Future Students

Agricultural Economics

Graduates who understand the science behind agriculture but also have a strong background in economics are in high demand, as decisions made in the industry must be economically viable.

This is an applied economics degree which gives students training in microeconomics and quantitative methods which will allow them to analyse issues and problems in agriculture.

The degree includes scope to undertake science options through all four years. This recognises that many issues require an interdisciplinary knowledge which combines natural and social sciences.

Level 1

In Level 1 you will study Core Concepts in Biology; Environmental Economics; Macroeconomics; Agriculture, Environment and Society; Terrestrial Ecosystems; Plant and Animal Biology plus optional units.  Depending on your TEE subjects, you may need to study also Chemistry and Mathematics.

Level 2 

You will study Business and the Environment; Microeconomics; Environmental Economics; Science Communication; Biometrics and one of:  Plant Physiology:  Plants in Action; Earth Surface Processes and Soils; and Animal Science

Level 3

Agricultural Economics and Marketing; Environmental and Resource Economics; Project and Risk Management; Soil Biology and Plant Nutrition; Management Decision Tools; Science Communication for Change in Industry and Community; Biometrics; and one of:  Cropping Systems; Animal Production

Level 4

features the opportunity to undertake a supervised agricultural economics research project, which is worth 50 per cent of your mark for the level. You may earn Honours based on your marks for level three units and your research project.

If you are interested in finding out which subjects you will study then have a look at the Course Outline. This will show you the core units and the options for the course, along with course rules.

Each semester you will normally have at least one optional unit. You can select your optional units from subject areas such as Animal Ecology; Animal Genetics; Animal Production; Climate and Environment; Coastal Management; Environmental Economics; Environmental Management; Human Geography; Land, Soil and Water; Marine and Coastal Management, Marine Biology; Physical Geography; Plant Conservation Biology; Plant Ecology; Plant Genetics; Plant Production/Agronomy, Science Communication, and Wildlife Management. 

You will notice that each unit has a unit code, for example BIOL1130. The first number in the unit code indicates the level of the unit - in this case level one. For a more detailed description of a particular unit, click on the unit code.

Career opportunities

Students who specialise in Agricultural Economics complete their undergraduate degree with a broad understanding of how society can endeavour to make the best use of its agricultural and natural resources. They are trained both to identify the inevitable trade-offs between various uses of these resources, and to understand the potential methods for balancing these trade-offs in society’s best interests. Graduates have the skills to advise decision-makers at various levels of economic activity.  The resulting combination of skills is much in demand from employers.

Our graduates are very successful in gaining employment, with potential careers available in the following areas:

• State and Commonwealth government agencies (departments of Agriculture and Food; Environment and Conservation; Industry and Resources; ABARE)
• Private natural resource companies and consultants (ALCOA; BHP; Woodside; ERM Mitchell McCotter)
• Universities and research agencies
• Private agricultural companies and consultants (CSBP; Elders; Wesfarmers)
• Private sector businesses (banking, insurance, marketing).