AD-AGRIB v.2 Associate Degree in Agribusiness

Associate Degrees prepare students to develop broad knowledge and skills for paraprofessional/highly skilled work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 6 qualifications.

This two-year associate degree is a combination of commerce, agricultural science and agribusiness units that equips students for employment in the agribusiness management sector and for further study at Bachelor level. Students develop an understanding of the breadth of the modern agribusiness sector through units in agricultural production systems farm business management, food and agribusiness marketing and farm accounting and finance. Students are encouraged to work within the agricultural industry for a minimum of 70 hours during semester breaks to advance their practical skills and to better understand how they can apply their theoretical knowledge in the modern agribusiness workplace. The learning activities in the course will be based primarily at the Muresk Institute which allows for engaging and practical on-farm experiences. Students successfully completing the associate degree may qualify for entry into the Curtin’s Bachelor of Agribusiness (and many other courses). The structure of this course will deliver content with relevance across the agri-food industries. Themes that underpin the course structure include: • A strong foundation in principles of business (accounting, finance, economics, marketing) within an agricultural context; • An understanding of management and risk in agribusiness production systems; • In-depth knowledge of agricultural production systems: biological, economic, social and environmental considerations for cropping and livestock production in Australian agriculture; • Practical application of new and emerging technologies in agriculture (e.g., remote sensing, GIS, data management); • Options for ag-related certification to be obtained within some units; and, • Requirement for industry experience.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.

Associate Degrees typically contains a series of units which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. Students can take between 200 to 250 credit points at first year level.

This course is a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratory and field practical exercises, independent study, online study, relevant industry practical work and visits to commercial enterprises in Western Australia

Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply principles and concepts of agribusiness systems management in a range of theoretical and practical situations

2. apply critical thinking and process skills to generate innovative solutions to agribusiness systems problems

3. use a range of technologies to locate, extract and appraise information relevant to the agribusiness discipline

4. communicate effectively to clients, staff, professionals, management and industry and conform to discipline standards in presentations and publications

5. consider profitability and sustainability when using new and established technologies in agribusiness related industries

6. acquire new knowledge and expertise in the field of agribusiness

7. consider the impacts of agribusiness issues from a global perspective, applying international standards within the field of agribusiness

8. build professional and community partnerships, and incorporate indigenous and other community perspectives in agribusiness practice

9. work professionally and ethically both independently and in teams, complying with appropriate legislation in the field of agribusiness

Duration and Availability

This course is two years full-time or equivalent part-time study.

Location and delivery Mode

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.

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Applicants for an Associate Degree are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://study.curtin.edu.au/ and include flexible entry pathways. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.

Specifically, entry to the course is by portfolio application. School leavers with a WACE, Agricultural College students, students who have completed a TAFE Cert III, IV or Diploma in Agriculture and mature-age students are encouraged to apply. Students without a WACE are encouraged to complete the UniReady program and apply for entry after one semester. Students with an ATAR >70, a pass in Maths Applications ATAR or higher and a Science at ATAR level are encouraged to apply directly to the Bachelor of Agribusiness at Bentley Campus.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.

Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to a Bachelor Degree. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.