About the programme
The Bachelor of Agriculture is an NZQF Level 7 undergraduate degree at Lincoln University focused on soil management, plant and animal production and farming systems. It carries 360 credits and takes 3 years of full-time study on the Lincoln University campus.
Lincoln describes itself as New Zealand's leading land-based university, with around 140 years of specialist experience and a longer record of supporting agriculture than any other university in the Southern Hemisphere. The degree aims to equip graduates to understand how agricultural production works and to respond to change, new challenges and innovation in the sector.
The first two years establish the foundations: primary industry systems, chemistry, introductory animal, soil and plant science, plant and livestock production, soil management and biometrics. In the third year students take the Agricultural Practicum and four courses from a 300-level schedule, covering topics such as evaluating and strategically managing agricultural systems, pasture agronomy and dairy or meat and wool production. Throughout, students learn to use farm-sourced data to improve land use, soil and nutrient management, feed production and animal production.
Practical work totals 28 weeks of paid full-time employment, with 10 to 14 weeks each on one dairy farm and one sheep or beef farm, and the remainder on another farm or in an allied industry. Competent driving is needed; farm experience is preferred but not essential.
The degree suits people who want hands-on careers in the agricultural sector, whether on farm, in advisory work or in farming technology.
Entry requirements
- University Entrance through NCEA or an approved equivalent, with separate guidance for overseas qualifications.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must meet additional English language requirements.
- Biology, chemistry, English and maths or statistics are highly recommended; agriculture or horticulture and Māori studies are also helpful.
What you study
- Primary Industry Systems
- Chemistry IA
- Land, People and Economies
- Animal Science, Soil Science I and Plant Science I
- Plant Production Systems
- Livestock Production Science
- Soil Management
- Biometrics
- Agricultural Practicum
- 300-level options such as Pasture Agronomy, Crop Science and Strategic Management in Agricultural Systems
Careers after graduation
- Soil consultancy
- Farm management
- Agronomy
- Environmental advisory
- Farming technology
Post-study work visa
Equal to the length of the programme, 3 years maximum
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the Lincoln University website