Graduate Certificate in Regenerative Agriculture

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Develop a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the nature of complex socio-ecological systems.
2. Develop creative solutions to dynamic complex problems in agriculture, by synthesising information from a range of relevant sources and disciplines.
3. Be resourceful and effective at reflecting on the role of self, ethics and continuous learning in building new discipline-specific knowledge and applying it to socio-ecological challenges in science and agriculture.
4. Demonstrate an integrative understanding of agriculture by explaining the role and relevance of regenerative agriculture, its related sciences, and agribusiness in society.
5. Effectively communicate and generate ideas, concepts and knowledge for a variety of stakeholders in the agricultural context using a range of mediums.
6. Engage with diverse indigenous and other cultural perspectives in rural and agricultural contexts.

Responding to consumer demand and a desire to build more resilient farming systems, farmers need regenerative agronomists and consultants to provide advice and guidance. Graduates will have the practical skills to apply in a range of public and private sectors, including on farms, with agronomic consulting companies, landcare programs, research, education, interpretation programs and government departments such as Local Land Services and the Department of Primary Industries.

Higher education

Applicants may be considered for admissions if they have:

• completed a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) or higher at this University or another higher education provider; or
• equivalent professional experience as determined by the relevant Associate Dean (Education).

English Proficiency Requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English.

The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows:

• Overall: 6.5
• Listening: minimum 6.0
• Speaking: minimum 6.0
• Reading: minimum 6.0
• Writing: minimum 6.0

Practicum placement

All Regenerative Agriculture units will require that students attend compulsory field-trips to experience regenerative agricultural practices in different farming systems and regions.

Applicants or students that can provide supporting documents to verify they already know, understand and can perform the learning outcomes for one or more units within a Southern Cross course, are eligible to have their prior learning assessed for credit by submitting an application for Advanced Standing.

Industrial agriculture is facing a growing number of serious challenges, with degrading soils, increasing inputs and reduced water holding capacity across Australian landscapes. Looking to the future of food production demands that we rethink our approach to farming systems.

The Graduate Certificate in Regenerative Agriculture is designed for students who want to be a part of a new way of farming that better supports, and is supported by natural processes, building more resilient farms and farmers in a future of increased seasonal and weather variability.

This course is ideal for students from multi-disciplinary, science, agricultural and business backgrounds to gain postgraduate qualifications in the field of regenerative agriculture.

Drawing on the University’s specialist expertise in plant science, agronomy, ecology, agroforestry, environmental chemistry and socio-ecological systems, the course offers a choice of units covering the theory and practice of regenerative agriculture.

Recommended Study Pattern

Full-time

Term 1

AGRC5001 - Regenerative Agriculture Principles and Practice

ENVR5007 - Building Resilience in a Changing Climate: Through Drought, Fire and Flood

Term 2

ENVR6008 - Ecological Perspectives for Transformational Change

ENVR6009 - Supporting Change in Regenerative Systems

Part-time

Term 1

AGRC5001 - Regenerative Agriculture Principles and Practice

Term 2

ENVR6009 - Supporting Change in Regenerative Systems

Term 3

ENVR5007 - Building Resilience in a Changing Climate: Through Drought, Fire and Flood

Term 4

ENVR6008 - Ecological Perspectives for Transformational Change

Award Requirements

To be eligible to receive the Graduate Certificate in Regenerative Agriculture students must complete the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points), comprising 4 core units.