Engineering Science (Agricultural Engineering)

The Bachelor of Engineering Science (Agricultural Engineering) at the University of Southern Queensland offers students a comprehensive education in the application of engineering principles to the agricultural sector. This program is designed to equip graduates with the technical skills and knowledge necessary to develop innovative solutions that enhance agricultural productivity, sustainability, and environmental management. Throughout the course, students will engage in a multidisciplinary curriculum that combines core engineering fundamentals with specialized subjects such as soil and water conservation, machinery design, irrigation systems, renewable energy technologies, and sustainable agriculture practices.

The program emphasizes practical learning experiences through laboratories, industry placements, and project-based assessments, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet the evolving needs of the agricultural industry. Students will develop expertise in areas such as crop and livestock machinery, farm infrastructure, soil and water management, and the integration of new technologies like automation and precision agriculture. The curriculum also fosters important skills in problem-solving, project management, environmental sensitivity, and teamwork, which are vital for successful careers in agricultural engineering.

Graduates of this program can pursue diverse career pathways including roles in agricultural machinery design, consulting, farm management, agricultural research, environmental consultancy, and government agencies focused on sustainable agriculture practices. The program is accredited and aligned with Australian Engineering (Engineers Australia) standards, ensuring that graduates meet national and international professional recognition requirements. With a strong focus on developing innovative and sustainable solutions, the Bachelor of Engineering Science (Agricultural Engineering) prepares students for leadership roles in transforming agricultural systems and contributing to global food security and environmental health.

Program structure

Courses to be studiedUnits

1 x Major24

Plus 6 x practice courses (0 unit value)0

Total24

Course codeCourse name

Year 1 Courses:

CIV1501Engineering Statics

ENG1002Introduction to Engineering and Spatial Science Applications

ENG1100Introduction to Engineering Design

ENG1101Introduction to Engineering Problem Solving

ENG2102Engineering Problem Solving and Analysis

ENM1600Engineering Mathematics

MEC1201Engineering Materials

SVY1500Spatial Science for Engineers 

Year 2 Courses: 

AGR2301Agricultural Science

AGR2302Agricultural Machinery

CIV2403Geology and Geomechanics

ENG2002Technology, Sustainability and Society

ENV2103Hydraulics I

ENV3105Hydrology

MEC2402Stress Analysis 

 One Elective - see Electives

Year 3 Courses: 

AGR3303Agricultural Materials and Post-Harvest Technologies

AGR3304Soil Science

AGR3305Precision and Smart Technologies in Agriculture

ENG3003Engineering Management

ENG3111Technology Design Project

ENV4106Irrigation Science

Two Elective - see Electives

Practice Courses:

AGR2902Field Practice

AGR3903Soil and Water Engineering Practice 2

CIV2901Geology and Geomechanics Practice

ENG1901Engineering Practice 1

ENG3909Work Experience - Technologist 

ENV2902Hydraulics Practice 

Electives:

ELE1301Computer Engineering 

ELE2103Linear Systems and Control

ENG3103Engineering Problem Solving Computations

ENV2201Land Studies

ENV3104Hydraulics II 

MAT1102Algebra and Calculus I

MAT2500Engineering Mathematics 3

MEC2202Manufacturing Processes

MEC2301Design of Machine Elements

MEC2401Dynamics I

MEC3203Materials Technology

MEC3303System Design

 Any approved BEng (AgrEng) course

Entry requirements

• Subject pre-requisites: Year 12 English (4SA) and Mathematics B (4SA)

English Language Requirements

Domestic and international students from a non-English speaking background are required to satisfy English Language requirements. This program requires a minimum of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a University-approved English language program.

OP/Rank

The 2015 OP/Rank for this program is: 13/71

International entry requirements

English Language Requirements

Domestic and international students from a non-English speaking background are required to satisfy English Language requirements. This program requires a minimum of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a University-approved English language program.

Pre-requisites

Year 12 Senior Certificate or equivalent from a recognised institution. Find your country's level of qualificationand minimum entry requirements for this program.

• A-level Mathematics or equivalent

The University of Southern Queensland offers several flexible and accessible financing options for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Engineering Science (Agricultural Engineering) program. Prospective and current students can explore a range of financial aid avenues to support their studies and reduce the economic burden associated with higher education. One of the primary options is the Australian Government’s Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), which allows eligible students to pay a concessional fee set by the government, substantially lowering the cost of their degree. Additionally, students may access Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loans, such as HECS-HELP, which enable deferred payment of tuition fees until the graduate's income reaches a specified threshold. This facilitates affordable access to education without the immediate financial strain.

The University of Southern Queensland also offers institutional scholarships and bursaries targeting domestic and international students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria related to regional background or field of study. Furthermore, students can explore external funding sources, including state and private scholarships, grants, and sponsorships designed to support students in engineering and agricultural disciplines. Part-time work opportunities are available both on and off campus, allowing students to supplement their income while balancing academic responsibilities.

The university provides comprehensive financial planning support through its student services, offering advice on budgeting, financial aid application processes, and managing study-related expenses. International students seeking to finance their studies may also consider student visas that permit part-time employment, assisting them in sustaining their living and educational costs during their stay. The university collaborates with financial institutions to offer payment plans, enabling students to spread the cost of tuition and associated fees over manageable installments. Moreover, students are encouraged to investigate industry-sponsored training programs or employer-sponsored scholarships that align with their career goals in agricultural engineering.

Overall, the University of Southern Queensland’s financing options are designed to make engineering education accessible and affordable, emphasizing flexible solutions that cater to diverse student needs. Students are advised to contact the university’s financial aid office or visit the official website to obtain detailed and updated information on available funding sources, application procedures, and eligibility criteria. Access to financial assistance opportunities plays a crucial role in enabling students to focus on their academic pursuits and successfully complete their agricultural engineering studies.

The Bachelor of Engineering Science with a specialization in Agricultural Engineering at the University of Southern Queensland is a comprehensive program designed to prepare graduates for a diverse range of careers in the agricultural sector. This program combines fundamental engineering principles with specialized knowledge in agricultural systems, making graduates capable of addressing modern challenges faced by the agricultural industry. Throughout the course, students undertake a blend of practical and theoretical studies, including subjects such as soil and water engineering, sustainable agricultural practices, machinery and equipment design, and environmental management. The program emphasizes the development of problem-solving skills, technical competencies, and industry awareness to equip students for roles in agricultural development, consulting, machinery design, and environmental sustainability.

Students benefit from state-of-the-art laboratories, industry placements, and collaborative projects that mirror real-world scenarios, fostering hands-on learning. The curriculum is designed to meet accreditation standards, ensuring graduates' qualifications are recognized nationally and internationally. The program often includes opportunities for international study or exchange, allowing students to gain global perspectives on agricultural engineering challenges and solutions. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to contribute innovative ideas to improve agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impacts, supporting sustainable development goals.

The University of Southern Queensland's strong links with industry partners provide students with pathways to employment through internships, industry projects, and networks. The program also encourages the development of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and project management, which are essential for leadership roles in engineering. Upon successful completion, graduates can pursue careers in agricultural infrastructure development, crop and soil management, irrigation engineering, farm automation, and environmental conservation. The program aims to produce graduates who are not only technically proficient but also ethically responsible, environmentally conscious, and prepared to advance technological innovations within the agricultural industry.