Listen to interviews with James Rowe, David Sackett and Mike Stephens about the course and the opportunities for Agricultural Consultants.
Study agricultural consulting through a:
General course information:
The Graduate Certificate in Rural Science (Agricultural Consulting) has been developed jointly by the Sheep CRC and the University of New England (UNE) to offer specialised professional development and training to professionals in any agricultural extension or consultancy field.
This distance education course suits busy professionals already working in or thinking of a career in agricultural consulting or extension.
As a Graduate Certificate course, you must already hold a Degree.
The
Diploma in Agriculture is an alternative way to study the agricultural consulting units for people who do not currently hold a degree. For further details, please contact
Deborah Maxwell, the unit coordinator.
If you wish to study only the agricultural consulting units, please contact
Deborah Maxwell, the unit coordinator.
What does the course include?
The course has two core (compulsory) units that provide the agricultural consultant with skills to run their own consulting business and skills to assist their clients’ businesses. The core subjects are:
This unit has three modules with the first about strategy, strategic thinking, problem solving and the management of strategic change in the agribusiness context. The second module equips the consultant or extension practitioner with an understanding of the media in Australia and skills to develop a media profile. Module three provides an overview of some of the legal issues that agricultural consultants are likely to face including legal liabilities, rights and responsibilities, employment performance and legal issues for clients.
This unit provides two discrete modules for agricultural consultants to assist their clients’ businesses. The first module covers Whole of Enterprise Planning, allowing the consultants to view and assist the client's business in an integrated manner including farm resources, production and finances. The second module improves the skill of the consultant in dealing with their clients, covering the essential tools of communication, facilitation and negotiation.
Additionally, two electives must also be taken. A wide range of units in technical, agri-business or other agricultural areas are available at UNE, enabling you to upgrade your knowledge and skills in areas most relevant to you.
The course can be completed in 1 year minimum (as the core units are only offered in separate semesters) or in a maximum of 2 years by part-time study.
This is a distance education course so that busy professionals can do the course from home.
Some professionals may also choose to do only one or both core units. This can be done by enrolling as a non-award student. An academic transcript is provided on completion, but no formal qualification is awarded. If you are interested to study only one or both core units, contact the Unit Coordinator for further details.
Assessment is carried out by a combination of assignments and a final supervised examination, which can be taken in many rural centres, including at local schools.
What are the costs and the enrolment process?
The two core units are offered as Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). With an upfront payment the student pays $885.60/unit (includes a 20% discount for up front payments - full cost $1107.00). Alternatively, payment can be made via a
HECS-HELP loan. UNE electives for this course are the same price.
If you apply by 12 June AND you have never studied at UNE before AND you are applying for the Graduate Certificate (not the Diploma in Agriculture), then apply via
UAC.
Otherwise, apply via
UNE. You will need to go to the bottom of the text on this webpage. To login to online admission, you should click the word “here” near the bottom of the page.
Alternatively, new and prospective students can call 1800 818 865. If you are already a current UNE student call 6773 4444.
The UNE web site has a number of pages providing more information:
International Students
If you are a New Zealand citizen:
Please follow the same application instructions provided for Australians.
Commonwealth Supported Places are available, these attract the discounted fee of $1107.00 per unit, however, there is no further 20% discount offered.
New Zealand students are not eligible for the Sheep CRC Scholarships.
If you are from any country other than Australia or New Zealand:
Applications and fees differ for intenational students.
International students are not eligible for the Australian Government's 'Commonwealth Supported Places', as such, full course fees will apply.
Graduate Certificate in Rural Science (Agricultural Consulting) (4 units total) - AU $9250.00.
Diploma in Agriculture (8 units total) - AU $18,000.00
There is a particular application form for international students.
International students are not eligible for Sheep CRC Scholarships.
All international students should refer to the following UNE web page for further information -
http://www.une.edu.au/imp/
For Semester 2, 2010:
Lectures commence: 19 July 2010
Mid-semester break 3-20 September 2010
Final Exam 3-17 November 2010
Can we help you? We encourage you to contact us to discuss your enrolment:
Unit Coordinator:
Deb Maxwell
Ph: 02 6779 4262 Mob: 0437 524 163
Sheep CRC Industry Training Project Leader:
Lu Hogan
Mob: 0427 687 432
Sheep CRC Education Program Manager
Steve Walkden-Brown
Ph: 02 6773 5152
CJ Hawkins Homestead, University of New England, Armidale NSW 2351