About the programme
The Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture and Professional Accounting) is an NZQF Level 7 undergraduate degree at Lincoln University that combines farm management and agricultural production with modern business and accounting. It carries 480 credits and takes 4 years of full-time study on the Lincoln University campus.
The degree is built on the view that land-based industries feeding a growing population need leaders who can make farming both commercially and environmentally sustainable. Alongside knowledge of primary industry and plant production systems, graduates meet the academic requirements of professional accounting bodies including CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) and ACCA.
The curriculum runs on two tracks. The agricultural track covers primary industry systems, introductory animal, soil or plant science, agricultural or horticultural systems, sustainability, evaluating agricultural systems and strategic management in the sector. The accounting track covers financial and management accounting, accounting information systems, financial management, auditing, taxation, advanced financial and management accounting and commercial law. Students need at least seven 300-level courses and four courses coded in agricultural and related subjects (ANSC, FORS, HORT, PLSC, SOSC, WINE).
Practical work totals at least 30 weeks: either two farm placements of 15 weeks, or two farm placements plus a 10-week allied placement, with 10 to 15 weeks per workplace and two reports. Competent driving is required; farm experience is preferred but not essential.
It suits students passionate about land and farming who also want a professional accounting career.
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.
- Accounting and English are highly recommended; agriculture or horticulture, biology, business studies, chemistry, computing, economics, maths or statistics and Māori studies are also useful.
What you study
- Primary Industry Systems
- Accounting Fundamentals and Financial Information for Business
- Accounting Information Systems
- Management Accounting and Advanced Management Accounting
- Financial Accounting and Advanced Financial Accounting
- Agricultural Systems and Sustainability
- Evaluating Agricultural Systems and Opportunity Analysis in Agricultural Systems
- Strategic Management in Agricultural Systems and Agribusiness Strategic Management
- Auditing and Taxation
- Commercial Law I
Careers after graduation
- Leadership roles in accounting firms serving agribusiness and farming
- Leadership roles in management firms in the agricultural sector
- Agribusiness careers in New Zealand and Australia
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