Bachelor of Agricultural Science

Summary

Nurture a diverse knowledge of agriculture and food production with a broad and deep understanding of the science behind farming, animal production, plant production and soil and nutrient management. Learn how to apply the latest sustainability strategies, and the benefits this has on the paddock to plate journey. If you gain access to Honours, then you can further deepen your learning and practical skills with an original research project in a specific area of agricultural science or specialist farm management.

Lincoln University is the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest recognised specialist land-based university. The Bachelor of Agricultural Science is unique in being a four-year programme.

You will develop a broad set of advanced skills spanning not just soil and nutrient management, plant and animal production, and farming systems; but also selected advanced level courses in plant protection, genetics and breeding, sustainability, water resources and management, ecology, agroforestry, precision agriculture, biochemistry, resource management law, field research, seed technology and plant and animal physiology.

See the Programme Structure below

Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours)

The Bachelor of Agricultural Science can be awarded with Honours. Students are invited by the Dean to take the Honours option for their fourth year, and will typically have completed the sixth semester of study within the minimum time, with a cumulative GPA of 5 or higher for their last two years of study.

With the Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours), you will have the opportunity to undertake postgraduate courses along with a substantive research project. This expertise prepares you to work at the professional level in agriculture or an agribusiness, apply a science-based approach to agricultural production and agricultural landscape management, and face the challenges and opportunities of the agriculture industry.

Achieving a high class of Honours allows direct entry into PhD-level study.

[Find out about the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences Honours projects [PDF 308 KB]](https://www.lincoln.ac.nz/assets/AGLS-honours-projects-2026.pdf)

How you’ll grow

• Become an expert in the workings of agriculture and production, with a very diverse and advanced level scientific understanding of how the agriculture industry and production systems work.
• Expanding your worth with in-depth, up-to-the-minute knowledge of soil and its management, animal and plant science and production, farming systems and a diverse range of other sciences of importance to agriculture.
• Cultivate your expertise and experience through practical work on a farm or in an allied industry of your choice, plus potentially undertake your own novel agricultural research project.
• Become an expert in applying data from farms, the industry and research science to the improvement and sustainability of agricultural production systems.

Career opportunities

With a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from Lincoln University, you’ll be an attractive candidate for a rewarding career in Agriculture or Food-production, Consultancy, Research, Technical Development Roles, or Farm Management.

Practical work requirements

During your study, you’re expected to complete:

• 28 weeks of paid full-time practical work
• Minimum 10 weeks – maximum 14 weeks on one dairy farm
• Minimum 10 weeks – maximum 14 weeks on one sheep/beef farm
• Any remaining time can be on a different farm or in an allied industry of your choice.

To complete the practical requirements successfully, you’ll need:

• Competence in driving vehicles (experience driving tractors or trucks is an advantage).
• Some previous farming experience is preferred, but not essential.
• The physical ability to work on farms without endangering yourself or others.

For more information on the practical aspects of study, contact the Practical Work Co-ordinator at [[email protected]](https://www.lincoln.ac.nz/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2b5b594a485f42484a475c4459406b47424548444745054a48054551) or phone +64 3 423 0061.

I chose Lincoln’s Bachelor of Agricultural Science for the broad range of animal, soil, agronomy and farm management papers. They helped me customise my degree around on topics I was passionate about.

Becxs Bush

Bachelor of Agricultural Science
Find out more about Becxs' journey at Lincoln.