Agricultural Scientist (NSW/ACT)

State/Territory Specific Information

Education and Training:

To become an agricultural scientist you usually have to study agricultural or horticultural science at university, or a science degree with a major in agriculture-related studies. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics are normally required. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in agricultural or horticultural science, or science degrees with majors in agriculture-related studies. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information:

Holders of a degree in agricultural science or a related discipline may apply to become members of the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

  1. Diploma of Agriculture *
  2. Diploma of Agriculture - Organic Production (03) *
  3. Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management
  4. Bachelor of Agricultural Science
  5. Bachelor of Agriculture *
  6. Bachelor of Agriculture / Bachelor of Laws
  7. Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience
  8. Bachelor of Animal Science *
  9. Bachelor of Biodiversity and Conservation
  10. Bachelor of Ecological Agricultural Systems
  11. Bachelor of Engineering / Bachelor of Science *
  12. Bachelor of Environmental Systems
  13. Bachelor of Information Technology / Bachelor of Science
  14. Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science
  15. Bachelor of Natural Science (Advanced)
  16. Bachelor of Natural Science - Animal Science
  17. Bachelor of Natural Science - Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security
  18. Bachelor of Rural Science
  19. Bachelor of Science *
  20. Bachelor of Science (Advanced)
  21. Bachelor of Science (Advanced) / Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery
  22. Bachelor of Science - Agriculture
  23. Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Arts *
  24. Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Laws *
  25. Bachelor of Philosophy - Science (Honours)

Employment Opportunities:

Employers include state, territory and federal government departments and the private sector. Careers are usually in research, advisory roles, teaching, management, administration, marketing and media. Agricultural scientists may work in horticulture and with flower growers, nursery operators and commercial firms trading in horticultural products such as frozen foods, seeds and fertilisers. They may also work in the field of landscape design and in the mining industry to assist with land regeneration.

Although employment opportunities exist overseas, available positions frequently require postgraduate qualifications or work experience.

For Further Information:

Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology

(02) 6163 8122

Australian Institute of Horticulture Inc.

(02) 8001 6198

Landmark

Primary Industries NSW (Agriculture)

(02) 6391 3100

Information for other states and territories: