Major Undergraduate

Crop and Pasture Science


Study mode
Full Time Part Time
Study mode
Full Time
Murdoch code
MJ-CPS
What is a Major?
A major is your primary area of focus within a degree. It determines the core subjects you'll study and the skills you'll master.

Major overview

Study crop and pasture science at Australia’s only city-based university with an on-campus farm

If you want to shape the future of agriculture, our Crop and Pasture Science major gives you the scientific knowledge and hands-on experience to tackle the global challenge of sustainable food production head on. 
 
From day one of your agricultural science degree, you’ll explore how crops, plants, soils and environment interact in farming systems under real conditions. You’ll combine science theory with applied learning, helping you develop the practical skills employers across Australia’s agriculture sector are looking for. You can also broaden your expertise by combining the Crop and Pasture Science major with Animal Science or Animal Health, depending on your interests and career goals.

Studying this major as part of our Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree will see you work alongside experienced scientists, industry professionals and farmers, applying research and technology to cropping and pasture systems at regional, national and global levels.

Whether you’re aiming for a career in agronomy, biosecurity or agricultural innovation, our crop and pasture science major will give you the confidence and industry-ready skills to get you there. By the time you graduate, you’ll understand how agricultural businesses operate within wider industry, policy and market contexts – and how innovation is driving productivity, profitability and sustainability. 
Agricultural science student working with sheep in a farm enclosure

3 reasons to study crop and pasture science at Murdoch University

  1. Study at Australia’s only city-based university with an on-campus farm, gaining experience in real agricultural environments. 
  2. Complete industry placements in Western Australian farms, businesses and agricultural research programs, building professional networks and job-ready agronomy skills. 
  3. Learn at a university with a five star rating and #1 university in Australia for learning resources and student support for Agriculture and Environmental Studies. We also rank #1 in WA for teaching quality, skills development and overall educational experience for Agriculture and Environmental Studies. (Good Universities Guide 2026). 

What you’ll learn

  • Examine how soil health, climate, genetics, pests and management practices influence crop and pasture performance. 
  • Design practical management strategies that improve yield, profitability and environmental outcomes. 
  • Apply agricultural science to crop protection, plant biosecurity and sustainable food production systems. 
  • Use data, technology and innovation to support modern farming and precision agriculture. 
  • Understand the agricultural markets, policy and value chains shaping the global food system.

Studying both Crop and Pasture and Animal Science gave me the opportunity to learn about all sectors of the industry. In my first year, I went on field trips, handled animals and spoke to people directly involved in agriculture.

Brittany, Agricultural Science

Murdoch University agricultural sciences student on farm
Agricultural science student on farm with sheep

Your future career in crop and pasture science

With strong demand across the sector, you’ll find opportunities for agricultural science jobs in industry, research, government and consultancy. 

Potential roles include: 

  • Agricultural scientist 
  • Agronomist 
  • Biosecurity or quarantine officer 
  • Farm manager or farm advisor
  • Research scientist 
For more details about our Crop and Pasture Science major, download our information pack.

Start dates

Starting period Location Face to Face Online Mixed mode
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.

Major Structure

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

How to Apply

Majors are part of a degree and can't be applied on their own. Apply for a related degree first, then choose your major once enrolled.

Undergraduate Course

Bachelor of Agricultural Science

Study a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Murdoch University for a career in agriculture, animal health or agribusiness. Apply today.

Undergraduate Course

Bachelor of Agricultural Science


Bachelor of Business

Study a Bachelor of Agricultural Science/Bachelor of Business at Murdoch University. Gain hands-on farm experience for a career in agribusiness. Apply now.

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1300 687 3624

1300 687 3624

1300 687 3624

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