Management
Pasture & Crop Agronomy
Elective from selected degrees
Practicum I (0 credits)
Year three

300-level course from compulsory list
300-level course from compulsory list
300-level course from compulsory list
Integrative Studies
Decision-Making in Primary Industry
Course from compulsory list
Course from compulsory list
Course from compulsory list
Practicum II (0 credits)

Courses are each worth 15 credits.

Courses and specialisations

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 , 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

360 credits

• Compulsory courses – 255 credits
• Schedule A compulsory course selection – 90 credits
• Elective selected from specified degrees – 15 credits
• 26 weeks of practical work experience and reports

Ensure that overall, you have:

• No more than 165 credits at 100 level
• At least 75 credits at 300 level

Elective can be chosen from BAgSci, BHortSci, BAgribusiness, BSc, BA, BBus, BAnSci, or BInfSc.

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.

Schedule A (Choose 330 credits from)

Compulsory courses (Choose 240 credits from)

Code

Course

Credits

Choose 240 credits from

Course code: Economics for Business Credits: 15 credits

The course examines the nature of the contemporary economic environment in which businesses operate, and considers how economics can aid in business decision-making.

Restrictions:

View full course details

Course code: Introduction to Animal Production in New Zealand Credits: 15 credits

An introduction to animals and animal science in New Zealand, covering a broad range of animal species and incorporating the principles of nutrition, reproduction, lactation, genetics, and growth. A brief overview of New Zealand’s livestock production systems and consideration of animal ethics, welfare, and biosecurity issues.

Restrictions: and and

View full course details

Course code: Livestock Production Science Credits: 15 credits

Developing understanding of the important drivers underpinning New Zealand’s livestock and companion animal industries and how these can be altered to achieve the desired outcomes. Knowledge will be gained on the major animal welfare and environmental issues facing New Zealand agriculture and how these might be mitigated against.

Prerequisites: One of , , , , , or

View full course details

Course code: Plants for Agriculture and Horticulture Credits: 15 credits

An introduction to the agricultural and horticultural species important to New Zealand's economy. Growth and development of agricultural and horticultural plants; their responses to the environment and management, and implications for production. Identification and biology of agricultural and horticultural plants, including weeds, pests, and pathogens important to plant production.

Restrictions: ,

View full course details

Course code: Practicum I Credits: 0 credits

Industry experience for at least ten consecutive weeks in a public or private business related to the land-based industries. A descriptive report demonstrating satisfactory observational, analytical, and reporting skills is required.

View full course details

Course code: Introduction to Agribusiness Credits: 15 credits

An introduction to the organisation, structure, and governance of New Zealand agribusiness in a global context. Examines the international and domestic macro environment and its impact on New Zealand agribusiness. Explores New Zealand farm systems within an agribusiness context.

View full course details

Course code: Practicum II Credits: 0 credits

Industry experience for at least ten consecutive weeks in a public or private business related to the land-based industries. A detailed, investigative report identifying and analysing opportunities, problems, policies, and technical and research issues is required.

Prerequisites:

View full course details

Course code: Agricultural and Horticultural Systems Credits: 15 credits

An interdisciplinary study of agricultural and Horticultural systems to describe and analyse the relationships between system components. Analysis of the inter-relationships within these systems, including the sub-systems for primary production, processing, marketing, and policy, and the relationships of these systems within their environment.

Prerequisites: Restrictions:

View full course details

Course code: Policy, Regulation and Government in Primary Industry Credits: 15 credits

Legal responsibilities and compliance associated with primary production; obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and examples of legislation including resource management, hazardous substances and new organisms, animal welfare, health and safety, food safety, biosecurity, and employment. Central and local government, and industry systems. Implications for owners, managers, and employees in the rural sector.

View full course details

Course code: Decision Tools for Primary Industries Credits: 15 credits

Application of decision tools for farm systems analysis at the tactical level. Analytical frameworks to assist decision-making in finance, human resources, production, and marketing.

Prerequisites: or

View full course details

Course code: Integrative Studies Credits: 15 credits

An integrative course designed to emphasise the importance of the broad knowledge base gained in the degree and the value of multidisciplinary teams in addressing the issues and problems of importance to the industries served by the degree. Emphasis will be placed on the application of knowledge to problem-solving, group learning, and problem-solving strategies and communication in the context of applied science. Real-world problems will be used.

Prerequisites:

View full course details

Course code: Decision-Making in Primary Industry Credits: 15 credits

A practical approach to the management of strategy, finance, and tactics in primary industry. An exploration, through in-field case studies and business analysis, of planning under uncertainty.

Prerequisites:

View full course details

Course code: Applied Engineering in Agriculture and Horticulture Systems Credits: 15 credits

Engineering principles underpinning the systems used in the growing, harvest, and post-harvest treatment of agricultural and horticultural products. Emphasis is placed on deriving the system performance specification following consideration of capacity, product quality and safety, and ecological requirements.

View full course details

Course code: Agricultural and Horticultural Statistics Credits: 15 credits

An introduction to statistics in an agricultural and horticultural context, including the presentation, analysis, and interpretation of quantitative data.

Restrictions: , , , , , , , ,

View full course details

Course code: Principles of Soil Science Credits: 15 credits

An integrated introductory course in soil science. An exploration of the interaction between soil and the environment, soil formation and morphology, soil physical, chemical, and biological properties and their influence on soil management, nutrient cycling, and soil-plant interactions.

Prerequisites: or

View full course details

Course code: Soil Fertility Management Credits: 15 credits

This course examines the influence of soil factors on plant nutrient cycling in agricultural production systems. The composition, properties, and uses of fertilisers to improve soil fertility and the associated environmental issues arising from soil water relationships and interactions with plant nutrients. Methods for measuring nutrient levels in soils will also be covered.

Prerequisites:

View full course details

Course code: Science and Sustainability for Agriculture and Horticulture Credits: 15 credits

The pursuit of environmental sustainability is a complex societal issue. This is a problem-based course, where students will develop their critical thinking, communication, and information literacy and management skills as they evaluate interdisciplinary approaches to the contemporary sustainability challenge of climate action. Students will explore the intersection of science and community through exemplars of partnership between research and Te Ao Māori (the Māori world) in the context of primary production in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Restrictions: , , , , , , , , ,

View full course details

Course code: Pasture and Crop Agronomy Credits: 15 credits

The husbandry of agricultural plants and the management of plant communities at the farm level. Topics include balancing pasture growth and animal demand, pasture assessment, pasture establishment, cash crops, growth and utilisation of forage crops, and control of weeds and pests.

Prerequisites: or or

View full course details

Compulsory course selections (Choose 15 credits from)

Code

Course

Credits

Choose 15 credits from

Course code: Introduction to Animal Behaviour and Welfare Credits: 15 credits

An introduction to common ethical frameworks for animal use with a focus on domestic animal species. Principles of the behaviour and welfare of domestic animal species. Theory of safe and effective animal handling.

View full course details

Course code: Animals and the Environment Credits: 15 credits

An introductory biology and natural history course presented within an evolutionary framework that investigates the diversity of animal life, human-animal interactions, nutrient and energy flows, conservation, and sustainability. This course places emphasis on wild animals and ecological processes operating within New Zealand and globally.

Restrictions:

View full course details

Course code: Our Dynamic Earth Credits: 15 credits

An introductory course exploring the dynamics of Earth and how it changes through time, from the core to the atmosphere, plate tectonics to volcanoes, glaciers to rivers, mountains to oceans, and mass extinctions to the evolution of life. Through exploration of these processes and their interrelationships with environments and society, including natural hazards, climate change, and earth resources, students will develop their practical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Restrictions: and

View full course details

Compulsory course selections (Choose at least 75 credits from)

Code

Course

Credits

Choose at least 75 credits from

Course code: Ruminant Animal Nutrition Credits: 15 credits

Advanced principles of animal nutrition as related to ruminant livestock. An in-depth coverage of the processes of feed intake, digestion, absorption, and metabolism, and the factors affecting them. The determination of the nutritive value of feedstuffs for ruminant, with particular emphasis on forages. Gain in-depth knowledge of schemes for estimating the ruminant animal requirements for energy, protein, and minerals and the principles of ration formulation. Design practical feeding regimes and their implementation.

Prerequisites: or or Restrictions:

View full course details

Course code: Genetics for Livestock Improvement Credits: 15 credits

The relative influence of genetic and environmental factors on quantitative traits. Methods of calculating breeding values or indices to exploit genetic variation in quantitative traits. The use of computers to utilise pedigree and performance records. Selection for disease resistance, the use of new reproductive technologies to enhance genetic gain, and the potential importance of molecular genetics in livestock improvement. Maternal influences and methods of selecting for maternal components. Crossbreeding and inbreeding as selection tools.

Prerequisites: One of , or or

View full course details

Course code: Animal Production Credits: 15 credits

The impacts of breeding, nutrition, reproduction, and lactation in New Zealand animal production. A modularised course requiring students to select three topics from dairy cattle production, animal, fish & insect protein production, sheep production, pig & poultry production, beef cattle production, and the working dog.

Prerequisites: One of , or

View full course details

Course code: Farm Production Systems Credits: 15 credits

An interdisciplinary study of farm systems. Case studies are used to integrate students’ knowledge of the whole farm system, to identify strategic choices and evaluate these choices relative to the current farm system.

Prerequisites:

View full course details

Course code: Precision Agriculture Technologies Credits: 15 credits

Knowledge of remote and proximal sensing, and precision livestock techniques to provide information to mitigate environmental impacts under intensive farm production systems. Consideration of issues of resource use, optimization of farm production, and environmental performance of primary industries.

View full course details

Course code: Integrated Farm and Environmental Management Credits: 15 credits

This course examines farm physical resources, nutrient management, and budgeting and contaminant loss processes in the context of Te Mana o te Wai. Students will integrate their knowledge to produce a freshwater Farm Environment Plan which identifies soil, pathogen, nutrient, and greenhouse gas loss pathways on multiple land uses and justifies mitigation practices which are appropriate for the farm system and to protect freshwater.

Prerequisites: or

View full course details

Course code: Pasture Production and Practice Credits: 15 credits

The practical application of pasture production and grazing management principles to grazing systems. An introduction to sward dynamics and the herbage factors influencing both the productivity and utilisation of grazed pastures.

Prerequisites:

View full course details

Course code: Topics in Agronomy Credits: 15 credits

This course offers students modules covering different aspects of agronomy from which they need to select two. Modules: Weed control, farm forestry, seed technology, and crop production. Each module runs for 6 weeks and includes laboratory or field work.

Prerequisites:

View full course details

Schedule B: Elective courses (Choose 30 credits from)

Approved courses selected from the schedules to the following degree programmes: BAgSci, BHortSci, BAgribusiness, BSc, BA, BBus, BAnSci, and BInfSc.

Schedule C: Specialisations

Info

Elective courses (Choose 60 credits from)

An approved selection of 100-, 200-, and 300-level courses listed in the schedules to the following degree programmes: BAgSci, BAgribusiness, BSc, BA, BBus, BAnSci, and BInfSc.

Fees and scholarships

Fees and scholarships

2026 tuition fees

• Domestic students: $8,761
• International students: $42,300

Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The estimates do not include the Student Services Fee. This fee is $1,164 for on-campus students and $948 for distance students for full-time study (120 credits). For more information about this fee and other fees you may need to pay, see non-tuition fees.

There may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips, and contact workshops.

Course fees

You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.

• Course search

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.

• StudyLink
• Fees Free – Inland Revenue

Scholarship and award opportunities

• Allan Kay Undergraduate Memorial Scholarship
• Andrew Turnbull Scholarship
• Ann Sinclair Charitable Trust
• Charles W. R. Smith Memorial Scholarship
• David Levene Foundation Bursaries
• Demetrians Agricultural Bursary
• Dr Warren Parker and Pāmu Agricultural Scholarship
• Fruitfed Supplies Horticulture Scholarship
• Gosling Ornamental Horticulture Bursary
• Harry Tolley and L J Wild Scholarship
• He Oha Puiaki - Massey University Māori First Year Scholarship
• Horticulture NZ Undergraduate Scholarships
• John Perrin Scholarship
• J. S. Yeates Memorial Scholarship
• Ken and Elizabeth Powell Scholarship
• Massey University Undergraduate First Year Scholarship – School Leavers
• McEwan Pacific Student Scholarship
• New to Massey University First Year Student Agriculture and Horticulture Scholarship
• Pacific Science and Technology Scholarships
• Peter Densem Undergraduate Scholarship
• Professor Ren Jizhou Scholarship
• Rongotea Lions Club Student Assistance Fund
• Sir John Logan Campbell Agricultural Scholarship
• Sydney Campbell Foundation New to Massey University First-Year Undergraduate Scholarship
• Sydney Campbell Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship
• The Dorothy Edith Wynyard Agricultural Scholarship
• The Ormond Meat Marketing Scholarship
• The QEII Athol Patterson Bursary
• Thornton Memorial Dairy Bursary
• Violet Wickham Memorial Bursary
• Waitawhiti Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship
• William Milverton Scholarship
• William Reed Scholarship
• Zespri Horticultural Scholarship

Find more scholarships and awards

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

Careers and job opportunities

The industry is made up of a huge range of organisations, including farming, processing and marketing produce, logistics of product supply, as well as the associated service industries such as banking, company technical representatives, and consultants. That means there is a huge range of careers on offer for those with the right skills.

Industries where agricultural science skills are utilised include:

• fertiliser
• seed
• banking
• biosecurity
• breeding
• consultancy
• agricultural production
• farm tourism
• management
• policy
• research and development
• sales and marketing
• teaching.

What our students say

“I find passion is infectious and I got that tenfold at Massey. The ag area at Massey is amazing at promoting scholarships and graduate programmes. Those were key turning points for me, and helped me make connections that changed my path.”

Ffion White

Bachelor of Agricultural Science

“Studying agriculture opened my eyes to the vast range of career opportunities in the primary industry.”

Hamish Best

Bachelor of Agriscience (now Bachelor of Agricultural Science)

“I loved my experience at Massey University, keeping busy with sport, study, and Massey Young Farmer’s Club. My time at Massey University gave me friendships and skills that will last the rest of my life.”

Courtney Hill

Bachelor of Agriscience (now Bachelor of Agricultural Science)

Accreditations and rankings

QS Ranking - Agriculture and Forestry

Massey is world-ranked and New Zealand’s No 1 university in agriculture according to QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) rankings.

Learn more

ShanghaiRanking - agricultural science

Massey University is ranked No.1 in New Zealand for agricultural science by ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.

Learn more

Related study options

Agricultural Science – Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology

Specialisation

Location

• Distance and online, Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)

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

Specialisation

Location

• Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)

Join the Master of Science (Agricultural Science) to help increase the productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems in New Zealand and around the world.

Diploma in Agriculture – DipAg

Qualification

Credits

• 120

The Diploma in Agriculture is delivered by leading agricultural teaching staff at Telford Campus of the Southern Institute of Technology.

Master of Dairy Science and Technology – MDairyScTech

Qualification

Credits

• 120

Location

• Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)

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.