Why study agricultural science at Sydney?

Studying agricultural science will see you engage in a multifaceted, interdisciplinary degree that prepares you for a career in a dynamic and ever-changing industry. Covering various aspects of agriculture like food production, soil science, and digital agriculture, the Bachelor of Agricultural Science at the University of Sydney is a future-focused degree that embraces cutting-edge technologies and contemporary teaching methods to equip you for the future.

Here are five reasons to study agricultural science with us.

1. A future-focused degree

As technology changes the way we all live, it’s important for agricultural practices to adapt and align with the needs of a growing population. Our degree integrates digital agriculture and sustainability to improve food and fibre production processes and drive social, economic and environmental benefits.

For those with an interest in sustainability, our focus on regenerative farming practices teaches you how to work with the land and climate to make farming more environmentally friendly and efficient. For example, our Genetics and Genomics major could see you learning how to modify crops to make them more resilient to drought and disease, ensuring food security for the future.

2. Gain hands-on experience in the lab and in the field

In our degree, you'll have the opportunity to work up close with plants and animals, gaining knowledge in areas such as animal management, production, nutrition, and plant breeding. We offer valuable industry experience through placements and internships, connecting you with sectors like pharmaceuticals, feed and nutrition companies, ag-tech firms, and not-for-profits. We also offer farm placement units that provide experience in various sectors, such as dairy, beef and horticulture.

You will also experience hands-on food science and soil science classes, where you can engage in field-based learning opportunities. You'll delve into the principles of food science, processing, and development, and analyse real-world problems that will ensure you’re job-ready when you graduate.

3. Learn from internationally renowned experts

The University of Sydney is home to some of the world’s leading experts in agricultural sciences. With extensive experience in teaching, research and practical application, our teaching staff are not just academics; they are industry leaders who are actively working on solutions to the most pressing challenges facing our planet, from sustainable food production to environmental management issues.

Additionally, The University of Sydney is home to many leading agricultural research groups, including the Sydney Institute of Agriculture, which has been contributing to agricultural knowledge for over a century.

4. Learn in world-class facilities

We have a number of farms, labs and teaching spaces available for practical, research and study purposes.

Located in South-West Sydney, our three Camden farms are set up to provide practice and teaching in areas such as horse handling, beef cattle fattening, dairy farming, animal reproduction, and plant breeding. Our Regional NSW farms at Narrabri and Spring Ridge cover an area of 5,000 hectares and cater to both animal and plant production, with an emphasis on grain, cotton and cattle.

Australian Technology Park, located in Eveleigh, is a hub of agricultural studies and home to the Precision Agriculture Laboratory, which focuses on growing high-quality crops with a low environmental impact.

The University also has a number of modern teaching spaces, such as the LEES1 building in Camperdown – an eight-storey science research and teaching hub.

5. Explore a diverse range of career opportunities

Agriculture offers diverse career paths – from agribusiness to research, policy, and sustainable practices, and provides unlimited opportunities if you're looking for a career that's impactful, future-focused, and vital to our nation's well-being.

Some of our graduates have gone on to have careers as digital agricultural specialists, animal nutritionists, agricultural policymakers, financial managers, agronomy and soil consultants, horticulturalists, agriculture business managers, researchers, food scientists, and plant geneticists.