About the programme
The Bachelor of Commerce (Horticulture) is an NZQF Level 7 undergraduate degree at Lincoln University that prepares future managers for the horticultural and food industries. It carries 360 credits and takes 3 years of full-time study on the Lincoln University campus.
As the world's population grows, so does pressure to supply high-quality food. The programme starts from the idea that understanding production systems is not enough on its own: business skills matter just as much in horticulture. The department notes that industry is asking for managers with a higher level of academic training.
Students study the bio-physical environment and biological production systems behind horticulture, the characteristics of the industry and the theory of its management, and how to assess the effects of new technologies and practices. They learn to tackle problems in horticultural production, agribusiness management and marketing, consider sustainability from different stakeholders' viewpoints, and communicate real-world horticultural business issues clearly.
Year one combines financial information, economics, commercial law, statistics and marketing with introductory horticulture, soil science and plant science. Year two covers horticultural systems, global food systems, propagation and nursery, horticultural management analysis and the agribusiness environment. Year three includes organisation and human resource management, opportunity analysis, agribusiness strategy and strategic management in wine and horticultural businesses.
Practical work totals at least 30 weeks: two 15-week horticultural placements, or two 10-week horticultural placements plus a 10-week allied placement, with 10 to 15 weeks per workplace and two reports.
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.
- Recommended subjects: agriculture or horticulture, business studies, biology, chemistry, digital technologies, economics, English, Māori studies, maths or statistics and technology.
What you study
- Introduction to Horticulture
- Soil Science I and Plant Science I
- Financial Information for Business
- Horticultural Systems
- Global Food Systems
- Principles of Propagation and Nursery
- Horticultural Management Analysis
- Opportunity Analysis in Agricultural Systems
- Agribusiness Strategic Management
- Strategic Management in Wine and Horticultural Business Systems
Careers after graduation
- Management roles in the horticultural industry
- Advisory roles in horticulture
- Management and advisory roles in food-related organisations
- Potential progression into governance roles
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