Program Overview

Bachelor of Horticultural and Plant Systems – BHort&PlantSys

The Bachelor of Horticultural and Plant Systems is a qualification that explores how plants function as complex, dynamic systems and how they shape food production systems and natural landscapes to meet environmental and economic goals. This degree prepares students to tackle some of today’s most pressing global and local challenges, including food security, climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable land use.

Qualification Details

• Qualification Name: Bachelor of Horticultural and Plant Systems
• 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
• International Students: Open to international students on campus in New Zealand

Entry Requirements

• Admission to Massey: All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
• Specific Requirements: There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations.
• English Language Requirements: If English is not the first language and the qualifying entry qualification was not taught in English, an IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0 is required.
• Prior Learning, Credit, and Exemptions: Information on prior learning, exemptions, and transfer of credit is available through the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations.
• Recommended Prior Learning: Credits at NCEA Level 3 (or equivalent) in subjects such as agriculture, horticulture, biology, science, or statistics are recommended for a smooth transition to university study.

Structure of the Qualification

• Core Courses: 120 credits
• Major Courses: 180 credits
• Electives: 60 credits
• Practical Work Experience: 26 weeks of full-time work in horticulture during the study period

Majors

• Horticultural Production: Focuses on the theory and practice of horticulture, from soil and climate to harvest and innovation.
• Integrative Plant Biology: Integrates plant biology, genetics, and ecology, ideal for future careers in horticulture, conservation, and plant breeding.

Courses and Specialisations

• Core Courses:
  • Plants for Agriculture and Horticulture
  • Practicum I
  • Practicum II
  • Plant Biology
  • Plants and People
  • Agricultural and Horticultural Statistics
  • Principles of Soil Science
  • Science and Sustainability for Agriculture and Horticulture
  • Principles of Horticultural Production Systems
  • Horticultural Crop Development & Yield
• Major Courses: Vary depending on the chosen major

Fees and Scholarships

• 2026 Tuition Fees:
  • Domestic students: $7,614
  • International students: $34,220
• Student Loans and Fees Free Scheme: Eligible domestic students may be eligible for a student loan or the Fees Free scheme.
• Scholarship and Award Opportunities: Various scholarships are available, including the Allan Kay Undergraduate Memorial Scholarship, Andrew Turnbull Scholarship, and more.

Careers and Job Opportunities

• Graduate Careers: Plant breeder, horticulturalist, horticulture science consultant, orchard and greenhouse production manager, crop disease and pest control agent, field biologist, botanist, lab technician, forestry scientist, ecological consultant, horticulture technology and innovation specialist, post-harvest manager, biosecurity agent, agronomist, organic production specialist, policy, regulation, and advocacy specialist, educator.

Accreditations and Rankings

• QS Ranking - Agriculture and Forestry: Massey is world-ranked and New Zealand’s No 1 university in agriculture.
• ShanghaiRanking - Agricultural Science: Massey University is ranked No.1 in New Zealand for agricultural science.