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Graduate Diploma in Rural Science

Official Abbreviation GradDipRurSc
Course Type Postgraduate
Commencement Sem 1 and Sem 2 if available
Study Mode On and Off Campus
Course Duration
  • 1 Year Full-time
  • 2 Years Part-time
Fees CSP or Full Fee
Total Credit Points 48
Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Rural Science is the second award level of a fully articulated program which gives qualified applicants the opportunity for study at progressive levels: Graduate Certificate in Rural Science, Graduate Diploma in Rural Science; Master of Agriculture or Master of Science in Agriculture.

The Graduate Diploma is Rural Science is designed to give graduates an opportunity to undertake specialised study in an area of agriculture.
Intensive Schools Intensive mandatory schools may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. See Unit Catalogue for specific requirements.
Entry Requirements

The normal requirement for admission to candidature is a three Bachelor degree, preferably with a background in the basic sciences biology, chemistry and statistics.

Applicants who have other qualifications and relevant professional experience will also be considered.
Additional Entry Requirements N/A
Course Rules

1.Admission
1.1. An applicant for the Graduate Diploma shall:

(a) hold a bachelor degree or an equivalent qualification; or

(b) be enrolled for a bachelor degree in the University and be approved by the school as:
(i) having sufficient prerequisite knowledge for concurrent candidature for the Graduate Diploma, and
(ii) passed the equivalent of at least 96 credit points towards a bachelor degree; or

(c) have satisfied the school by means of qualifications and related experience, that the equivalent standard of Rule 1.1.(a) has been achieved.

1.2. Admission requires the approval of the school and an adequate background in the sciences, as determined by the appropriate course coordinator, which are relevant to the study of rural science.

2. Program of Study
2.1. The student shall pursue a study program approved in advance by the appropriate course coordinator.

2.2. The study program shall comprise units counting 48 credit points at 200 level or higher. However, if the appropriate course coordinator decides that an applicant has insufficient background in the sciences fundamental to the relevant Graduate Diploma, the applicant shall also complete additional units up to a maximum of 36 credit points, as prescribed by the course coordinator. In this case the period of study prescribed in Rule 3 shall be extended.

3. Period of Study
A student must complete the program of study (except when extended by the course coordinator due to exceptional circumstances):

(a) in not more than 12 months as a full-time student; or

(b) in not less than four nor more than eight consecutive semesters as a part-time student; or

(c) in not more than four consecutive semesters as a concurrent student in a bachelor degree.

4. Requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Rural Science
4.1. A student shall complete a study program comprising units counting 48 credit points of which not more than 18 credit points shall be for units below the level of third year.

4.2. At the discretion of the Course Coordinator, the prescribed course of study may include the unit RUSC 595 or HORT 595.

4.3. The units RUSC 595 and HORT 595 involve a project and a project report. The project topic must be approved in advance by the Course Coordinator on the recommendation of the head of school. The project may take the form of a design, a management plan, a literature review, or a field or laboratory investigation.

5. Advanced Standing
On the recommendation of the relevant course coordinator, a student may be granted advanced standing to a maximum of 24 credit points towards the Graduate Diploma in terms of Advanced Standing Rule 2 provided that:

(a) the maximum advanced standing which may be granted in terms of Rule 2.1.(a) for an awarded Graduate Certificate in a relevant area offered by the University shall be for units counting 24 credit points; or

(b) the maximum advanced standing which may be granted in terms of Rule 2.1.(b) shall be for units counting 24 credit points; or

(c) the maximum advanced standing which may be granted in terms of Rule 2.2.(b) shall be for units counting 12 credit points; and

(d) the maximum advanced standing which may be granted in terms of Rule 2.3. shall be for units counting six credit points;

(e) advanced standing shall not be granted for HORT 595; RUSC 595.

6. Appointment of Supervisors
A student is not permitted to enrol in the units HORT 595; RUSC 595 until the appropriate Course Coordinator has approved a topic and one or more project supervisors. At least one such supervisor shall be a member of the school.

7. Award of the Graduate Diploma
7.1. A student who has successfully completed the unit HORT 595; RUSC 595 within the study program will be awarded the Graduate Diploma at the level of Pass or Pass with Credit or Pass with Distinction or Pass with High Distinction.

7.2. A student who does not complete one of the units HORT 595; RUSC 595 within the study program will be awarded the Graduate Diploma at the level of Pass.

7.3. A student admitted in terms of Rule 1.1.(b) shall not be eligible for the award of the Graduate Diploma until the Bachelor degree has been completed

Career Opportunities

There are opportunities in advisory roles in agricultural extension and property management working with State Departments of Primary Industry and private consultants providing advice on scientific, technical and economic matters.

Practical, Clinical or Work Experience None
Double Degree Opportunities None
Advanced Standing Advanced standing may be granted for a maximum of 24 credit points on the basis previous study completed at a recognised tertiary institution. This can include six credit points of advanced standing which may be granted on the basis of relevant professional experience.
Fast Track None
Other Benefits

Concurrent Enrolment with the Bachelor of Science:

After completion of two years of study (96 credit points) towards the degree of Bachelor of Science, students may enrol concurrently for the Graduate Diploma in Rural Science. The Graduate Diploma will not be awarded until the Bachelor degree has been completed.

Articulation from the Graduate Certificate in Rural Science:

On completion of the Graduate Certificate, students are able to articulate to the Graduate Diploma. All units counted towards the Graduate Certificate will count towards the Graduate Diploma.

Articulation to the Master of Agriculture:

On completion of the Graduate Diploma, students are able to articulate to the Master of Agriculture with 24 credit points (no more than 12 credit points at undergraduate level) of advanced standing for units completed towards the Graduate Diploma.

Articulation to the Master of Science in Agriculture:

On completion of the Graduate Diploma, students are able to articulate to the Master of Science in Agriculture with 24 credit points of advanced standing for units completed towards the Graduate Diploma.

Admission to candidature for the Master of Rural Science:

On completion of the Graduate Diploma at the level of at least Pass with Distinction, students are able to apply for admission to candidature for the degree of Master of Resource Science. The Master of Rural Science is a research-only degree.
Honours None
Scholarships None
Further Information

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