About the programme
The Bachelor of Science (Plant & Horticultural Sciences) is an NZQF Level 7 programme at Lincoln University that prepares graduates for plant and horticultural production with a strong sustainability focus. It carries 360 credits over 3 years of full-time study.
The university notes that horticulture is a major contributor to New Zealand's economy and that the sector needs more qualified people. The degree builds knowledge in applied plant production, integrated pest management and practical problem solving.
Students learn how plant growth responds to soil, temperature, water, light and nutrition, and how horticultural crops are pruned, trained and harvested. They study plant growth regulators, controlled-environment growing, growing media and fertilisers, as well as the main weeds, diseases and pests affecting New Zealand crops and how biosecurity is managed. The course also considers how Mātauranga Māori can be applied in commercial operations.
Hands-on experience comes through the Living Laboratory, an outdoor space on campus where students and research partners tackle real problems together. Statistics and experimental design run through the degree, and the final year covers plant diseases, fruit and vegetable science and sustainable plant protection.
It suits students with an interest in biology and chemistry who want technical, advocacy or management careers in horticulture and plant production. An additional major may be possible with a course advisor's guidance.
Entry requirements
- Domestic applicants: University Entrance through NCEA or an approved equivalent.
- Additional English language requirements apply if English is not your first language.
- Recommended school subjects: biology, chemistry and Māori Studies (strongly advised), plus English and maths/statistics.
What you study
- Introduction to Horticulture and Horticulture: Principles and Practices
- Plant Science I and Plant Science II: Plant Function
- Soil Science I
- Principles of Propagation and Nursery
- Fruit Crop Production
- Plant Pest Management
- Biometrics and Experimentation
- Plant Diseases
- Fruit and Vegetable Science and Technology
- Sustainable Plant Protection
Careers after graduation
- Technical roles in horticultural production
- Technical roles in agriculture
- Industry advocacy roles
- Management positions in the agricultural and horticultural sectors
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