Graduate Certificate in Rural Science (Agricultural Consulting)
Listen to interviews with James Rowe, David Sackett and Mike Stephens about the course and the opportunities for Agricultural Consultants.
Applications for Semester 1, 2010 closed on 15 January 2010. For further information on applying for next semester contact Deborah Maxwell.
Study agricultural consulting through a:
General course information:
Who is this course for?
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.
What is involved?
The course can be completed in 6 months (1 semester) by studying all four units full-time 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.
Application is to be done directly online through UNE - CLICK HERE. Follow this link then go to the line at the bottom. "To login to online admission, click here" and follow the process from there.
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:
Important dates:
For Semester 1, 2010:
Application 15 January 2010
(After you APPLY for the course online you will be sent an OFFER letter in the mail. You then accept this online and then ENROL in the subjects online, before lectures commence).
Lectures commence: 15 February 2010
Mid-semester break 1-27 April 2010
Final Exam 9-24 June 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