Protect your career in the growing field of plant science and botany

With the need for sustainable practices and environmental conservation, the importance of plant science and botany is expanding. These fields are increasingly interdisciplinary, providing the opportunity to work in other disciplines such as ecology, genetics and agriculture. Plant science and botany graduates who are knowledgeable, technically proficient and adaptable will be set to succeed in dynamic, varied career opportunities.

Our faculty members are leading experts in their respective fields, engaged in cutting-edge research and passionate about teaching. With their guidance, you'll deepen your understanding of plant physiology, genetics, ecology and other related subjects. This knowledge will prepare you for opportunities within industries such as agriculture, horticulture, biotechnology, conservation and more.

UNE offers the option of studying online or on-campus, providing you with flexibility and choice. Online students can connect with other professionals to build networks for the future, while on campus students can access campus accommodation, sports facilities and support services. Both modes of learning are available on a full-time or part-time basis, with three trimesters per year.

Studying plant science and botany with UNE will provide you with the skills necessary to excel in the constantly evolving field of flora. Regardless of which industry you plan to work in, our offerings will prepare you for success. By choosing UNE, you’ll be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.

Discover the plant science and botany offerings available at UNE now.

Courses by study level

With UNE's Bachelor of Agriculture, you will gain practical, production-oriented, specialist skills. You will have the paddock-ready skills and knowledge to solve problems and adapt to future challenges as a professional. Choose a major from one …

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

With UNE's Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business you will gain practical, production-oriented skills and knowledge in agriculture together with in-depth skills and knowledge in business, management and finance. You will learn to formulate …

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Anticipate and respond to the demands of agricultural industries and businesses in a changing global environment and gain a broad range of in-demand legal skills with the UNE Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Laws. In this double degree you will…

Duration
  • 5 years full-time
  • Up to 12 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Do you dream of a career where you’re helping to address the big issues facing humanity? Or perhaps you crave the excitement of being at the forefront of scientific discovery? Maybe you wish to instil your passion for the environment into future…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

The environmental problems that we face in a rapidly changing world require solutions developed by skilled scientists and innovators. UNE's Bachelor of Environmental Science gives you a broad foundation in the theories and practice that underpin …

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

The world requires skilled scientists and innovators to develop the solutions to the complex environmental problems facing a rapidly changing planet. Combined with a contemporary understanding of the theory and practice of law, the UNE Bachelor of…

Duration
  • 5 years full-time
  • Up to 12 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

With UNE's Bachelor of Rural Science, you will graduate at the forefront of the agricultural industry ready to solve complex problems in agricultural systems across enterprises, landscapes and the globe. You will have the paddock-ready…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Constant technological disruption and new discoveries in science influence every aspect of our lives, meaning that there has never been a better time than now to safeguard your future career with scientific knowledge and practical skills. With 20…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Studying the Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws at UNE will equip you with an extensive portfolio of knowledge and skills to future proof your career. In this comprehensive program of study, you will develop contemporary skills in how to write…

Duration
  • 5 years full-time
  • Up to 12 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

In a rapidly changing world, there has never been a better time to expand your understanding of science and technology. UNE’s Bachelor of Scientific Studies is designed to provide you with broad scientific background to assist with future employment …

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Enter the agricultural industry with a one-year academic qualification or refresh your knowledge with UNE’s Diploma in Agricultural Studies. By studying our course online or on campus, you will gain a formal tertiary-level qualification with a basic …

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Are you interested in studying science and want to explore the topics that interest you? UNE’s Diploma in Science is ideal if you are new to university study and want to get started in science, or if you wish to develop a foundation of skills and…

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Cotton is the most widespread profitable non-food crop in the world. The Australian cotton industry provides employment for thousands of people industry wide. But how do we ensure the production, protection, systems and environmental management of…

Duration
  • 1 year part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

The study of Life and Earth Studies is diverse and multidisciplinary, involving science, geology, ecology, biology, chemistry, evolution and more. Students at UNE are part of a rich history of life and earth science education in Australia, and…

Duration
  • 1 year part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Contribute to world class research by completing a Bachelor of Science with Honours at UNE. Position yourself with advanced scientific knowledge in an era of rapid change. Our honours course goes beyond the normal practical and field training and…

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

With UNE's Graduate Certificate in Agriculture, you can expand your professional skills and gain a specialisation in a specific area of agriculture or develop your fundamental knowledge of agricultural science. UNE's Graduate Certificate in…

Duration
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Environmental factors play an increasing role in decision making in many fields. The ability to take these factors into account and improve the productivity and sustainability of environmental systems to meet the current and future needs of…

Duration
  • 0.5 or 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Adapt to an evolving workplace and open the door to new career opportunities with UNE's Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice. Whether you want to create more career choices, hone your specialist skills, or take a new…

Duration
  • 0.5 years full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

Design a bespoke course and prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace with the UNE Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice. Whether you want to advance your career, hone your skills or embark on a new career direction, we'll work …

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

Upgrade your skills and develop your expertise with science-based agricultural studies through UNE's Master of Science in Agriculture. Our flexible program of specialist coursework allows you to steer your studied towards your interests and…

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 or 2 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • 8 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

High quality research and analysis allows us to better understand the complex issues we face in industry and society. With UNE's Master of Philosophy by research, your original findings and insights will add to the body of knowledge and inform…

Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Upgrade your knowledge and skills or pivot your career by developing expertise in sustainable, science-based agricultural systems of production through UNE's Master of Rural Science. This postgraduate degree offers a supportive program of…

Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online
Master of Science

Understanding and discovery in science drives advancement, providing solutions to the world's health, environmental, agricultural and technological challenges. UNE's Master of Science allows you to study flexibly, to gain expertise and…

Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

If you are enrolled at another university, you can choose to study subjects at UNE that will count towards your course. Apply as a cross institutional student directly and complete one or several individual subjects (units) from the full scope of…

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
Non-Award

The world is full of possibilities, with so much to discover and learn. There are endless opportunities to enrich your knowledge to prepare for the future, but what if you don’t want to undertake a full degree? And how can you zero-in on the…

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
  • Bespoke Graduate Certificate: design your own  4 unit postgraduate course and have your work experience recognised in the process.
  • ‘Fundamental’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four  fundamental units from a traditional degree. If you are planning a new direction, or adding a new set of skills to your portfolio, you may want to start with this option. These units provide a foundation, or a ‘base camp’, to return to if you want to later progress to a full degree.
  • ‘Advanced’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four  advanced units from a full degree. This is a great strategy for staying current in your field, or advancing your knowledge.
  • ‘Critical Content’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four units any of the available units in a degree to create a  Critical Content Bespoke Course. This option lets you get the knowledge you need without the time and cost of a full degree.
  • ‘Mix and Match’ Bespoke Course: combine two, three or four units from different degrees and disciplines to design your  mix and match Bespoke Course. This option lets you diversify your knowledge.

What our students say

Bachelor of Science (Genetics) student Dominic Waters completes fun run beneath canopy of hands

As I progressed through university, I found that I enjoyed statistics and genetics. UNE happens to be very strong in both of these areas, so it was a good fit.

Dominic Waters, Bachelor of Science (Genetics) student

Find the right major or specialisation for your studies in Plant Science and Botany

In a changing climate, plant science and botany professionals are in high demand. Access UNE's world-class facilities and learn from experienced academics who will provide you with practical knowledge in areas such as plant genetics, ecology, conservation and physiology. Explore your options now.

Filter by:
Showing 110 of 10 results
Agronomy
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's established reputation in agriculture and develop skills in soil, crop and pasture management, research and analysis. Learn using up-to-date tools and collaborative technology to prepare for a long-term career in the…

Benefit from UNE's established reputation in agriculture and develop skills in soil, crop and pasture management, research and analysis. Learn using up-to-date tools and collaborative technology to prepare for a long-term career in the constantly changing business and physical environment.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Science with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Botany
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's expert botanists and develop the critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills to secure your role in the rapidly changing world of scientific research; a field set to see vast changes as technology advances and…

Benefit from UNE's expert botanists and develop the critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills to secure your role in the rapidly changing world of scientific research; a field set to see vast changes as technology advances and the climate crisis continues.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Environmental Science Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Laws Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Zoology Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Master of Scientific Studies Major Postgraduate
Graduate Diploma in Science Major Postgraduate
Graduate Certificate in Science Major Postgraduate
Cotton Production
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Develop the practical skills needed to embark on a sustainable career in the cotton production industry. UNE's highly regarded agriculture experts, both local and international, will ensure you are up to date with market and tech trends and help …

Develop the practical skills needed to embark on a sustainable career in the cotton production industry. UNE's highly regarded agriculture experts, both local and international, will ensure you are up to date with market and tech trends and help you secure your role in this evolving field.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Agriculture Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Laws Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Rural Science Minor Undergraduate
Undergraduate Certificate in Cotton Production Specialist Course Undergraduate
Environmental Science
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Environmental scientists are highly sought after to develop strategies for growing issues such as climate change and depletion of natural resources. Learn from UNE's industry experts and build your research, critical analysis, collaboration and…

Environmental scientists are highly sought after to develop strategies for growing issues such as climate change and depletion of natural resources. Learn from UNE's industry experts and build your research, critical analysis, collaboration and communication skills.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Environmental Science Specialist Course Undergraduate
Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Laws Specialist Course Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Master of Environmental Science and Management Specialist Course Postgraduate
Graduate Certificate in Environmental Science Specialist Course Postgraduate
Undergraduate Certificate in Environmental Studies Specialist Course Undergraduate
Undergraduate Certificate in Life and Earth Studies Specialist Course Undergraduate
Master of Environmental Science (Research) Specialist Course Postgraduate Research
General Agricultural Production
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's agriculture experts will help you develop the skills you need to succeed at farming and address the climate issues facing farmers in a rapidly changing global environment. Learn about advances in technology and protect your role as a…

UNE's agriculture experts will help you develop the skills you need to succeed at farming and address the climate issues facing farmers in a rapidly changing global environment. Learn about advances in technology and protect your role as a producer for Australia’s future.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Laws Minor Undergraduate
High Intensity Cropping
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE’s established reputation in agriculture and be introduced to recent and future tech advancements in high intensity cropping. With our experts, you will build the practical and research skills needed in the fast-changing worlds of…

Benefit from UNE’s established reputation in agriculture and be introduced to recent and future tech advancements in high intensity cropping. With our experts, you will build the practical and research skills needed in the fast-changing worlds of mechanisation and sustainable farming practice.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Agriculture Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Laws Minor Undergraduate
Indigenous Knowledge Systems
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's highly regarded sociology department and develop your conceptual and independent critical thinking skills. Future-fit yourself for a modern world that is increasingly looking to Indigenous knowledge systems for social and…

Benefit from UNE's highly regarded sociology department and develop your conceptual and independent critical thinking skills. Future-fit yourself for a modern world that is increasingly looking to Indigenous knowledge systems for social and environmental solutions for our rapidly changing world.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Environmental Science Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Laws Minor Undergraduate
Plant Production
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's established reputation in agriculture and rural sciences and future-fit yourself with a diversified skillset in evidence-based farming techniques. Protect your role in a field that is forecast to see changes in precision…

Benefit from UNE's established reputation in agriculture and rural sciences and future-fit yourself with a diversified skillset in evidence-based farming techniques. Protect your role in a field that is forecast to see changes in precision agriculture, biotech, organic and sustainable farming.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Agriculture Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Agriculture Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Laws Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Rural Science Minor Undergraduate
Soils
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Pollution and climate change are driving demand for soil experts. Benefit from UNE's expertise in soil science as you build chemical and biological understanding of soil systems. Hone the critical thinking and communication skills to secure your …

Pollution and climate change are driving demand for soil experts. Benefit from UNE's expertise in soil science as you build chemical and biological understanding of soil systems. Hone the critical thinking and communication skills to secure your role in agricultural and environmental industries.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Environmental Science Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Laws Minor Undergraduate
Vegetation and Landscapes
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
In a rapidly changing global environment, studying vegetation, landscapes and delicate ecosystems is critical. Using UNE’s advanced laboratories and technology, develop the skills to understand the natural world so you are future-fit for a…

In a rapidly changing global environment, studying vegetation, landscapes and delicate ecosystems is critical. Using UNE’s advanced laboratories and technology, develop the skills to understand the natural world so you are future-fit for a sustainable career that contributes to science.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Environmental Science Major Undergraduate
  • 1

Why study with us?

5 stars
For Overall Experience and Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Australian Universities
No. 1
For Undergraduate Student Support
Good Universities Guide 2024
Public NSW Universities
No. 1
For Postgraduate Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
NSW Universities

Careers in Plant Science and Botany

As the importance of sustainable practices and environmental stewardship increases, the demand for professionals with expertise in plant science and botany is on the rise. UNE will help you to develop the skillset needed to secure positions in fields such as agriculture, horticulture, environmental management, conservation and biotechnology, among others.

  • Botanist
    Research plant genetics, morphology, physiology and ecology and develop new applications for plant-based products.
  • Plant biotechnologist
    Conduct research and develop new methods to improve plant growth, yield and resistance to diseases and pests.
  • Horticulturist
    Cultivate and manage gardens, parks, and other outdoor spaces.
  • Plant ecologist
    Study plant populations, communities and ecosystems, and their relationships with other organisms and the environment.
  • Plant breeder
    Develop new plant varieties with desired traits, such as improved yield, disease resistance or nutritional value.
  • Agronomist
    Develop and implement strategies for sustainable crop management, including crop selection, soil management and pest control.
  • Land rehabilitation specialist
    Restore and rehabilitate degraded land, using native plant species to improve soil health and prevent erosion.
  • Plant pathologist
    Study the causes and effects of plant diseases and develop methods for their control and prevention.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024

What happens next?

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1. Decide on your course

Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.

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2. Apply

2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

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3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.