Degree of agribusiness knowledge now available at University of Tasmania

THE future of the state’s farming sector has been boosted with the offer of a new associate degrees in agribusiness.

University Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Rathjen, left, Blundstones CEO Steve Gunn and university college principle Prof Janelle Allison launch the new associate degrees in agribusiness. Picture: KIM EISZELE

ADVICE nights to explain a bold new form of higher education for agriculture and business will be held across the State starting tomorrow.

University of Tasmania University College principal Professor Janelle Allison said associate degrees, to be delivered from February, will cost less and align with industries where there is employment demand.

Prof Allison said agriculture and business are the focus of the first two offerings, the latter having the potential to specialise in tourism.

Enrolments are open now and due to close on February 1.

“In the next few years, we know there will be thousands of jobs in agriculture and tourism in our state — both of which are well-paying and exciting fields in which to work,” Prof Allison said.

“The associate degrees will be for those people who may not have considered university for various reasons but want to work in industries in which knowledge and technical ability are becoming a premium.”

Prof Allison said entry to the University College would be via a points system, in which candidates get allocated value based on a range of factors including educational attainment, work experience and other training.

“What we are talking about is a completely different approach to higher education.

“We think these advice nights are important for people to come and talk to us direct.”

University Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Rathjen said thousands of people would access higher levels of education over the next 10 years because of the associate degrees.

Blundstone chief executive Steve Gunn said the business is offering scholarships worth $120,000 to students of the new degree.

For more information or to register for the advice nights: http://info.utas.edu.au/university-college-info.

More information on the courses: http://www.utas.edu.au/new-associate-degrees

The advice nights are on: Tuesday at the Launceston Hotel Grand Chancellor 4pm-6:30pm; Thursday at Glenorchy LINC 3:30pm-5:30pm; Monday, December 12 at Devonport LINC 3:30pm-5:30pm; Tuesday, December 13 at Moonah Arts Centre 4pm-6:30pm; Wednesday, December 14 at Burnie Makers’ Workshop 4pm-6:30pm; and Thursday, December 15 at Launceston LINC 3:30pm-5:30pm.

Originally published as Degree of agribusiness knowledge now available at University of Tasmania