Why Study/Key Benefits

Lincoln University’s Diploma in Agriculture is a one-year, full-time programme focused on New Zealand agriculture, farm management systems and agricultural resources. It combines classroom-based learning with practical agricultural experience, making it particularly suitable for students who want applied knowledge rather than a purely theoretical agriculture qualification.

Key benefits include:

• Study at a university with more than 150 years of experience in agriculture and land-based education.
• Gain knowledge of farm management, plant and animal production, soils and agricultural technology.
• Complete eight integrated courses totalling 120 credits.
• Develop practical skills through a compulsory 12-week period of work on farms or agricultural businesses.
• Build knowledge relevant to New Zealand’s primary-industry sector.
• Potentially progress to Lincoln’s Diploma in Farm Management after completing the Diploma in Agriculture.
• Regional delivery may be available at Darfield Rural College for students based in the Darfield area.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The programme consists of eight compulsory courses, covering farm management, plant production, soil management, technology, animal and plant health, engineering and livestock production.

Semester 1

MGMT 024 – Farm Management Systems A

15 credits

This course focuses on farm management systems and the way agricultural operations are organised and managed.

PLSC 024 – Plant Husbandry
15 credits

This covers the management and production of plants and crops.

SOSC 021 – Soils and Soil Management
15 credits

This develops knowledge of soils and their management within agricultural systems.

COMP 022 – Technology and Communication
15 credits

This develops technology and communication capabilities relevant to agricultural study and industry.

Semester 2

MGMT 025 – Farm Management Systems B
15 credits

This continues the farm management systems content introduced in Semester 1.

BIOS 021 – Plant and Animal Health
15 credits

This covers important plant and animal health concepts relevant to agricultural production.

ENGN 023 – Engineering I
15 credits

This introduces engineering knowledge and applications relevant to agricultural environments.

ANSC 021 – Livestock Production Systems
15 credits

This focuses on livestock production systems and their management.

Practical work

Students must also complete 12 weeks of approved practical work.

The practical component must be completed at farms or agricultural businesses, with at least four weeks and a maximum of 12 weeks at any one operation. Competence in driving vehicles is required; tractor and truck experience is an advantage.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The Diploma in Agriculture does not have separate majors or specialisations.

Instead, it provides integrated study across:

• Farm management
• Plant husbandry
• Soil and soil management
• Plant and animal health
• Livestock production
• Agricultural engineering
• Agricultural technology
• Communication
• Agricultural practical work.

Programme Highlights

• One-year full-time agriculture diploma.
• 120 academic credits.
• Eight compulsory courses.
• Two-semester structure.
• Focus on New Zealand agriculture and farm management systems.
• Combination of academic and practical learning.
• 12-week compulsory practical work component.
• Exposure to crop and plant production.
• Exposure to livestock production.
• Soil management knowledge.
• Plant and animal health knowledge.
• Agricultural engineering.
• Agricultural technology and communication.
• Potential progression to the Diploma in Farm Management.
• Regional delivery option at Darfield Rural College for eligible students.

Career Outcomes

The Diploma in Agriculture is designed to provide practical agricultural knowledge and farm-management capabilities relevant to New Zealand's primary-industry sector.

Depending on experience and further study, graduates can develop skills relevant to areas such as:

• Farm operations
• Livestock production
• Crop and plant production
• Farm management support
• Agricultural business operations
• Primary-industry services
• Agricultural technology
• Agricultural contracting and related services.

Important programme-specific requirements include:

• Completion of all eight compulsory courses.
• Total of 120 credits.
• Completion of 12 weeks of approved practical work.
• At least four weeks and no more than 12 weeks at any one practical-work operation.
• Competence in driving vehicles is required.
• Tractor and truck experience is advantageous.
• International students must ensure their visa covers the full duration of their planned practical work

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying the Diploma in Agriculture in New Zealand generally need an appropriate student visa unless they already hold another visa that permits the proposed study.

For a Fee Paying Student Visa, Immigration New Zealand requires applicants to meet applicable requirements including:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for tuition fees.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living costs.
• Evidence of funds or arrangements for onward travel.
• Meeting applicable health and character requirements.
• Appropriate insurance.
• Genuine intentions to study.