Undergraduate Course

Bachelor of Agricultural Science

Pursue your passion for agriculture in Australia and develop a deep understanding of how the sector operates with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Murdoch. 

What type of student are you?

Murdoch code
B1391
Study mode
Part Time or Full Time
Duration
3
Selection rank
70
CRICOS code
0102135
First year fee (domestic)
$8,036
First year fee (international)
$39,240
Full course fee (domestic)
$24,107
Full course fee (international)
$117,720
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The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported Fee.

Overview

This course prepares you for dynamic careers in agriculture and animal health. You will develop core skills in science, analysis and farming systems while pursuing a major of your choice in Animal Science, Animal Health or Crop and Pasture Science.

Throughout their degree, students gain a solid theoretical understanding while also getting their hands dirty with practical learning. We focus on real-life experiences, whether it's in the lab, on a farm, or in the workplace. We want students to learn by doing and to have fun along the way!

Our flexible degree structure allows students to gain specialised knowledge in one, or two majors including Animal Science, Animal Health or Crop and Pasture Science. You can also choose a minor in either Equine Science or Applied Animal Production to complement your studies.

Students will learn from academics who are involved in cutting-edge agricultural research, and who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience with students. Not only that, students will have access to the latest technologies and tools needed to succeed in today’s agricultural industry.

3 reasons to study Agricultural Science at Murdoch

  1. Study at the only city-based university in Australia with a farm and animal production property on the metropolitan campus. This is where you may find yourself managing developing your animal handling skills, caring for our livestock or managing soils and pastures. Plus our campus also provides easy access to our regional innovation precinct in food and animal production.
  2. Number one university in WA for learning resources and student support for environmental and agricultural studies by the Good Universities Guide 2024.
  3. Take part in our tours that take students across Australia and overseas to broaden your skills and understanding, and gain a global perspective of the career opportunities in agriculture.

What you’ll learn

Build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career or study goals. Here are some of the things you’ll learn:

  • How agricultural sciences can be applied to improving sustainable farming practices and animal welfare that benefit rural communities, livestock and wildlife, plus the broader environment.  
  • Analytical and technical skills needed to solve agricultural and animal health problems.
  • How to apply agricultural science in global and regional contexts.
  • How to collaborate with scientific specialists within and outside agricultural sciences.

Your future career

When students graduate from this course, they'll be able to pursue careers in agriculture, agribusiness, animal health and government. Your future career could include:

  • Agricultural Scientist
  • Agronomist
  • Animal Health and Welfare Manager 
  • Farm or Livestock Manager
  • Research Scientist
  • Biosecurity (pest and disease) Manager
  • Animal Nutritionist
  • Wildlife Health Consultant
  • Genetic Consultant
  • Laboratory Scientist in Agricultural or a Veterinary Laboratory

For further admission information about this course, please download our Information Pack.

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Structure

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Total credit points: 72

Unit code Unit name Credit points
Course core12 credit points
ANS100Introduction to Agricultural Science3
MAS183Statistical Data Analysis3
CHE140Fundamentals of Chemistry3
BIO152Cell Biology3
Career Learning Spine9 credit points
ANS103Animal Health and Welfare Workplace Skills3
OR
ANS200International Field Work in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences – Thailand3
OR
ANS201Livestock Production Systems Career Skills3
OR
ANS202Crop and Pasture Industry Career Skills3
OR
ANS203Agricultural Industry Communication Skills3
OR
ANS301Agricultural Study Tour Opportunities3
OR
ANS302Farm Placements3
OR
ANS303Livestock industry career readiness3
OR
ANS307Agriculture and Biosecurity Laboratory Skills and Practice3
OR
ANS305Advanced Agricultural Career Skills3
OR
ANS306Agriculture and Biosecurity Case Studies3
OR
MSP202The Search for Everything: Data Analytics and Storytelling in the Twenty-First Century3
Major24 credit points
MJ-ANSAnimal Science24
OR
MJ-ANHAnimal Health24
OR
MJ-CPSCrop and Pasture Science24

Options

You must complete 27 points of options from the following list.
27 credit points
For more information about the structure, please view the Handbook
Recommended Additional Majors24 credit points
MJ-ANSAnimal Science24
OR
MJ-ANHAnimal Health24
OR
MJ-CPSCrop and Pasture Science24
OR
Other available (additional) Majors24 credit points
OR
Recommended Co-Major18 credit points
CJ-ESMEnvironmental Science and Management 18
OR
CJ-CWBConservation and Wildlfe Biology18
OR
Other Available Co-Major18 credit points
OR
Recommended Minors12 credit points
MN-EQUINEEquine Science12
OR
MN-ANMPApplied Animal Production12
OR
Other available minors12 credit points
OR

Specified Electives

If you are NOT completing a second Major OR Co-Major OR Minor, you are required to complete minimum of 12 points of Specified Electives IN ADDITION to 24 points for the Primary Major and 9 points for the Career Learning Spine
12 credit points
ANS101Introduction to Livestock Science and Genetics3
OR
ANS207Crop and Pasture Science3
OR
ANS208Crop Protection and Plant Biosecurity3
OR
ENV243Water and Earth Science3
OR
ANS312Advanced Crop and Pasture Science3
OR
ANS309Agricultural Markets, Economics and Policy3
OR
ANS311Agricultural and Environmental Technologies3
OR
ANS230Animal Production Systems II3
OR
ANS333Animal Production Systems III3
OR
ANS337Advanced Animal Production3
OR
VET380Veterinary Nutrition and Animal Toxicology3
OR
ANS363Applied Animal Agriculture3
OR
ANS364Applied Animal Breeding3
OR
ANS365Equine Physiology and Behaviour3
OR
ANS366Equine Health and Performance3
OR
ANS300Applied Livestock Health Management3
OR
ANS200International Field Work in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences – Thailand3
OR
ANS201Livestock Production Systems Career Skills3
OR
ANS202Crop and Pasture Industry Career Skills3
OR
ANS203Agricultural Industry Communication Skills3
OR
ANS301Agricultural Study Tour Opportunities3
OR
ANS302Farm Placements3
OR
ANS303Livestock industry career readiness3
OR
ANS305Advanced Agricultural Career Skills3
OR
ANS306Agriculture and Biosecurity Case Studies3
OR
ANS307Agriculture and Biosecurity Laboratory Skills and Practice3
OR

General Electives

You may choose up to 15 points of General Electives. Note: VET101 is strongly recommended for students intending on applying to transfer to Veterinary Science.
15 credit points
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Where could a science degree take you?

We believe science will impact every job, industry and country in the world. Find out more about our science degrees.

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Entry requirements

Select which option best describes your path to university :

English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

 

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai  and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

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Fees and scholarships

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Scholarships

Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship.

Whether you’re a high achiever or have experienced hardship, we offer a wide range of scholarships and awards to students from all walks of life. Explore our scholarships to find the ones you could be eligible for as a new Murdoch student as well as what's available throughout your degree.

Find your scholarship
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How much will it cost?

Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.

Following your successful application, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer which will contain specific course and fee information.

If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Postgraduate programs are full fee paying, unless indicated otherwise in your Letter of Offer.

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How to apply

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Your document checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.

Compulsory documents

Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:

  • Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study)
  • ATAR results (if available)
  • STAT results (if applicable)
  • Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
  • School leavers applying for an Early Offer submit their Year 11 and 12 most recent high school report via TISC

Recommended documents (if applicable)

  1. Change of name documentation
  2. Marriage certificate
  3. Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing

Your document checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.

Compulsory documents

  1. Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
    • Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study) both original and English translated versions.
    • Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
  2. GTE documents (if applicable) - Check the GTE requirements page for further information
    • GTE Form 2
    • Personal Statement (SOP)
    • Up to date Curriculum Vitae
  3. A copy of your Passport

Recommended documents

  1. A copy of your visa documents (if available)
  2. A copy of any past visa rejection documents (if applicable)
  3. Packaged offer letter (if applicable)
  4. Sponsorship documents if you study will be sponsored

Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing

How to apply
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All fees are indicative and are provided as a guide only. The actual fees will depend on the individual units you enrol in. You should refer to your Letter of Offer for specific course and fee related information.

The first-year indicative fee is based on a typical full-time enrolment at Murdoch University of 24 credit points.

For domestic students, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, the indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported fee.

Indicative fees for international students are based on applicable full fee paying rates.

The estimated, indicative fee covers tuition fees only, and certain additional fees and charges may apply, depending on the course and units you choose. It also does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries for which you may be eligible.

The estimated, indicative fee assumes no fee increases or indexation. Over time, fee increases or indexation may occur and will affect the estimate. If you are a full fee paying student, this may occur at the start of your second and each subsequent year of study. In the case of Commonwealth Supported students, this will occur for each new calendar year in line with Government policy.

All fee estimates are provided in Australian dollars.