Course overview
This course prepares you for dynamic careers in agriculture and animal health. You will develop core skills in science, analysis and farming systems while pursuing a major of your choice in Animal Science, Animal Health or Crop and Pasture Science.
Throughout their degree, students gain a solid theoretical understanding while also getting their hands dirty with practical learning. We focus on real-life experiences, whether it's in the lab, on a farm, or in the workplace. We want students to learn by doing and to have fun along the way!
Our flexible degree structure allows students to gain specialised knowledge in one, or two majors including Animal Science, Animal Health or Crop and Pasture Science. You can also choose a minor in either Equine Science or Applied Animal Production to complement your studies.
Students will learn from academics who are involved in cutting-edge agricultural research, and who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience with students. Not only that, students will have access to the latest technologies and tools needed to succeed in today’s agricultural industry.
3 reasons to study Agricultural Science at Murdoch
- Study at the only city-based university in Australia with a farm and animal production property on the metropolitan campus. This is where you may find yourself managing developing your animal handling skills, caring for our livestock or managing soils and pastures. Plus our campus also provides easy access to our regional innovation precinct in food and animal production.
- Highly regarded university in WA for Positive Overall Experience, Skills Development, Teaching Practices, Facilities and Resources, Support and Services, in Agricultural and Environmental Studies. (QILT Student Satisfaction Survey 2023-2024).
- Take part in our tours that take students across Australia and overseas to broaden your skills and understanding, and gain a global perspective of the career opportunities in agriculture.
What you’ll learn
Build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career or study goals. Here are some of the things you’ll learn:
- How agricultural sciences can be applied to improving sustainable farming practices and animal welfare that benefit rural communities, livestock and wildlife, plus the broader environment.
- Analytical and technical skills needed to solve agricultural and animal health problems.
- How to apply agricultural science in global and regional contexts.
- How to collaborate with scientific specialists within and outside agricultural sciences.
Your future career
When students graduate from this course, they'll be able to pursue careers in agriculture, agribusiness, animal health and government. Your future career could include:
- Agricultural Scientist
- Agronomist
- Animal Health and Welfare Manager
- Farm or Livestock Manager
- Research Scientist
- Biosecurity (pest and disease) Manager
- Animal Nutritionist
- Wildlife Health Consultant
- Genetic Consultant
- Laboratory Scientist in Agricultural or a Veterinary Laboratory
For further admission information about this course, please download our Information Pack.
Start dates
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Majors in this course
Admission requirements
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum English requirement |
|---|---|---|
| University study | Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA). |
Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA). |
| Enabling courses (after Year 12) | Successful completion of one of the following:
|
Successful completion of the course. |
| Enabling courses (in Year 12) | Successful completion of one of the following:
|
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
|
Murdoch College |
Successful completion of one of the following:
|
Successful completion of one of the following:
|
| University study |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
|
Minimum English requirementSuccessful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
|
| Enabling courses (after Year 12) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of one of the following:
|
Minimum English requirementSuccessful completion of the course.
|
| Enabling courses (in Year 12) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of one of the following:
|
Minimum English requirementEvidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
|
Murdoch College |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of one of the following:
|
Minimum English requirementSuccessful completion of one of the following:
|
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum English requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Extenuating circumstances | We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more. |
Case-by-case assessment. |
| Overseas Year 12 | Please refer to the information under the country of study. |
Please refer to the information under the country of study. |
| GCE A Levels | Aggregate of 6 points from:
At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included
A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1) AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5) |
A Levels: D in one of the following:
AS Level: C in one of the following:
|
| Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP) | CPS 54 or higher. |
50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS). |
| VET course studied at school | Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher. |
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma | Total score of 24 or higher. |
Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). |
| Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) | Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower. |
Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
|
Enabling courses (in Year 12) |
Successful completion of one of the following:
|
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
|
| Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC) | 70 |
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):
Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only). |
Experience based entry |
A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry. |
| Extenuating circumstances |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementWe'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more. |
Minimum English requirementCase-by-case assessment.
|
| Overseas Year 12 |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementPlease refer to the information under the country of study.
|
Minimum English requirementPlease refer to the information under the country of study.
|
| GCE A Levels |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementAggregate of 6 points from:
At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included
A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1) AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5) |
Minimum English requirementA Levels: D in one of the following:
AS Level: C in one of the following:
|
| Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementCPS 54 or higher.
|
Minimum English requirement50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
|
| VET course studied at school |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.
|
Minimum English requirementEvidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementTotal score of 24 or higher.
|
Minimum English requirementHigher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). |
| Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementOverall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.
|
Minimum English requirementSound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
|
Enabling courses (in Year 12) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of one of the following:
|
Minimum English requirementEvidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
|
| Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirement70
|
Minimum English requirementScaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):
Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only). |
Experience based entry |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementA successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry. |
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum English requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate IV AQF level 4 | Successful completion of a Certificate IV. |
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010). |
| Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6 | Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. |
Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. |
| Certificate IV AQF level 4 |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of a Certificate IV.
|
Minimum English requirementEvidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010). |
| Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6 |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
|
Minimum English requirementSuccessful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
|
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum English requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) | Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). |
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). |
Experienced based entry |
A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry. |
|
| Mature Age Pathway (MAP) | MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information. |
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc. |
| Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementMultiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
|
Minimum English requirementEvidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). |
Experienced based entry |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementA successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry. |
| Mature Age Pathway (MAP) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementMAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information. |
Minimum English requirementEvidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc. |
English Requirements
You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.
Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.
Adjustment for Murdoch RISE
Murdoch RISE is a selection rank adjustment, as part of our commitment to helping students from regional, Indigenous and low socio-economic backgrounds gain university entry.
If you achieve an ATAR of 60.00 - 89.95, a Murdoch RISE adjustment factor of up to 10.00 points may help you get into your preferred course. Murdoch RISE can increase your selection rank up to a maximum of 90.00.
There’s no application or need to register. If you are eligible, the adjustment factor is automatically added to your raw ATAR score when you apply.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.
Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
Plan your course
Explore the sample course structure below to get an idea of what your degree could look like, or take the next step in planning your degree:
Use the Course Visualiser - build your personalised study plan interactively
Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.
| Unit code | Unit name | Credit points |
|---|
Fees & Scholarships
Fees
The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported Fee.
Scholarships
How to Apply
Your document checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.
Compulsory documents
Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
- Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study)
- ATAR results (if available)
- STAT results (if applicable)
- Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
- School leavers applying for an Early Offer submit their Year 11 and 12 most recent high school report via TISC
Recommended documents (if applicable)
- Change of name documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing
Your document checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.
Compulsory documents
- Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
- Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study) both original and English translated versions.
- Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
- Genuine Student documents (if applicable) - Check the GS requirements page for further information
- GS Form 2
- Personal Statement (SOP)
- Up to date Curriculum Vitae
- A copy of your Passport
Recommended documents
- A copy of your visa documents (if available)
- A copy of any past visa rejection documents (if applicable)
- Packaged offer letter (if applicable)
- Sponsorship documents if you study will be sponsored
Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing
Apply through an agent
If you’re applying as an international student, our global network of agents will help you get started on your journey.
Apply through TISC
If you're currently in Year 12 or applying for Vet Science, you can apply to Murdoch through TISC.
Apply directly to Murdoch
If you are a non School leaver, you can apply for most undergraduate, honours and postgraduate courses directly through our online application system.
View all ways to apply
There are many ways to apply to Murdoch University as we know everyone has a different path and journey. Get started and take the next step.
All fees are indicative and are provided as a guide only. The actual fees will depend on the individual units you enrol in. You should refer to your Letter of Offer for specific course and fee related information.
The first-year indicative fee is based on a typical full-time enrolment at Murdoch University of 24 credit points.
For domestic students, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, the indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported fee.
Indicative fees for international students are based on applicable full fee paying rates.
The estimated, indicative fee covers tuition fees only, and certain additional fees and charges may apply, depending on the course and units you choose. It also does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries for which you may be eligible.
The estimated, indicative fee assumes no fee increases or indexation. Over time, fee increases or indexation may occur and will affect the estimate. If you are a full fee paying student, this may occur at the start of your second and each subsequent year of study. In the case of Commonwealth Supported students, this will occur for each new calendar year in line with Government policy.
All fee estimates are provided in Australian dollars.