The University of New England (UNE) has become the first Australian university to be officially endorsed by the country’s national soil science body, Soil Science Australia (SSA).
The endorsement means UNE is currently the only recognised tertiary institution that equips students with the skills and knowledge required to obtain one of SSA’s new professional accreditations.
Lecturer and Coordinator of UNE’s soil science units, Dr Ivanah Oliver, says the recognition is a testament to the high calibre of education on offer in the rural sciences at UNE.
“This is very exciting for UNE, and demonstrates that we are a leading provider of undergraduate and postgraduate soil science education in Australia,” says coordinator of UNE’s soil science units, Dr Ivanah Oliver.
“Any UNE student looking for a career in soil science can be confident that they have gained the required fundamental knowledge, skills and practical experience to assist them in obtaining professional accreditation.”
UNE’s six soil science units have been endorsed, along with the Graduate Certificate in Agriculture (Soil Science), which is a dedicated qualification for those wanting to work in the industry.
With legislation often requiring soil scientists to be professionally accredited, Dr Oliver says students graduating from institutions that have been given the tick of approval from SSA will have a competitive advantage when entering the workforce.
This is particularly relevant for those hoping to enter roles in industries such as agriculture, mining, environment, and urban development.
