Agricultural Sciences student numbers jump

Agricultural Sciences students

Agricultural Sciences students
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Wednesday, 6 February 2013

Interest in studying Agricultural Sciences at the University of Adelaide has significantly increased this year with both first preference applications and offers up more than 50% on last year.

"There are very good signs for a large increase in the numbers of students starting Agricultural Science this year based on offers and early acceptances," says Professor Eileen Scott, Acting Head of the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine.

"This is good news for the local agriculture sector, which is crying out for skilled graduates in this area, and great news for our rural communities."

Professor Scott said there appeared to be a combination of factors surrounding the heightened interest. "There is much better awareness of the large range of career opportunities that a degree in Agricultural Sciences can lead to," she says.

"A lot of our graduates work with agricultural consultants, who are actively seeking out our students. Our graduates also work in banks, rural press, chemical companies, government departments and agencies, and local councils - they are in extremely high demand.

"There also seems to be a growing awareness of the need to look at new ways of feeding the world in the coming years. Many young people are interested in being able to make a difference in global issues."

Professor Scott said moving past the drought years to a much more positive farming outlook may also be an important factor.

"The University of Adelaide's School of Agriculture, Food and Wine has worked hard to get these positive messages across," she says.

"Last year we had a strong presence at the Royal Adelaide Show, field days and schools where there was a lot of interest in our program."

Other factors included revitalised campus activity and offering more work experience opportunities to school students.

"Our first crop of students from our new Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences program graduated last year and they are great ambassadors for the degree."

There are still places available on the Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences. Please enquire with the University Contact Centre on 8313 7335.

 

Contact Details

Professor Eileen Scott
Email: eileen.scott@adelaide.edu.au
Website: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/directory/eileen.scott
Professor of Plant Pathology
School of Agriculture, Food and Wine
The University of Adelaide
Business: +61 8 8313 7266
Mobile: +61 467 738 750


Media Team
Email: media@adelaide.edu.au
Website: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/newsroom/
The University of Adelaide
Business: +61 8 8313 0814