Workforce-ready graduates are at the heart of the University of Tasmania's new-look undergraduate agriculture offerings, with a new degree and a reimagined Bachelor of Agricultural Science unveiled today at Agfest.
Director of the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), Professor Mike Rose, announced a new and distinctive three-year agriculture degree – the Bachelor of Agriculture and Agribusiness - to commence in 2027, designed to reflect the diversity of modern agriculture and meet growing industry demand for highly skilled graduates.
"We are proud to launch a new undergraduate agriculture degree that has been shaped in close partnership with industry, ensuring graduates are equipped with the skills, knowledge and experience that will underpin the industry's ongoing sustainable growth," Professor Rose said.
"The new Bachelor of Agriculture and Agribusiness will complement the flagship Bachelor of Agricultural Science, with both courses drawing on Tasmania's regional strengths to deliver relevant, hands-on learning and stronger connections between students and industry."
The Bachelor of Agriculture and Agribusiness will be delivered face-to-face in Launceston, offering a transformative, deeply industry-connected approach to learning. Students will gain practical, in-depth learning experiences through industry partnerships across key sectors including horticulture, livestock and broadacre sectors.
This degree combines agricultural science with business and value-chain thinking, giving students the opportunity to solve real-world challenges from production through to post farmgate food management, innovative food products and global production systems.
"Industry-embedded learning is a distinctive feature of the Bachelor of Agriculture and Agribusiness, and students will undertake an extended agribusiness placement in their third year. This is a unique opportunity for students to be embedded in industry and build valuable experience and professional networks before they graduate," Professor Rose said.
For students seeking a traditional science-focussed pathway, an enhanced Bachelor of Agricultural Science will continue to be delivered face-to-face in Hobart.
The Bachelor of Agricultural Science has been redesigned into a streamlined three-year degree, recognising the strong industry demand for graduates. In Australia, there are estimated to be up to six jobs opportunities for every agricultural science graduate and many of our students receive multiple job offers before they graduate.
The course is designed for students who want strong scientific and technical expertise to address contemporary challenges in agriculture. The course covers areas such as crop, pasture and animal production, alongside foundational studies in biology and chemistry.
It will support the development of science‑trained problem solvers who can address the complex challenges facing modern agriculture.
Students will also benefit from hands-on learning with an agribusiness placement and a dedicated research experience where students can undertake their own project and build practical research skills.
"Together, the two degrees provide clear and complementary pathways for students whether they are interested in the science of agriculture or the broader food and agribusiness system," Professor Rose said.
Elizabeth Skirving, CEO of Rural Business Tasmania, is a member of the course advisory committee. She said it was encouraging that the courses were developed in close collaboration with industry.
"These new and enhanced degrees are responsive to industry needs and will help build a pipeline of job-ready graduates who understand both the science and the business of agriculture," she said.
"The inclusion of agribusiness and value-chain thinking is particularly important. It reflects where the industry is heading and will help graduates identify opportunities beyond the farm gate, driving innovation and growth across the sector."
Professor Rose said the enhanced agriculture education offerings will support the future growth of the State's agriculture sector and contribute to the Tasmanian Government's AgriVision policy of increasing farmgate value to $10 billion by 2050.
"The future of Tasmania's agricultural industry will increasingly rely on high-quality agricultural education and training to power its demand for skilled workers, to address the challenges, and to underpin the sustainability of the industry," he said.
"TIA's Strategic Plan 2026-2031 sets out a plan to deliver an attractive, relevant and world-class agriculture and food education and part of this is updating our course offerings so they are attractive, fit-for-purpose and relevant to the strengths of Tasmania's industry."
"With a statewide mandate for agricultural research, development and education, TIA plays a critical role in supporting the sector and these new degrees are an important part of delivering on that responsibility.
"These new degrees will equip graduates with the skills and experience to build rewarding careers, while making a meaningful contribution to the future of agriculture in Tasmania and beyond."
