Bachelor in Agribusiness
Siena, Italy
Bachelor's degree
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
Italian
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: The Bachelor in Agribusiness is a three-year professionally oriented programme (L-P02) jointly offered by the University of Siena and the University of Pisa. It combines coursework with placements at agricultural companies and organizations. Graduates gain technical skills for production, sustainable agro-ecosystem management, product quality promotion, and enterprise operations. Enrollment is locally restricted; applications close when places fill. The University of Siena was founded in 1240.
Career Outcomes: Graduates qualify as Qualified Agricultural Technicians and can work in production and economic management, marketing and distribution, consultancy, public administration, cooperatives, retail, analytical laboratories, service companies, self-employment, rural and environmental management sector.
The training of the graduates is completed by a substantial training activity at companies /bodies operating in the agricultural field. The acquired knowledge will allow operational tasks and the resolution of problems in a particularly dynamic and innovative production context. Graduates will operate in the sectors of agricultural production, sustainable management of the agro-ecosystem, promotion of the quality of products and the management of agricultural enterprises.
The three-year professionally oriented Bachelor’s Degree Program in Agribusiness (L-P02) is a joint program between the University of Siena and the University of Pisa. This course is unique at the national level and is aimed at high school graduates who, at the end of their studies, wish to acquire a professional qualification to perform technical functions in non-managerial roles in various work sectors related to agriculture and agribusiness, as well as to become agricultural entrepreneurs.
The program has locally restricted enrollment, and applications will be accepted until all available spots are filled.
The curriculum is designed to provide the knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques necessary for managing an agricultural enterprise integrated within its territory and aligned with the principles of sustainability. To this end, the courses, taught at the Siena campus, are structured to provide:
- Knowledge of the biological cycles underlying plant and animal production; basic concepts of agricultural ecology; plant and animal biology; agricultural chemistry and biochemistry.
- Knowledge of plant and animal production processes: cycles of herbaceous and woody crops, aspects of crop production and plant protection, animal production processes. Basic knowledge of agricultural mechanization, plant engineering, and food processing.
- Managerial skills related to agricultural and rural development policies, economic and financial management tools for farms and agricultural credit; basic knowledge of agri-food legislation; fundamental tools of marketing and product valorization.
- Basic knowledge of managing process and product traceability (tools for the technical management of farms for traceability and certification purposes).
Through laboratories organized in collaboration with professionals and experts from the working world, students will also acquire non-disciplinary transversal skills. The program is complemented by practical evaluative internships (TPV) carried out in companies, institutions, professional firms, or associations, thanks to a well-established network of contacts. During these internships, students will gain hands-on experience in the workplace, while also learning to critically and independently assess the activities carried out at the host institution, thus acquiring practical skills and competencies.
At the end of the program, students must complete a practical evaluative test (PPV) designed to assess their readiness to practice in their chosen professional field(s).
Several scholarship options are available, please visit the university website for information.
Qualified Agricultural Technician
Role in a work context:
Thanks to the skills acquired and developed in the degree program, graduates in Agribusiness (L-P02) can independently carry out technical activities in the following professional areas:
- Organisation and control of production processes in the agricultural and livestock sectors, with particular reference to the design and application of simple technologies for production control;
- Economic management of production enterprises;
- Marketing and distribution of agricultural products;
- Marketing activities in the primary sector;
- Participation in the management processes of eco-sustainable production and the protection of plant and animal biodiversity.
Skills associated with the role:
The skills associated with the functions of an Agribusiness (L-P02) graduate are characterised by a strong multidisciplinary nature, essential for carrying out operational tasks and solving problems in a highly dynamic and innovative production context.
In addition, the Agribusiness graduate possesses tools for managing information in the field of agricultural technologies. Overall, the graduate has competencies related to production in the agricultural and livestock sectors, sustainable management of agro-ecosystems, promotion, valorisation and marketing of products, economic and financial management, as well as knowledge of agricultural policy instruments aimed at business management and rural development.
Career opportunities:
The Agribusiness (L-P02) degree program is a professionally oriented course with immediate entry into the job market; therefore, pursuing a Master’s Degree is not considered a natural pathway for graduates.
The program aims to train the professional figure of a qualified agricultural technician. This role offers employment opportunities in the diverse agricultural production sector, in the following areas:
- Self-employment;
- Consultancy in the agricultural sector for public and private entities;
- Public administration in non-managerial positions;
- Agricultural enterprises;
- Cooperatives and consortia;
- Trade associations;
- Large-scale retail;
- Agricultural and environmental analysis laboratories;
- National and international institutions;
- Service companies for the primary sector.
The professionally oriented degree in Agribusiness may also qualify graduates for the professions of Agricultural Expert (Laureate), Agro-technician (Laureate), and Industrial Expert (Laureate, food technology section) after passing a practical evaluative test designed to assess the knowledge, skills, abilities, and operational autonomy required to practice these professions. This test must be completed before the final examination.
Why Studying in Siena?
The University of Siena, located in the historic city of Siena in Italy, is an attractive choice for higher education for various reasons.
Tradition and Prestige: Established in 1240, the University of Siena is one of the oldest universities in Italy and Europe. It has a rich history and a longstanding reputation for academic excellence.
Diverse Course Offerings: The University of Siena offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs in various disciplines, including humanities, sciences, medicine, engineering, economics and social sciences. This allows students to pursue their interests and career goals.
International Environment: The University of Siena attracts students from all around the world, creating a diverse and multicultural learning environment. This exposure to different perspectives and cultures can be highly enriching for students.
Quality of Life: Siena is known for its relaxed lifestyle, friendly locals, and delicious cuisine. The city’s manageable size and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal location for students looking to balance their studies with a vibrant social life.
Research Impact: The University of Siena’s research output is recognised globally, with its faculty and researchers contributing to significant advancements in various fields. The university’s research publications and citations in international journals reflect its commitment to high-quality research and global impact.
Research Opportunities: The University of Siena has strong research programs and collaborations with other institutions, both in Italy and internationally. This can provide students with valuable opportunities for research and professional development.
Affordability: Compared to universities in some other countries, tuition fees at the University of Siena are relatively affordable. Additionally, the cost of living in Siena is generally lower than in larger Italian cities like Rome or Milan.
Exchange Programs: The University of Siena participates in several international exchange programs, such as the Erasmus+ program, which allows students to study abroad for a semester or academic year, providing valuable international experience.
Career Prospects: Graduates from the University of Siena have a strong record of finding employment or continuing their education, both within Italy and internationally. The university’s reputation and connections can help students access opportunities in their chosen fields.
Beautiful Location: Siena is a picturesque city with a rich history and stunning architecture. The city’s medieval cityscape and scenic countryside provide a unique and inspiring setting for studying.
Language and Cultural Immersion: Studying in Siena offers the opportunity to learn or improve Italian language skills, as well as gain a deep understanding of Italian culture and history.
Studying Abroad
International students enrolled at the University of Siena can participate in several international exchange programs, such as the Erasmus+ program, which allows our students to study abroad for a semester or one academic year, providing valuable international experience.
Our International programs allow students of the University of Siena to spend a study period (from 2 to 12 months) at one of the other 500 partner universities worldwide.
It is possible to carry out the mobility during each study cycle (bachelor, master of PhD), attend courses and sit exams, prepare thesis work and carry out internship activities. Participants in the International mobility programs will get full recognition for the credits obtained abroad.
In addition to in-presence teaching, which continues to be the preferred method also in the next Academic Year, every single lesson will be simultaneously live-streamed and/or video recorded and uploaded on our digital platform for subsequent viewing. This mode is essential for students who are temporarily unable to be on premises.