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Key facts

Domestic students course information. This course is currently not available to international students.

Entry requirements

Entry is based on a bachelor qualification or overseas equivalent.

View full entry requirements
Duration
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Number of Units (Subjects)
  • 8 units (48 credit points)
View course structure
Fees
  • Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
  • Full Fee
View more fees information
Start Dates and Campus
Trimester 1 – February 2026Trimester 2 – June 2026Trimester 3 – October 2026
Online OfferedOfferedNot Offered
Armidale Campus OfferedOfferedNot Offered
Sydney Campus Not OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered

View 2027 course information

Course information

Download course brochure
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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. This course provides you with the opportunity to fast-track your career via a range of coursework programs designed to develop expertise in an area of your interest. You'll be able to choose your specialist area from options that include general agricultural production, precision agriculture, agricultural consulting, sustainable agriculture, sheep and wool science, genetics, soil science, cropping systems, and animal health and nutrition.

Open doors to a wide range of employment options in this rapidly changing industry and future fit your career.

Why study the Graduate Certificate in Agriculture with UNE?
If you are shifting your career focus to agriculture from another profession, UNE's Graduate Certificate in Agriculture will equip you with the professional fundamentals to enter the industry. Alternatively, this course can build on your industry knowledge to help you develop specialist skills and thrive in a changing industry.

Whether you're new to agriculture or an established professional, this course allows you to gain expertise in your area of interest and strengthen your professional development and career options with a course that has been designed specifically with feedback from industry in mind.

We’re highly rated – year after year, students award UNE 5-star ratings in The Good Universities Guide for Overall Experience and Student Support, so when you study with us, you know you are in good hands.

What makes our course different?
At UNE, you have access the latest agricultural technology and techniques at our innovative SMART Farms. Made up of eight properties covering 3,655 hectares, including two farms within minutes of campus and a commercial scale feedlot, the UNE SMART Farms are diverse and valuable teaching and research resources. The farms support a range of disciplines including natural and agricultural ecosystems, poultry, livestock and canine sciences, and precision agriculture. Studying an agriculture-based course at UNE offers you the opportunity to:

  • Learn from world-leading and ground breaking researchers and teaching staff, helping you to develop the technical skills and expert knowledge to work in agriculture now and in the future.
  • Build high-level practical and science-based knowledge and skills, ensuring your ability to provide paddock-ready solutions to solve agricultural problems in your specialisation.
  • Study in classes that are small enough to provide great support from academic mentors, but large enough for peer-to-peer group work with other students.
  • Gain formal practical experience in agricultural enterprises and apply coursework theory to workplace situations during your studies to improve your employability as a graduate, and experience real-life farming systems through field trips to our commercial partners.
  • Learn hands-on through our world class facilities including our state-of-the-art glasshouses and animal housing and handling facilities to learn skills and techniques that you will use throughout your working life.
  • Gain industry recognition. The Soil Science major in this course fulfils the educational requirements for Soil Science Australia Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) and Registered Soil Practitioner (RSP) accreditation.
  • Continue your studies through the Master of Science in Agriculture.
  • Study flexibly on campus or online, to balance your work and study commitments. If you choose to study online, some units include mandatory intensive schools on campus, which give you the opportunity to interact and engage face-to-face with your peers and academic staff and gain essential practical skills.

Please note: majors in this course can be studied only on a part-time basis unless a specific program of study is approved by the course coordinator.

Majors

  • Agricultural Consulting
  • Animal Health and Nutrition
  • Cropping Systems
  • General Agricultural Production
  • Genetics
  • Precision Agriculture
  • Sheep and Wool Science
  • Soil Science
  • Sustainable Agriculture.

Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus
Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.

Entry requirements

This course is offered under two admission rules, each with its own Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in any discipline.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule B: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).

* Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to:

  • Agribusiness
  • Agriculture
  • Agricultural Economics
  • Animal Science
  • Botany
  • Environmental Science
  • Rural Science
  • Zoology

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Inherent Requirements

You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.

If you are admitted under Rule B you will be granted 24 credit points of Block Advanced Standing. You cannot apply for further Advanced Standing.

Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.

If you are admitted under Rule A you can apply for up to 12 credit points of Advanced Standing. This may include up to 6 credit points of Advanced Standing based on professional experience.

> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

Course structure

To qualify for the award a candidate admitted under Rule (a) must pass units to the value of 48 credit points including not more than 12 credit points at 100-level, not more than 12 credit points at 200-level, and at least 18 credit points at 400-level or above.

To qualify for the award a candidate admitted under Rule (b) must pass units to the value of 48 credit points including at least 18 credit points at 400-level or above.

48 credit points

For candidates admitted under Rule (a)

48 credit points

Complete ONE of the following Course Work Programs:

12 credit points

Complete 12 credit points from the following unit:

12 credit points

Complete 12 credit points from the following units:

12 credit points

And complete 12 credit points from the following units:

12 credit points

And complete 12 credit points (or any other unit approved by the course coordinator):

12 credit points

Complete 12 credit points from the following units:

12 credit points

And complete 12 credit points from the following units:

24 credit points

And complete 24 credit points with a minimum of 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units (or any other unit approved by the course coordinator):

12 credit points

Complete 12 credit points from the following units:

12 credit points

And complete 12 credit points from the following units:

24 credit points

And complete 24 credit points with a minimum of 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units (or any other unit approved by the course coordinator):

12 credit points

Complete 12 credit points from the following units:

12 credit points

And complete 12 credit points from the following units:

24 credit points

And complete 24 credit points with a minimum of 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units (or any other unit approved by the unit coordinator):
Complete 48 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units: Students who do not have sufficient genetic or statistical background should complete 6 credit points from Group 3 before enrolling in Group 4 units.

12 credit points

Complete 12 credit points from the following units:

12 credit points

And complete 12 credit points from the following units:

12 credit points

And complete 12 credit points with not more than 6 credit points at 300-level from the following units:

12 credit points

And complete the following units:

12 credit points

Complete 12 credit points from the following units:

12 credit points

And complete 12 credit points from the following units:

24 credit points

And complete 24 credit points with a minimum of 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units (or any other unit approved by the unit coordinator):

12 credit points

Complete 12 credit points from the following units:

12 credit points

And complete 12 credit points from the following units:

24 credit points

And complete 24 credit points with a minimum of 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units (or any other unit approved by the unit coordinator):

12 credit points

Complete 12 credit points from the following units (or any other unit approved by the course coordinator):

12 credit points

And complete 12 credit points from the following units:

24 credit points

And complete 24 credit points with a minimum of 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units (or any other unit approved by the unit coordinator):

12 credit points

Complete 12 credit points from the following units:

12 credit points

And complete 12 credit points from the following units:

24 credit points

And complete 24 credit points with a minimum of 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units (or any other unit approved by the course coordinator):

48 credit points

For candidates admitted under Rule (b)

24 credit points

24 credit points block advanced standing granted for completion of an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification in a relevant discipline.

24 credit points

Complete ONE of the following Course Work Programs:

12 credit points

Complete 12 credit points from the following unit:

12 credit points

And complete 12 credit points (or any other unit approved by the course coordinator):

24 credit points

Complete 24 credit point with a minimum of 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units (or any other unit approved by the course coordinator):

24 credit points

Complete 24 credit point with a minimum of 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units (or any other unit approved by course coordinator):

12 credit points

Complete the following units:

12 credit points

Complete 12 credit points with not more than 6 credit points at 300-level from the following units:
Complete 24 credit point with a minimum of 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units:

24 credit points

Complete 24 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units (or any other unit approved by the unit coordinator):

24 credit points

Complete 24 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units (or any other unit approved by the unit coordinator):
Complete 24 credit point with a minimum of 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units:

24 credit points

Complete 24 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 400-level or higher from the following units (or any other unit approved by the unit coordinator):
Complete 24 credit point with a minimum of 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units:

24 credit points

Complete 24 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units (Or any other unit approved by the course coordinator)

24 credit points

Complete 24 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 400-level or higher from the following units (or any other unit approved by the unit coordinator):

See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.

Fees and scholarships

Understanding Your Course Fees

Your total course fees are based on the number of units you complete, not the length of time you study. This gives you flexibility to tailor your study journey to suit your circumstances.

Here's how it works:

  • Unit-based pricing - Each unit has its own fee. Visit our Fees and Costs section for detailed unit pricing information
  • Advanced standing - If you're eligible for credit for previous study, you'll complete fewer units and pay less overall
  • Study pace - Choose part-time or full-time study to fit your schedule without affecting unit costs
  • Trimester 3 option - Students who choose to accelerate their progress by studying during Trimester 3 can do so without increasing overall costs

The table below shows estimated fees for a typical full-time year of study (48 credit points which typically equates to 8 units)

How much will it cost?

Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:

Fee typeCost
Full Fee (no government subsidy)
$36,768*
Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
$7,014*
Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time$373
*The costs will depend on the units you choose to study as the cost of individual units vary. “Estimated fees” are provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking a study load of 48 credit points in the first year of this course. For courses that require less than 48 credit points the fees indicated are based on the total credit points required for completion of that course. For more information, please see fees and costs.

What are the course fee payment options?

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.

If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

Full Fee places are mostly in postgraduate coursework degrees. In a full fee place you pay the tuition fee set for your course, however you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP Loan to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction.

UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.

There are plenty of scholarships to choose from
Find your perfect scholarship using our Find a Scholarship tool and reduce the cost of your future studies with us today.
Find a scholarship

Your career

Career outcomes

The Graduate Certificate in Agriculture is designed to provide you with the opportunity to broaden or develop professional knowledge and management skills to take into the workplace. Your career opportunities within the agricultural industry will be influenced by your chosen specialisations and could include the following areas:

  • agricultural consulting
  • agricultural enterprise management
  • animal nutrition and feed manufacturing
  • cotton production
  • precision agriculture and agricultural technology
  • animal health adviser
  • certified soil scientist
  • sustainable agriculture.
Professional recognition

UNE’s Graduate Certificate in Agriculture (Soil Science major) fulfils the educational requirements for Soil Science Australia Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) and Registered Soil Practitioner (RSP).

Course outcomes

The Graduate Certificate in Agriculture should provide graduates with the opportunity to broaden their professional knowledge and management skills in their chosen area of study. Completion of the Graduate Certificate in Agriculture will qualify graduate entry to the Master of Science in Agriculture.
  1. demonstrate an advanced understanding of the methods and processes of agricultural science as a creative endeavour and that current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry
  2. exhibit depth and breadth of knowledge of agricultural science by demonstrating advanced knowledge in one or more disciplines of agriculture
  3. critically analyse and solve challenging complex or multi-faceted problems, by selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools; analysing, interpreting and critically evaluating research findings
  4. effectively synthesise and communicate agricultural results, information or arguments using a range of modes for a variety of purposes and audiences
  5. be accountable for their own learning and scientific work by being independent and self-directed learners, working effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual or team context, demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to their disciplinary area and personally practising ethical conduct
Knowledge of a Discipline

Knowledge of agriculture is taught, practised and assessed in all units. Students will develop an in-depth knowledge of key agriculture theory and apply knowledge in agricultural industry contexts to solve complex agricultural problems. Students will also demonstrate an understanding of the global environment in which agriculture is conducted. Students will obtain knowledge through unit materials; experience in laboratory, field excursions and industry practicals; independent research; and interaction with teaching staff and fellow students. Students will be assessed via multiple modes using theory and practice of agriculture.

Communication Skills

Communication skills are taught, practised and assessed throughout this course. There is emphasis on the ability to provide clear and accurate descriptions of agricultural science issues; on writing reports of technical and scientific investigations; and on presenting critical reviews of knowledge. Students will utilise cognitive and communication skills, tools and digital technologies to communicate appropriately and persuasively with a range of stakeholders. Students will develop oral, written and presentation skills relevant to agricultural contexts through assessments.

Problem Solving

Problem solving is taught, practiced and assessed in the scientific context of researching the background to a problem, formulating one or more hypotheses in agricultural science to be tested, and drawing conclusions from the results of those tests. Many practical assignments are based around this approach. Problem solving skills are also developed in field and laboratory settings where students use cognitive and critical thinking skills to identify agriculture issues, and to analyse and evaluate the relevant theories and concepts to construct solutions. This will prepare students for dealing with and solving high-level and complex real-world problems that arise in agricultural science and management.

Information Literacy

Students will be taught how to access the literature (especially online resources), how to evaluate the robustness of literature sources (discrimination skills), and how to critique available information. Students will plan and execute a high-level research capacity in written assignments and utilise a wide range of data resources in such a way that others can learn from them.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Students are taught ethical practices in relation to the discipline, including respecting intellectual property rights, ethical behaviour in fieldwork and assessment tasks, and honesty and trust as the basis of the cooperative endeavour of science. Students will be encouraged to act ethically and be socially responsible. These are underlying principles of the discipline of agricultural science which enable the production of food and fibre at the same time as protecting the environment. Legal obligations and responsibility will also be integrated into the teaching content.

Lifelong Learning

Students gain confidence in their ability to search for, find, and critically analyse sources of information relevant to the discipline. Students will develop the ability to identify, evaluate and implement personal learning strategies and/or study skills in pursuit of ongoing personal and professional development.

Independence and Collaboration

Students are encouraged and taught to develop independence of thought and action. Teamwork is used in classes at all levels, especially in practical work in the field and laboratory. Students develop the skills to work cooperatively to define and achieve common goals, to take initiative and to assume responsibility for tasks. Students will learn in a professional forum to use the language, ideas and concepts of the discipline in reasoned argument, sometimes controversial ideas and concepts and sometimes from different points of view. 

Excellence in experience, equity and employability

2026 Overall Experience

Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.

Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
2026 Social Equality

Five Stars for
Social Equity

UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.

Good Universities Guide 2026
2026 Graduate Employment

Five Stars for
Graduate Employment

UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.

Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
2026 Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.

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Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

Find out how online study works

Stay connected

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  • •Course updates and important changes as they happen
  • •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
  • •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
  • •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire

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Why study with us?

Smiling Bachelor of Agriculture graduate Greg Kemmett stands on wooden stairwell at UNE Armidale

Agriculture is pretty important on a global scale, it’s nice to have an education in something of international importance.

Greg Kemmett

How to apply

Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are applying as a
, the application process may be a little different depending on who you are and what you want to study.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances

Important Dates

Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.

If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.

IntakeApplication Closing DateTrimester Start Date
Trimester 124 February 202623 February 2026
Trimester 223 June 202622 June 2026
Apply now

Future study opportunities

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The University of New England respects and acknowledges that its people, courses and facilities are built on land, and surrounded by a sense of belonging, both ancient and contemporary, of the world's oldest living culture. In doing so, UNE values and respects Indigenous knowledge systems as a vital part of the knowledge capital of Australia. We recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of the Aboriginal community and pay our respects to the Elders past, present and future.