- What is Agriculture and Land Management?
- Why study Agriculture and Land Management at NMIT?
- What is the cost of studying at NMIT?
- Where will studying Agriculture and Land Management at NMIT take me?
What is Agriculture and Land Management?
Australian agriculture is a diverse industry ranging from broadacre cropping and grazing to intensive animal production systems and fruit and vegetable growing. The industry generates $39 billion gross value and employs around 370,000 people. Farming pursuits occupy 60% of Australia's land mass and provide a wide range of employment opportunities. Agricultural production is the predominant non-urban land use and is a vital cog in Australia's economy.
Modern agriculture and land management demands a depth of scientific knowledge and skills with an intensive and individual focus and this requires specialised study.
Why study Agriculture and Land Management at NMIT?
The Agriculture & Land Management centre has been established within the Faculty of Earth Sciences to offer the Bachelor of Agriculture & Land Management. This applied, vocational degree is designed to provide academic knowledge learned and applied in context. It combines high-level technical and specialised knowledge with employment skills. It is a unique course that will provide graduates with the scientific, practical, critical and interpersonal skills and knowledge necessary for professionals employed in agriculture and natural resource management. The course focuses on the importance of being contemporary, with a balance of academic, practical and industry elements, which provides students with not just skills and knowledge, but an appreciation of agriculture as a multi-disciplinary study.
The Associate degree forms the first and second year of the Bachelor degree. This flexibility enables students to exit at the end of second year with a range of professional skills and a qualification. Students have the option of completing the Bachelor Degree at a later stage, in order to achieve broader skills and knowledge.
The course is delivered from NMIT's Epping Campus and the Yan Yean Training Centre. The Yan Yean Training Centre is a fully operational farming property located 25 kilometres north of Melbourne. The 200 hectare property is dedicated to training students in sheep, cattle, goat and deer farming, aquaculture and the production of medicinal herbs and essential oils.
Training Facilities include:
- broadacre farm with classrooms
- shearing shed
- cell grazing lots
- deer handling facilities
- prime lamb and sheep herd
- stud cattle
- modern agricultural machinery and equipment
- cattle barn and holding yards
- extensive classroom and laboratory facilities
- meat/fish processing plant
What is the cost of studying at NMIT?
Students can enrol in NMIT's bachelor courses for three year's full-time, or have the option of enrolling part-time. The degree programs are fee for service and costs A$12,000 a year, however all courses have the option of FEE-HELP for eligible students. No additional fees are charged beyond the tuition fees for the compulsory components of any higher education courses.
The tuition fees are calculated based on full-time study. Part-time fees per year depend on subjects chosen (part-time study is only available to domestic students).
Where will studying Agriculture and Land Management at NMIT take me?
The degree offers three years of specialised agriculture and land management study aimed at assisting students develop a scientific understanding of agricultural farming and current management practices. It focuses on developing the ability to apply this knowledge to land management under a wide range of conditions.
Subject areas covered in the degree include seasonal field skills, research methods, industry studies, technologies in agriculture, soil science and soil management, water management, animal physiology and management, plant physiology and management, rural business practices, using rural communities and networks, sustainability, contemporary issues, and innovation and change. The course provides knowledge of farm business management principles and practices with the required practical skills. During the third year students develop independent and autonomous study skills and learning opportunities in authentic work environments.
The career opportunities include employment by financial institutions, environmental or business consulting firms, marketing and publication companies, Government departments and technical sales and farm management companies in all aspects of agricultural production and landscape management including the areas of: Animal production, Crop production, Soil and water conservation, Landcare, Agricultural marketing, Agricultural processing, and Technical positions. Career options include:
- Farmer
- Rural merchandiser
- Farm manager/supervisor
- Stock and station agent
- Public Servant
- Agricultural consultant
- Insurance specialist
- Agriculture Marketing and Promotion
- Agronomist
- Journalism
- Contractor
- Landcare
- Agricultural education
- Agribusiness representative
- Conservation
