Master of Agricultural Sciences

University of Melbourne

Australia, Melbourne

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University of Melbourne

Australia , Melbourne

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

085097E

Application Fee

AUD 154

Campuses

Parkville

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesJuly-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 2 year(s)

Tuition Fee

AUD 53,984 / year

Next Intake July-2026

Master of Agricultural Sciences

About

Overview

Master the science of sustainable and profitable food and fibre production at Australia’s #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.

Watch Master of Agricultural Sciences alumni Victoria Green reminisce on her study experience and explain how her degree gave her the skills to support farmers in achieving economic sustainability.

¹QS World University Rankings (by subject) 2025

²Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment, ABARES Agricultural Overview: March Quarter 2021

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Admission criteria

To be considered for entry into this course, you must have:

An undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 65% (or equivalent), OR
At least six years of documented relevant professional experience.

Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

Where our admission criteria includes a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) and/or specific subject criteria, these are based on University of Melbourne grades and subjects. If you've studied elsewhere, we'll assess your relevant prior studies and equivalent grades. Your final WAM may be adjusted depending on your previous institution's accreditation, subject grading, and pass marks.

English language requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

English language test score requirements
If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

IELTS

6.5

with no band less than 6.0
TOEFL

79+

with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13
PEARSON

64+

with no communicative skill below 60
CAMBRIDGE

176+

with no skill less than 169
*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

About selection

When assessing applications, the Selection Committee will consider your previous studies and academic performance.

The Selection Committee may request additional information to clarify any aspect of an application, according to the University’s Academic Board rules regarding selection instruments.

Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

If relevant to your application, the Selection Committee will also consider your professional history.

English Program Requirements

English language test score requirements

If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

IELTS

6.5

with no band less than 6.0

TOEFL

79+

with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13

PEARSON

64+

with no communicative skill below 60

CAMBRIDGE

176+

with no skill less than 169

*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

Career

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

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.

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

AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION & INNOVATION SPECIALISATION

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.

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

ANIMAL SCIENCE SPECIALISATION

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.

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

CROP AND SOIL SCIENCES SPECIALISATION

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.

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

FOOD SUSTAINABILITY SPECIALISATION

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.

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.

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

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