Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences

Feeding nine billion people by 2050 is going to need an agricultural revolution.

La Trobe's Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences is not just a farming degree.

The course combines science with economics to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing future generations, such as increasing food production and reducing environmental impact.

You’ll apply your expertise to fields including finance, agribusiness, consulting, government and humanitarian initiatives.

Study subjects in plant science, land and soil management, animal physiology, animal psychology, pest control and groundwater sustainability.

Benefit from a range of work placement opportunities and learn in our newly upgraded, state-of-the-art laboratories.

Reasons to study agricultural sciences at La Trobe Our Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences is a future-focused degree that offers a practical curriculum that prepares you for a rewarding and in-demand career.

La Trobe is the only university in Victoria rated 'well-above world-standard' for research in agriculture and veterinary sciences.* La Trobe's agriculture and forestry subjects rank among the top 150 in the world.** Enjoy research opportunities working alongside award winning scientists at the largest research body in Victoria, AgriBio.*** * Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2015 ** 2018 QS World Rankings by Subject *** 2017 ICM Agrifood Award (male category), 2016 GRDC southern region Seed of Light award, a Department of Agriculture Landcare Eureka Award for Sustainable Agriculture in 2014, and CSIRO medal for Impact from Science in 2013 The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 7.

First year

Second year

Third year

Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last two years)

Prerequisite

VCE: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics.

HSC: One of English Standard, English Advanced (Band 2), English as an Additional Language or Dialect (Band 3).Any 2 units of Mathematics (Band 2).

Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.

Admission criteria

ATAR (Compulsory)

This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.

*N/A: Students not accepted in this category, NC: New course, N/P: Not published (includes categories with less than five students). Learn more about our processes View the 2020 ATAR distribution report for the Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences [195.9 KB].

Bridging and enabling courses

Some prerequisites for this course can be satisfied by successfully completing specific subjects offered through Unilearn and achieving the minimum overall grade.

Further details and minimum overall grade information is available from the Prerequisites webpage.

Applicants who complete Unilearn studies must also submit a copy of their 'Statement of Achievement' and transcript with their application.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) (Current year 12 students exempt)

It is recommended that the STAT Multiple Choice test be completed by applicants who have either:

1. not completed Year 12 (or equivalent), VET or University studies, or work experience that can be considered for entry; or do not meet the minimum entry requirements for the program.

Refer to the STAT webpage for further information.

Work Recognition (Current year 12 students exempt)

Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course.

Selection rank adjustments

Subject adjustments

VCE: A study score of 25 in Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or any Science equals 4 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in any LOTE equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.

HSC: Applicants who successfully complete one of the following HSC or equivalent Year 12 subjects will have their selection rank increased by one point per study: Mathematics Standard 2 (Band 3), Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 2, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics, Investigating Science; any language other than English (Band 2). Overall, selection ranks can be increased by a maximum of five points.

Special Access Schemes

For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special access schemes

Applicants with higher education study

Prerequisite

Subject proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency equivalent to stated Year 12 prerequisites.

Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.

Admission criteria

Entire Academic Record (Compulsory)

This course uses the entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

Personal Statement

Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work or community experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.

Work Recognition

Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

It is recommended that the STAT Multiple Choice test be completed by applicants who have either:

1. not completed Year 12 (or equivalent), VET or University studies, or work experience that can be considered for entry; or do not meet the minimum entry requirements for the program.

Refer to the STAT webpage for further information.

English Language Test Selection

Applicants who have undertaken studies in a language other than English must demonstrate that they have achieved the required minimum scores in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic) or equivalent. Refer to Language requirements for further information.

Bridging and enabling courses

Some prerequisites for this course can be satisfied by successfully completing specific subjects offered through Unilearn and achieving the minimum overall grade.

Further details and minimum overall grade information is available from the Prerequisites webpage.

Applicants who complete Unilearn studies must also submit a copy of their 'Statement of Achievement' and transcript with their application.

Selection rank adjustments

Special Access Schemes

For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special access schemes

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Prerequisite

Subject proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency equivalent to stated Year 12 prerequisites.

Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.

Admission criteria

Entire Academic Record (Compulsory)

This course uses the entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

Personal Statement

Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work or community experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.

Work Recognition

Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

It is recommended that the STAT Multiple Choice test be completed by applicants who have either:

1. not completed Year 12 (or equivalent), VET or University studies, or work experience that can be considered for entry; or do not meet the minimum entry requirements for the program.

Refer to the STAT webpage for further information.

English Language Test Selection

Applicants who have undertaken studies in a language other than English must demonstrate that they have achieved the required minimum scores in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic) or equivalent. Refer to Language requirements for further information.

Bridging and enabling courses

Some prerequisites for this course can be satisfied by successfully completing specific subjects offered through Unilearn and achieving the minimum overall grade.

Further details and minimum overall grade information is available from the Prerequisites webpage.

Applicants who complete Unilearn studies must also submit a copy of their 'Statement of Achievement' and transcript with their application.

Selection rank adjustments

Special Access Schemes

For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special access schemes

Applicants with work and life experience

Prerequisite

Subject proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency equivalent to stated Year 12 prerequisites.

Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.

Admission criteria

Entire Academic Record (Compulsory)

This course uses the entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

Personal Statement

Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work or community experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.

Work Recognition

Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

It is recommended that the STAT Multiple Choice test be completed by applicants who have either:

1. not completed Year 12 (or equivalent), VET or University studies, or work experience that can be considered for entry; or do not meet the minimum entry requirements for the program.

Refer to the STAT webpage for further information.

English Language Test Selection

Applicants who have undertaken studies in a language other than English must demonstrate that they have achieved the required minimum scores in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic) or equivalent. Refer to Language requirements for further information.

Bridging and enabling courses

Some prerequisites for this course can be satisfied by successfully completing specific subjects offered through Unilearn and achieving the minimum overall grade.

Further details and minimum overall grade information is available from the Prerequisites webpage.

Applicants who complete Unilearn studies must also submit a copy of their 'Statement of Achievement' and transcript with their application.

Selection rank adjustments

Subject adjustments

VCE: A study score of 25 in Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or any Science equals 4 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in any LOTE equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.

HSC: Applicants who successfully complete one of the following HSC or equivalent Year 12 subjects will have their selection rank increased by one point per study: Mathematics Standard 2 (Band 3), Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 2, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics, Investigating Science; any language other than English (Band 2). Overall, selection ranks can be increased by a maximum of five points.

Special Access Schemes

For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special access schemes