Master of Science in Agriculture
Why study the Master of Science in Agriculture at UNE?
The Master of Science in Agriculture is a program of course work and research designed to provide advanced training to supplement a first degree and to provide an introduction to research. The course work component is designed to provide advanced knowledge, and to develop a range of skills, applicable to the candidate's background and area of interest.
Areas of specialisation are: animal science; meat science and technology; wool science; genetics and animal breeding; agricultural and resource economics; agronomy and soil science.
Career Opportunities
There are opportunities in advisory and management roles in agricultural extension and property management; departments of primary industry; soil conservation; rural banking; private consultants; feed and fertilizer manufacturers; rural journalism; providing advice on scientific, technical and economic matters.
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Degree Snapshot
DURATION
1.5 Years Full-timeUp to 5 years Part-time
FEES
CSP (quotas apply)Full Fee
International
2011 STUDY OPTIONS
Armidale
Semester 1, Off CampusSemester 1, On Campus
Semester 2, Off Campus
Semester 2, On Campus
How to Apply
Domestic Students
New domestic students to UNE apply to study on or off campus through UAC
For more information, click hereFormer or current domestic UNE students apply to study on or off campus direct to UNE
For more information, click here
International Students
International students apply direct to UNE through International Marketing and PathwaysFor more information, click here
Contact Us
So we know where to direct your enquiry, please tell us if you are a current or future student:
| Official Abbreviation | MScAg | |||||||||||||||
| Course Type | Postgraduate | |||||||||||||||
| Commencing |
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| Course Duration |
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| Fees | CSP (quotas apply)/ Full Fee / International | |||||||||||||||
| Total Credit Points | 72 | |||||||||||||||
| Benefits | Articulation from the Graduate Diploma in Rural Science On completion of the Graduate Diploma, students are able to transfer to the Master of Science in Agriculture with 24 credit points of advanced standing for units completed towards the Graduate Diploma. Further postgraduate opportunities Graduates are eligible to apply for admission to candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) |
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| How to apply |
New domestic students to UNE apply to study on or off campus through UAC For more information, click here
Former or current domestic UNE students apply to study on or off campus direct to UNE For more information, click here
International students apply direct to UNE through International Marketing and Pathways For more information, click here |
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| Intensive Schools | Intensive mandatory schools may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. See Unit Catalogue for specific requirements. |
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| Entry Requirements | A candidate shall: (a) hold a bachelor degree from a recognised University in a discipline related to Agriculture or Rural Science; or (b) hold at least 12 credit points towards the Graduate Diploma in Rural Science or equivalent; or (c) satisfy the school by means of other qualifications and relevant experience of adequate preparation for candidature; or (d) be permitted to transfer to candidature for the degree of Master of Science in Agriculture if recommended by the school for the award of the Graduate Diploma in Rural Science; or (e) be permitted to transfer to candidature for the degree of Master of Science in Agriculture from the Graduate Diploma in Rural Science who has completed units counting 24 credit points and who has a satisfactory academic record. |
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| Advanced Standing | Advanced standing is not granted for units taken to meet course admission requirements (except for an approved articulation in the course). The maximum advanced standing shall be for units counting 24 credit points which are deemed to be equivalent to units offered by UNE and approved for the course comprising: (a) 24 credit points for units completed at UNE and not more than 12 credit points at undergraduate level; or (b) 24 credit points for units completed from another institution and not counted towards an awarded qualification; or (c) 6 credit points on the basis of considerable professional experience. (d) There shall be no maximum advanced standing on the basis of units completed at this University that have not counted towards a qualification. (e) There shall be no advanced standing awarded for RUSC695. |
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| Scholarships | Contact the Scholarships Officer in Research Services. |
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| Academic Colours |
Turquoise Green (BCC 121) |
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| Further Information | 
You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE |
Admission to Candidature
A candidate shall:
(a) hold a bachelor degree from a recognised University in a discipline related to Agriculture or Rural Science; or
(b) hold at least 12 credit points towards the Graduate Diploma in Rural Science or equivalent; or
(c) satisfy the school by means of other qualifications and relevant experience of adequate preparation for candidature; or
(d) be permitted to transfer to candidature for the degree of Master of Science in Agriculture if recommended by the school for the award of the Graduate Diploma in Rural Science; or
(e) be permitted to transfer to candidature for the degree of Master of Science in Agriculture from the Graduate Diploma in Rural Science who has completed units counting 24 credit points and who has a satisfactory academic record.
Advanced Standing
Advanced standing is not granted for units taken to meet course admission requirements (except for an approved articulation in the course).
The maximum advanced standing shall be for units counting 24 credit points which are deemed to be equivalent to units offered by UNE and approved for the course comprising:
(a) 24 credit points for units completed at UNE; or
(b) 24 credit points for units completed from another institution and not counted towards an awarded qualification; or
(c) 6 credit points on the basis of considerable professional experience.
There shall be no maximum advanced standing on the basis of units that have not counted towards another qualification that have been completed at this University.
There shall be no advanced standing awarded for RUSC695.
Period of Candidature
The period of candidature shall be:
(a) one and a half years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to five years as a part-time candidate.
In exceptional circumstances and on the recommendation of the candidate's supervisor, the period of candidature may be extended.
Course Requirements
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 72 credit points, including RUSC695 and 48 credit points, of which at least 24 credit points must be at 500-level from the Listed Units or as approved by the course coordinator.
RUSC695 (24 credit point Master of Science in Agriculture Thesis), shall embody the results of a research program. RUSC695 must be completed within a maximum of four semesters:
(a) With course coordinator approval the student is permitted to undertake part or the entire project off-campus.
(b) The thesis shall not exceed 20 000 words exclusive of tables, plates, figures and appendices, and be written in English. The completed thesis shall show capacity on the part of the student for independent thought and critical thinking.
(c) The student shall submit to the School two copies of the thesis bound in a form approved by the school. The student shall submit with the thesis a statement from his or her supervisor certifying that the thesis is in a form suitable for examination.
Program of Study
Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:
| Course Structure | Credit Points |
|---|---|
| Core Units | 24 cps |
| Listed Units | 48 cps |
| Total | 72 cps |
To view complete Program of Study click here
Award of Degree
Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Master of Science in Agriculture.
Exit Pathways
Candidates who discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Rural Science on completion of 24 credit points.
Candidates who discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Diploma in Rural Science on completion of 48 credit points.
Examination of Thesis
On the recommendation of the supervisor or supervisors, the School Teaching and Learning Committee will appoint two examiners, at least one will be external to the University. Examiners will be sent the relevant degree information.
The examiners' reports on the thesis will be considered by the School Teaching and Learning Committee which will recommend:
(a) that RUSC695 be awarded an SR (Satisfied Requirements); or
(b) that RUSC695 be awarded an SR subject to the candidate making amendments to the thesis as specified by the examiners and to the satisfaction of the supervisor(s); or
(c) that RUSC695 be failed (N).
Before making a recommendation above, the School Teaching and Learning Committee may:
(a) request the examiners to consult and report to the committee; or
(b) permit the candidate to revise the thesis for re-examination if, in the opinion of the committee, the work is of sufficient merit to warrant this concession.
A candidate permitted to revise the thesis with an extension will do so within a period of time and under conditions determined by the School Teaching and Learning Committee. A candidate who has a resived thesis under the terms of an extension and who fails the re-examination will not be eligible for further examination.
Appeals
Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Appeals.
Improper Conduct
Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct.