The University of New England (UNE) has become the first Australian university to be officially endorsed by the country’s national soil science body, Soil Science Australia (SSA).
The endorsement means UNE is currently the only recognised tertiary institution that equips students with the skills and knowledge required to obtain one of SSA’s new professional accreditations.
Lecturer and Coordinator of UNE’s soil science units, Dr Ivanah Oliver, says the recognition is a testament to the high calibre of education on offer in the rural sciences at UNE.
“This is very exciting for UNE, and demonstrates that we are a leading provider of undergraduate and postgraduate soil science education in Australia,” says coordinator of UNE’s soil science units, Dr Ivanah Oliver.
“Any UNE student looking for a career in soil science can be confident that they have gained the required fundamental knowledge, skills and practical experience to assist them in obtaining professional accreditation.”
UNE’s six soil science units have been endorsed, along with the Graduate Certificate in Agriculture (Soil Science), which is a dedicated qualification for those wanting to work in the industry.
With legislation often requiring soil scientists to be professionally accredited, Dr Oliver says students graduating from institutions that have been given the tick of approval from SSA will have a competitive advantage when entering the workforce.
This is particularly relevant for those hoping to enter roles in industries such as agriculture, mining, environment, and urban development.
Image: Students in the soil pit during a soil science practical.
“Through providing our students with the skills needed to gain accreditation, we are excited to be able to open our students up to a wider range of opportunities and kick start their journey to a flourishing and impactful career.”
The national accreditation for soil professionals was introduced earlier this year by SSA in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in an effort to standardise soil expertise across Australia.
SSA Chief Executive Officer, Michael Walker, says this will give farmers and land managers confidence when seeking out professional advice.
“In Australia, soils are a precious and valuable resource. Better management of soils allows farmers to improve this vital resource, address soil issues and build overall soil health,” says Mr Walker. “By creating a national accreditation, we are helping achieve this.”
The list of endorsed units and courses offered by UNE are:
- Graduate Certificate in Agriculture (Soil Science)
- SOIL222 – Soil Science
- SOIL310 – Soils, Pollution and the Environment
- SOIL311 – Productive Soil Systems
- SOIL431 – Soils in Practice
- SOIL500 – Soils in Landscapes
- SOIL510 – Soils, Pollution and the Environment
To find out more about becoming a Registered Soil Practitioner, visit the SSA website.
