Topic outline

  • General

    Massey University is no.1 in New Zealand in Agriculture and no.15 in the world in vet science


    Massey University is internationally ranked as no.1 of all agricultural universities in New Zealand. No other New Zealand university is in the top fifty. That's because we have excellent teaching, close links to the farming, agribusiness and food industries and our staff help solve global agricultural challenges. 

    There are increasing numbers of jobs available for agriculture graduates. It is predicted New Zealand will need 50,000 more graduates for agriculture-related roles by 2050. Massey teaches into all the agriculture programmes where that job growth is forecast and many of our students have jobs before they graduate.

    The number of agriculture students at Massey continues to grow, and have the largest Young Farmers' Club in New Zealand (Massey Ag alumni David Kidd won Young Farmer of the Year 2014). 

    Massey University is giving our students the knowledge and the skills to create a better future for agriculture in New Zealand. 



    • Massey University Related Courses

      It is predicted New Zealand will need 50,000 more graduates for agriculture-related roles by 2050. Massey teaches into all the agriculture programmes where that job growth is forecast and many of our students have jobs before they graduate.


      Farmer talking to agricommerce specialist with sheep behind in a paddockBachelor of AgriCommerce

      Massey's agricommerce programme aligns itself with agribusiness industries throughout the world. This ensures that our graduates have the skills and industry knowledge employers want today, and in the future. 


      AgriScience students examining fruit trees in blossomBachelor of AgriScience

      This degree gives you an understanding of agricultural systems within the context of the economy and society. Your study will focus on areas of agriculture systems such as soils, plant and animals, economics and agricultural systems, management and sustainability.


      Group of construction students discussing plans with supervisorBachelor of Construction

      This degree will teach you how to develop and implement best practice building solutions and construction management techniques. The construction industry is experiencing unprecedented growth which has led to acute shortages of construction graduates.


      Engineering student talking about 3D creation with supervisorBachelor of Engineering

      Start becoming an engineer from day one of your studies at Massey. We have a practical learning environment, and more work experience with commercial engineering firms than other New Zealand engineering qualification.


      Lecturer in food technology holding products the food technology team have been involved in creatingBachelor of Food Technology

      This is the only degree in Australasia that combines food science, food engineering and food business. That gives you more than a food science degree - you'll gain the technical and business skills to apply your knowledge in the commercial world.


      Person holding iphone with appBachelor of Information Sciences

      Massey is one of the few universities in New Zealand where your information sciences qualification covers all three disciplines of computer science, information technology and software engineering. You'll emerge from your studies with a well-rounded understanding and specialist skills that you'll need to become an excellent ICT professional.


      Student in laboratory holding sampleBachelor of Natural Sciences

      In the study of natural sciences you will work across scientific areas. You'll learn about the sociology of science, sustainability, philosophy and project management, putting fundamental sciences into the real world to come up with real solutions. 


      Manawatu River - aerial shotBachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning

      Massey's Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning teaches you how to contribute to designing better communities and ensuring sustainable use of resources. Planners design more liveable, sustainable and resilient environments that respond to rapid economic, environmental, political and technological changes.


      Bachelor of Science - two student examining a reptileBachelor of Science 

      Massey's Bachelor of Science (BSc) gives you flexibility and freedom of choice. You can select from a wide variety of majors and minors including agricultural science, animal science, zoology, plant science, environmental science and more.


      Veterinarian students examining catBachelor of Veterinary Science 

      Massey is the only university in New Zealand that offers a veterinary degree. It is widely recognised and accredited internationally which means you could work as a veterinarian in New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, and many other countries.


      Two veterinary technology students feeding a calf
      Bachelor of Veterinary Technology

      Vet technologists are to vets, what paramedics are to doctors. This is a broad veterinary-science-based degree which will expose you to various fields in the veterinary and related animal health professions. 


      Vet student feeding horsePostgraduate qualifications

      Once you have completed your undergraduate degree, Massey has internationally-respected postgraduate qualifications ranging from honours to masters and doctorates. Our new Master of Agriculture is specifically focused on primary production systems, and can be endorsed in agriculture, horticulture, equine or life cycle management.



    • Graduate, Lecturer and Student Profiles

      David Kidd, Young Farmer of the Year 2014 planting trees as part of the competitionDavid Kidd

      Bachelor of Applied Sciences (Agriculture) (2005)
      Young Farmer of the Year 2015

      "I'm a very proud Massey grad. Some of the skills I had to use I learned at university 10 years ago - like public speaking and financial budgeting." Three of the seven farmers to make the grand final have the same Massey degree, and knew one another while studying. More


      Abby Scott

      Bachelor of AgriScience - Graduated in 2013
      Consulting Officer - DairyNZ

      "I never had a boring day while studying at Massey. It was awesome and it really opened my eyes to the real world and many exciting opportunities. I have always had a passion for agriculture and farming so I wanted a job where I could be working in that industry. I studied AgriScience (formerly Applied Science) and I learnt from world-leading experts. It was challenging - especially at the start of the course - however once I got used to the systems and lifestyle it became very enjoyable, fun and interesting. Massey's degree lets you visit real farms and talk to farmers rather than just learning from a textbook, which is important."       More


      Calvin BallCalvin Ball

      Bachelor of AgriScience (Agriculture)

      "The BAgriScience sets you up with a broad education covering all aspects of agriculture so you have lots of career options after graduating…”

      Coming from a rural background in Northland I was keen to study agriculture so headed off to Massey University to do a BAgriScience degree. I enjoyed the whole university experience. Many of the activities I got into, including sport and social events, were organised through the Massey Young Farmers Club." More


      Hannah Goodwin

      Bachelor of AgriCommerce
      Mobile Consultant - FMG Advice and Insurance

      The agricommerce degree at Massey opens doors to many job opportunities so you can begin your agricultural career the moment you finish studying. During Year 13 I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in agriculture with the plan of one day owning my own sheep and beef farm. I completed a Bachelor of AgriCommerce as this course offered a wide range of skills that kept my options open for various job opportunities, as it included both agribusiness and science-based papers."     More 


      Laura Brebner

      Laura Brebner

      Bachelor of AgriScience (Equine)
      IRT

      “The degree has been a constant challenge but what I have learnt is invaluable and I will always be thankful that I chose to get a degree that set me up for the industry…” More


      Hamish Gow and some cowsProfessor Hamish Gow

      Massey University Director of Business Innovation and Strategy
      Agribusiness expert

      Hamish Gow has worked and travelled on almost every continent on earth. He's helping make the world's food safer and more affordable. The international 'Food Safety Network' the Massey University professor founded is having a huge impact on food safety in developing countries. It's an internationally-awarded project that provides freely available online resources and training for workers in developing countries. It's now used in six nations with more to follow.  His work has caught the eye of the World Bank, keen to work smarter in sustainable growth in food supply.       More

      • What is agri-food?

        Pasture to Plate infographic

        • Professional Development

          Massey offers a broad range of professional development options in agriculture including the below:

          Agriculture and the world we live in

          A free online course through Open2Study. You will learn about the world’s population and the crucial role of agriculture in feeding the steadily increasing number of people. You will then see how climate and soils dictate the types of farms we see in different regions and countries. Massey was the first New Zealand tertiary provider to join an international consortium (in this case Open2Study) offering open online courses. 

          Professional and Continuing Education

          Our Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) group coordinates professional development courses across areas such as life cycle assessment, herbicides, sustainable nutrient management, greenhouse gases and farm dairy effluent.