Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Entry is based on recent secondary, higher education (GPA), VET study or work experience.
Entry is based on Australian Year 12 equivalence. English language requirements must also be met.
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2024 | Trimester 2 – June 2024 | Trimester 3 – October 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
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 understanding of the science of agriculture, without having to commit to a full degree program.
Whether you wish to undertake a refresher course or start on a pathway to a bachelor's degree, our course will equip you with the understanding of agriculture to take advantage of opportunities in the rural sector.
Why study the Diploma in Agricultural Studies with UNE?
UNE’s one-year Diploma in Agricultural Studies will expand your agricultural knowledge and provide you with a qualification that will improve your employability as a graduate. Studying an agriculture-based course at UNE offers you the opportunity to:
- Access the latest agricultural techniques and technology at our innovative SMART Farms. With eight properties covering 3,655 hectares, including farms within minutes of campus and a commercial scale feedlot, the UNE SMART Farms are diverse and valuable teaching and research resources that you will utilise during your course. The farms support a range of disciplines including grazing and intensive livestock, cropping, pastures, poultry, genetics, and precision agriculture.
- 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.
By choosing UNE, you are choosing an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience in the Good Universities Guide.
What makes our course different?
UNE’s Diploma in Agricultural Studies offers you the opportunity to:
- Gain a formal tertiary level academic qualification in as little as one year.
- Tailor your studies to meet your personal learning goals by selecting from a range of listed units.
- Study science-based agriculture units to give you the specialist technical skills and knowledge required by the agricultural industry.
- Complete two weeks of formal work integrated learning, allowing you to put your academic learning into practice on the farm.
- Learn from world-leading and ground-breaking researchers and teaching staff in areas including agronomy, soil science, animal production, genetics and plant production.
- Study in class sizes that are small enough to provide great support from academic mentors, but large enough for peer-to-peer group work with other students.
- Study on campus or online, giving you the flexibility to balance your studies with your other personal commitments.
Year on year, our students consistently award UNE the maximum 5 stars for Overall Excellence in the Good Universities Guide.
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 to build real world networks for the future.
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
Select the option that best describes you.
This course is not currently available for this mode of study.
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.
You can check your overseas qualifications in our Admission Country List and Qualifications table. If you can't find your qualifications in this list, simply submit your application and UNE's International Admissions team will assess them for you.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus are a requirement for units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
On-Campus study
If you would like to study full-time in Australia at one of UNE's campuses, you will need to have a visa that allows you to study. For most international students this visa will need to be a Student Visa. The Australian Department of Home Affairs has further information about visa eligibility and conditions.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
To meet the entry requirements for this course you must have completed, at minimum, an Australian Year 12 qualification or overseas equivalent.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
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.
You can check your overseas qualifications in our Admission Country List and Qualifications table. If you can't find your qualifications in this list, simply submit your application and UNE's International Admissions team will assess them for you.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus are a requirement for units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- Any supporting documents related to your admission pathway. For example, if you apply based on previous study, upload evidence of your study so we can assess eligibility.
- Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
- Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.
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.
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.
Please note: The maximum amount of Advanced Standing which can be granted towards this course is 24 credit points. However, no limit applies for units which are completed at UNE and which have not been counted towards another qualification.
Select the option that best describes your experience.
You are currently studying Year 12 (school or TAFE) or have done so within the past 2 years.
Not Applicable
If you are admitted on the basis of your ATAR, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
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.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus are a requirement for units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
You have studied at UNE or other higher education institutions, completed or otherwise.
You can apply for this course if you have undertaken any of the following qualifications with an appropriate Grade Point Average (GPA):
- Undergraduate Certificates
- Diplomas
- Advanced Diplomas/Associate degrees
- Bachelor degrees
- Postgraduate degrees
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
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.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus are a requirement for units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
You have undertaken VET study through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), e.g. TAFE.
You can apply for this course if you have undertaken VET studies. When assessing your application, we will look at the following factors:
- Level and type of qualification (Certificate III or above)
- Graded or ungraded (competency-based)
- Complete or incomplete.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
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.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus are a requirement for units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
You left high school more than two years ago or did not finish Year 12.
You can apply for this course on the basis of work and/or life experience via at least one of the following methods:
Professional Experience
If you have completed at least one year of paid professional experience, we can assess you for admission on this basis. Simply provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s in your application.
> Find out more about applying based on professional experience
> Learn about our Statement of Service requirements
Mature Age Special Entry
Tell us more about your work and life experience, demonstrating why you believe you will be successful in the course you are applying for. Simply complete the form and upload it in your application.
> Download the Mature Age Special Entry form (PDF)
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The STAT is a test that assesses a range of competencies considered important for successful tertiary study. UNE accepts the multiple-choice component provided you have completed it within the three years prior to course commencement.
> Visit ACER for more information
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
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.
Pathways Enabling Course
This is a free (fees exempt) and 100% online course designed to help you prepare for university. It will provide you with all the skills needed to undertake undergraduate study.
> Learn more about the Pathways Enabling Course
TRACKS (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
TRACKS is a preparation course run by the UNE Oorala Aboriginal Centre. Over two trimesters you will experience what university study is about and learn in a supported environment. Be part of a community of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who share your goals and interests.
> Learn more about TRACKS
Internal Selection Program (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
This program is designed for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who have professional work or community experience, or any formal VET qualifications, e.g. TAFE study.
> Learn more about the Internal Selection Program
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus are a requirement for 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:
- Any supporting documents related to your admission pathway. For example, if you apply based on previous study, upload evidence of your study so we can assess eligibility.
- If you are applying through Mature Age Special Entry, you will need to include a completed Mature Age Special Entry form in your online application. Learn more about Mature Age Special Entry.
- If you are applying based on professional experience you will need to provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
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.
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.
Please note: The maximum amount of Advanced Standing which can be granted towards this course is 24 credit points. However, no limit applies for units which are completed at UNE and which have not been counted towards another qualification.
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 48 credit points.
24 credit points
Complete the following units:- Fundamentals of Agriculture (AGFN100) – 6 credit points
- Introductory Chemistry (CHEM100) – 6 credit points
- Science in Practice (SCI100) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
And complete 6 credit points from the following units:- Sustainable Agricultural Systems I (AGSY101) – 6 credit points
- Sustainable Agricultural Systems II (AGSY102) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete ONE Course Work Program- Sustainable Agricultural Systems I (AGSY101) – 6 credit points
- Sustainable Agricultural Systems II (AGSY102) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Biology: Cells and Life (BIOL110) – 6 credit points
- Organisms and the Diversity of Life (BIOL120) – 6 credit points
- Agricultural Plants: Adaptation and Physiology (AGRO200) – 6 credit points
- Animal Production Systems and Products (ANPR211) – 6 credit points
- Animal Handling (ANSC101) – 6 credit points
- Animal Physiology (ANSC201) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Breeding and Genetics (GENE251) – 6 credit points
- Fundamentals of Marketing (MM110) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Quantitative Skills (MTHS100) – 6 credit points
- Foundational Quantitative Methods for Environmental and Rural Sciences (QMER100) – 6 credit points
- Soil Science (SOIL222) – 6 credit points
- Engaging in My Future (WORK100) – 6 credit points
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
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| International | $33,832* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place | $7,029* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $351 |
*Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. 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.
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.
UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.
Scholarships
UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.
The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2024. View detailed Bursary information.
UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.
Your career
UNE’s Diploma in Agricultural Studies will provide you with the skills and knowledge to contribute effectively to sustainable agricultural production in technical and support roles.
Your Diploma in Agricultural Studies allows you to enhance your understanding of agriculture and may provide you with a gateway to further study. If you choose to progress your studies, units from your completed diploma may be counted as advanced standing towards UNE’s Bachelor of Agriculture.
Course outcomes
- demonstrate current, technical and theoretical knowledge of agricultural science;
- use and apply technical, field and/or laboratory scientific methods relevant to agricultural systems to solve problems;
- use scientific literacy and communication skills to demonstrate understanding of agriculture for a range of stakeholders;
- identify, analyse and act on information from a range of sources to apply solutions in known or changing agricultural contexts; and
- transfer knowledge and specialised skills to others and demonstrate understanding of knowledge.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Knowledge of agriculture is taught, practised and assessed in all units. Students will develop a knowledge of key agriculture theory and apply knowledge in agricultural industry contexts to solve 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 including invigilated assessments of theory and practice of agriculture.
- Communication Skills
Communication skills are taught, practised and assessed throughout this course. Students will provide clear and accurate descriptions of agricultural science issues; on writing technical and scientific investigations. Students will utilise cognitive and communication skills, tools and digital technologies to communicate appropriately with a range of stakeholders. Students will develop oral, written and presentation skills demonstrated in invigilated assessments relevant to agriculture.
- Problem Solving
Problem solving is taught, practised and assessed throughout the course, where students will analyse literature, theories, models and techniques from a range of disciplines to solve contemporary agricultural problems.
- Information Literacy
Information literacy is taught, practised and assessed throughout the course as students need to identify, evaluate and synthesise relevant information drawn from a range of sources in order to solve agricultural based problems.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Ethical conduct and social responsibility is taught, practised and assessed. Students will reflect on the principles of professional and social responsibility related to agriculture.
- Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning is taught and assessed through self-directed tasks that encourage analysis of professional agricultural practice.
- Independence and Collaboration
Independence and collaboration is taught, practised and assessed in this course. Students are required to work independently and complete learning and assessment activities that require self-directed learning and initiative. Students are also required to collaborate in a variety of learning and assessment tasks throughout the course.
A five-star experience
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
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
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
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
A five-star experience
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 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 Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024 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.
As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.
To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.
Studying on Campus
Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
UNE has offered me so many opportunities, friendships and connections. My highlight has to be travelling around Qld and NSW expanding my education through various agricultural groups and conferences.
Why study with us?
UNE offers plenty of degrees to choose your preferred future path which will be taught by high quality and innovative teaching staff who are leaders in their fields.
How to apply
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
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.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 16 February 2024 | 26 February 2024 |
| Trimester 2 | 14 June 2024 | 24 June 2024 |
| Trimester 3 | 11 October 2024 | 21 October 2024 |
Important Notice for Prospective Students
For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.
