Master the science of sustainable and profitable food and fibre production at Australia’s number 2 university for agricultural science¹. You’ll gain the advanced skills and knowledge needed to become a leader in Australia’s $66 billion agriculture sector² and forge an international career.

CONTRIBUTE TO A HEALTHY AND WELL-FED WORLD

In the Master of Agricultural Sciences, you will develop your knowledge of the fundamental and applied science of agriculture to solve critical global issues around sustainability and food supply using science, technology and business. Whether you want to work in agronomy, soil science, biotechnology, farm enterprise management, agribusiness consulting, financial services, animal nutrition, animal welfare or policy, this degree will accelerate your professional development and prepare you for a lasting and impactful career.

A Degree designed for you

Tailor your degree to your interests and career plans with five specialisations and more than 30 elective subjects to choose from.

Available specialisations are:

• Agribusiness
• Agricultural Extension and Innovation
• Animal Science
• Crop and Soil Sciences
• Food Sustainability.

Integrated professional practice

Industry-relevant and research-led knowledge are integral to the Master of Agricultural Sciences. You will learn from the University of Melbourne’s world-renowned academic staff, as well as attending guest lectures from leaders at the top of the Australian agricultural sector.

You will complete a research project or internship as part of your degree, helping you develop the experience, knowledge and network needed to excel in the agricultural industry. The research project option also provides a pathway to PhD studies.

You could also have the chance to work with an industry-leading mentor as part of our Master of Agricultural Sciences mentoring program.

Accelerated options

If you already have industry experience or have completed relevant study, you could be eligible for recognition allowing you to complete the course in 1 to 1.5 years.

The Master of Agricultural Sciences combines a strong core of agricultural science knowledge with leadership, communication taught by specialised experts, along with practical learning via an industry placement or research project. You will develop effective written, verbal and visual communication skills, leadership skills, as well as an understanding of scientific research and literature.

Choose YOUR SPECIALISATION

Focus your learning by choosing to specialise in one of five exciting and industry-relevant areas of agricultural science.

Agribusiness

The Agribusiness specialisation provides you with knowledge of the trends and underlying influences impacting the agribusiness value chain and the global environment. It focuses on the methods and tools relevant to business decision-making in the presence of risk and uncertainty across economics, finance and management.

Agricultural Extension and Innovation

The Agricultural Extension and Innovation specialisation will give you the knowledge to support change and innovation in farming communities, agricultural sectors and value chains, helping these groups adopt the latest science and technology and adapt to a changing environment.

Animal Science

The Animal Science specialisation is multi-disciplinary and research-oriented. You will develop an understanding of the biological and social aspects of our relationship with animals, and the impact animals have on the world. This includes animals outside the agricultural industries, such as those in zoos or sports.

Crop and Soil Sciences

Effective, sustainable and healthy crop production, crop protection, soil science and land management are fundamental to all agricultural production. If you wish to find solutions to issues in these areas, the Crop Production specialisation will help you to develop advanced knowledge in applied crop science and skills in integrating crop system concepts across multiple disciplines.

Food Sustainability

Be ready to address the challenges of creating more sustainable food systems. In this specialisation you will gain advanced knowledge of the agro-ecological and social complexity of producing and providing access to sufficient and healthy food. You will study environmental and population demands, and the policy, economy, political and nutritional dynamics of food production, distribution and consumption.

EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE WITH ELECTIVES

The Master of Agricultural Sciences features more than 30 elective subjects to complement your specialisation. Electives allow you to explore broader issues in agricultural science such as:

• Animal breeding, welfare and production
• Agribusiness and economics
• Crop production
• Pest and disease management
• Agricultural land and water management
• Conservation and business management.

You could, for example, specialise in agribusiness and develop advanced knowledge of dairy production through electives. Or prepare for a career in agronomy by specialising in Crop Production but also ready yourself to manage a team via business electives.

Browse the full range of subjects here.

RESEARCH OR INTERNSHIP CAPSTONE

As part of the Master of Agricultural Sciences you will complete either a research or internship capstone subject. On graduation, you will have a project that clearly demonstrates your experience and knowledge, providing evidence you can draw on when applying for a job or further study.

Choose the research capstone and you’ll work with an academic supervisor to develop, conduct and report on a project that reflects your scientific, social or economic interest in agriculture.

If you wish to focus on industry experience, you can take the internship capstone, which involves a 200-hour work placement. You’ll work with your internship organisation to prepare an industry report or professional portfolio that showcases the knowledge and experience you have gained.

Our masters students have undertaken agricultural internships at a range of companies and organisations, including:

• Animal Welfare Science Centre
• CSIRO
• Vegetable seed company Rijk Zwaan Australia
• Agribusiness and financial services company Elders
• The Victorian Government’s Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions
• Bulla Dairy Foods
• GippsDairy.

THE SKILLS YOU NEED FOR CAREER SUCCESS

The course curriculum has been developed in line with industry requirements, providing you with the skills and knowledge you need to address the environmental, political and scientific challenges of international food security.

You’ll gain a sound foundation in the scientific principles and analytical skills vital for plant and animal-derived food and fibre production in Australia and globally.

You will also develop the soft skills that employers demand, and that will become even more vital in the future. Your subjects have an emphasis on teamwork, and will help you develop organisational skills, creativity and problem-solving ability.

CREDIT FOR YOUR PREVIOUS STUDIES

You can choose to apply for the 200-point (2 year), 150-point (1.5 year) or 100-point (1 year) options, depending upon your level of previous study and experience in agriculture or related disciplines.

Agricultural science transcends global boundaries, with over 90 per cent of graduates finding employment after course completion³. Whether you are already working in the agricultural industry or beginning a new career, the Master of Agricultural Sciences is designed to amplify your options. On average, Australians with a graduate degree earn $22,700 more per year than those with only a bachelors degree⁴.

There is a wide range of fields you can pursue based on your educational and work background, and what you choose to study in the Master of Agricultural Sciences.

AGRIBUSINESS SPECIALISATION

Value chain management: Work with businesses to find the best market for produce and make their supply chains efficient and resilient.

• Banking and rural finance: Help banks make smart lending choices and businesses make good investments using your knowledge of agricultural finance and economics.
• Consultancy and advice: Apply your knowledge of agribusiness and risk management to help clients grow resilient businesses.

AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION & INNOVATION SPECIALISATION

Science communication: Help non-scientists adopt the latest science and technology to grow their businesses and improve sustainability.

• Agricultural extension: Help farmers adapt to changing conditions and work with stakeholders to apply the latest science and technology.
• Project management: Guide the work of science professionals with a diverse range of skillsets, applying your skills in communication, leadership and management.

ANIMAL SCIENCE SPECIALISATION

Animal welfare: Ensure the health and welfare of animals in production systems are maintained to a high standard and meet legal requirements.

• Animal nutrition: Ensure animal diets are nutritious and result in profitable and sustainable businesses as an employee or consultant.
• Animal production: Apply your knowledge of animal science to produce animal products that are safe, healthy and marketable.

CROP AND SOIL SCIENCES SPECIALISATION

Plant breeding: Develop crops that are more productive and disease or drought tolerant.

• Agronomy: Make decisions or provide advice to help farmers grow crops, feed and produce efficiently while maintaining soil health.
• Biosecurity and crop protection: Keep crops free of pests, and the environment free of diseases and invasive species by monitoring imports or developing advice and policy.

FOOD SUSTAINABILITY SPECIALISATION

Sustainable agriculture: Work with organisations to develop farming methods that reuse resources and maintain environmental health.

RESEARCH

The Master of Agricultural Sciences can also help to prepare you for a research degree so you can pursue a career in academia. Read more about agricultural sciences research degrees.

• International aid: Apply your knowledge to help developing communities grow their economies and opportunities through agriculture.
• Public policy: Use your knowledge of agricultural science, communication and economics to help governments develop guidelines and policy to increase production and sustainability.

³Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching, 2020 Graduate Outcomes Survey

⁴Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching, 2020 Graduate Outcomes Survey

Master of Agricultural Sciences - 200 point entry: An undergraduate degree or honours degree in any discipline. Master of Agricultural Sciences - 150 point entry: An undergraduate degree or h

IELTS (academic English Only): 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL Internet-based test: 79 + ; Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13;
Pearson Test of English Academic: 58 + no communicative skill below 50
Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 176 + no skill below 169.