Bachelor of Agribusiness – BAgribusiness

At Massey, many of our agribusiness students have jobs before they even graduate. Join to gain the skills and sound business knowledge to help progress the future of New Zealand’s primary production sector.

Type of qualification

Bachelor's degree

Level of study

Undergraduate study

An undergraduate qualification is usually the first one you study.

More about study levels

NZQF level 7

Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.

Find out more about NZQF levels

Time to complete

3 years full-time (360 credits)
Up to 8 years part-time
Part-time available

International students

International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.

Definition of New Zealand citizens and residents

Open to international students on campus in New Zealand
Note: Previously called the Bachelor of AgriCommerce. Some distance courses contain compulsory contact workshops.

Study a Bachelor of Agribusiness – BAgribusiness

From running large farm-based agribusinesses right through to international food trade, you will gain the skills and sound business knowledge to help progress the future of New Zealand’s primary production sector.

Join industry at a senior level

New Zealand’s economy is dominated by agriculture and food. The industry generates close to $37 billion in export earnings a year and international demand is predicted to continue to grow.

Massey agribusiness aligns itself with agribusiness industries throughout the world. This ensures our graduates have the skills and industry knowledge employers need.

What will you learn?

This three-year world-class qualification will:

  • teach you about farm production systems, supply chain management, marketing, food economies, and international agribusiness
  • give you a strong understanding of what it takes to be sustainable and competitive in global food and fibre markets
  • provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver in future workplaces
  • give you a sound knowledge of land-based systems and agribusiness along with specialist knowledge in one area of agribusiness
  • teach you to apply and integrate scientific, technological and business knowledge to meet marketplace demands
  • ensure you will be a good analytical thinker able to interpret information to develop sound and innovative solutions
  • give you an understanding of ethics, multi-cultural and international environments
  • help you develop into an effective communicator and a self-directed, independent learner
  • give you management skills applicable across the primary industries.

Join a world-leading university

Our proud record dates back to 1927 when we offered New Zealand’s first degrees in agriculture and horticulture. We have the largest Young Farmer’s Club in New Zealand.

A BAgribusiness is a good fit if you:

  • would like to have a career associated with agriculture or horticulture
  • are interested in the business/commercial side of farming
  • would like to be a leader in this innovative industry.

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations.  

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

Prior learning, credit and exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Recommended prior learning

To be successful in your studies we recommend that you have credit for NCEA Level 3 in at least some of the below subject areas:

  • agriculture
  • horticulture
  • biology
  • chemistry
  • geography
  • economics
  • modelling
  • statistics.

Official regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualification go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

Structure of the Bachelor of Agribusiness

If you study full-time, in your first year, you’ll take eight 15-credit courses, making a total of 120 credits.

If you wish to study over two semesters, you should aim for 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school. Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.

Capstone course

‘Capstone’ courses are designed to be taken in your last year of study. This relies on you having completed the correct first and second year courses and ties your learning together. The capstone course for this qualification is 119373 Integrative Studies

Practical work requirement

There is a practical work requirement for this degree, consisting of at least 26 weeks full-time work. This is completed by submission of two reports for assessment. Practical work is normally done during summer vacations throughout the degree. Summer jobs are readily available on farms, orchards and other rural enterprises.

Courses and specialisations

Key terms

Courses
Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
Course code
Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
Credits
Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
Specialisations
Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.

Credit summary

360 credits

  • Core courses – 135 credits
  • Major courses – 165 credits
  • Electives – 60 credits
  • 26 weeks of practical work experience and reports

Ensure that overall, you have:

  • No more than 165 credits at 100 level
  • At least 75 credits at 300 level

You could replace electives with a minor.

Course planning key

Prerequisites
Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
Corequisites
Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
Restrictions
Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.

Schedule A: Core courses (Choose 135 credits from)

Choose 135 credits from
Course code: 112248 Food and Agribusiness Value Chains 15 credits

The study of the flow of food and agricultural products from the farm to the final consumer. Emphasis on successful value chain management applied to food and agribusiness. The course utilizes field trips to study local value chains.

Prerequisites: 119180

View full course details
Course code: 115112 Accounting for Business 15 credits

An introduction to how accounting information is used for planning, monitoring and evaluating organisational performance.

Restrictions: 115102

View full course details
Course code: 115113 Economics for Business 15 credits

The course examines the nature of the contemporary economic environment in which businesses operate, and considers how economics can aid in business decision-making.

Restrictions: 115106

View full course details
Course code: 115114 Finance Fundamentals 15 credits

This course introduces analytical techniques for evaluating personal and business investment and financing decisions, including coverage of the context and environment in which these decisions are made.

Restrictions: 115105

View full course details
Course code: 115211 Business Law 15 credits

The course will encompass an introduction to the key elements of the law within which business operates in New Zealand from a practical perspective.

Prerequisites: 90 credits at 100-level Restrictions: 115103, 155110

View full course details
Course code: 117153 Introduction to Animal Production in New Zealand 15 credits

An introduction to animals and animal science in New Zealand, covering a broad range of animal species and incorporating the principles of nutrition, reproduction, lactation, genetics and growth. A brief overview of New Zealand’s livestock production systems and consideration of animal ethics, welfare and biosecurity issues.

Restrictions: 117152 and 117155 and 199101

View full course details
Course code: 119120 Plants for Agriculture and Horticulture 15 credits

An introduction to the agricultural and horticultural species important to New Zealand's economy. Growth and development of agricultural and horticultural plants; their responses to the environment and management, and implications for production. Identification and biology of agricultural and horticultural plants, including weeds, pests and pathogens important to plant production.

Restrictions: 283101, 284101

View full course details
Course code: 119150 Practicum I 0 credits

Industry experience for at least ten consecutive weeks in a public or private business related to the land-based industries. A descriptive report demonstrating satisfactory observational, analytical and reporting skills is required.

View full course details
Course code: 119180 Introduction to Agribusiness 15 credits

An introduction to the organisation, structure and governance of New Zealand agribusiness in a global context. Examines the international and domestic macro environment and its impact on New Zealand agribusiness. Explores New Zealand farm systems within an agribusiness context.

View full course details
Course code: 119250 Practicum II 0 credits

Industry experience for at least ten consecutive weeks in a public or private business related to the land-based industries. A detailed, investigative report identifying and analysing opportunities, problems, policies and technical and research issues is required.

Prerequisites: 119150

View full course details
Course code: 119373 Integrative Studies 15 credits

An integrative course designed to emphasise the importance of the broad knowledge base gained in the degree and the value of multidisciplinary teams in addressing the issues and problems of importance to the industries served by the degree. Emphasis will be placed on the application of knowledge to problem-solving, group learning and problem-solving strategies and communication in the context of applied science. Real-world problems will be used.

Prerequisites: 119250

View full course details

Schedule B: Specialisations

Majors

Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.

Completing a major is compulsory. To complete a major in the Bachelor of Agribusiness you must pass 165 credits in specified areas.

Minors

Completing a minor is optional. Minors increase the breadth of your degree. They give you extra knowledge, attributes and capabilities. A minor must be in a different subject from your major.

You may choose a minor from any University undergraduate degree that has recognised minors. If the minor is from another degree the regulations of that qualification will apply.

Bachelor of Agribusiness minors

The following are the Bachelor of Agribusiness minors. See this qualification’s regulations on this page for details of requirements.

International Agribusiness

Learn about the global agri-food system. This includes everything from on-farm procurement in New Zealand to export and distribution of food and other agricultural products to consumers around the world.

Rural Valuation

Learn about land-based systems and agribusiness and gain specialist valuation knowledge preparing you for exciting opportunities in the dynamic rural property industry.

  • International Agribusiness
  • Rural Valuation

Fees and scholarships

Fees, student loans and free fees scheme

Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.

There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.

Already know which courses you're going to choose?

You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.

Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.

The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.

Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.

Fees disclaimer

This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.

Careers and job opportunities

New Zealand’s agribusiness sector is flourishing, and there is strong demand for graduates, from running large farm-based businesses through to international trade. 

You will emerge with the knowledge and foundation skills for several career paths:

  • international marketing
  • economics
  • rural banking
  • rural valuation
  • government
  • business
  • sales
  • purchasing
  • consultancy
  • farm management
  • farm ownership
  • purchasing manager.

What our students say

“Massey was the first university to provide the mix of science and business I was looking for in one degree. This mix suited me and was one of the main reasons I decided to join Massey.”
Kate Longman

Bachelor of AgriCommerce

“My study at Massey has given me a really good broad understanding of the agricommerce sector and has taught me how to socialise and network with people on a professional level.”
Lauren Woolerton

Bachelor of AgriCommerce

Accreditations and rankings

QS Ranking - Agriculture and Forestry

Massey is world-ranked and New Zealand’s No 1 university in agriculture according to QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) rankings.

Learn more

QS Ranking - Business Management Studies

Massey University is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 350 universities for business and management.

Learn more

ShanghaiRanking - agricultural science

Massey University is ranked No.1 in New Zealand for agricultural science by ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.

Learn more