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 6 years Part-time
FEES
CSP (quotas apply)Full Fee
International
2013 STUDY OPTIONS
Armidale
Trimester 1, Off CampusTrimester 1, On Campus
Trimester 2, Off Campus
Trimester 2, On Campus
How to Apply
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 | Further postgraduate opportunities: Graduates are eligible to apply for admission to candidature for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) |
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| How to apply |
All domestic students apply 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 | Mandatory intensive 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) satisfy the school by means of other qualifications and relevant experience of adequate preparation for candidature; or (c) be permitted to transfer to candidature for the degree of Master of Science in Agriculture if recommended by the school from the award of the Master of Agriculture. |
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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 at a minimum of 200 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. There shall be no maximum advanced standing on the basis of units completed at this University that have not counted towards a qualification. 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) satisfy the school by means of other qualifications and relevant experience of adequate preparation for candidature; or
(c) be permitted to transfer to candidature for the degree of Master of Science in Agriculture if recommended by the school from the award of the Master of Agriculture.
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 at a minimum of 200-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.
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 six years as a part-time candidate.
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 36 credit points must be at 500-level or above and not more than 12 credit points at 200/300 level from the Listed Units or as approved by the course coordinator. No unit shall be below 200 level.
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 Agriculture on completion of 24 credit points.
Candidates who discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the Master in Agriculture on completion of 48 credit points.
Submission of Thesis
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.
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.
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 revised 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 Student Coursework Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct Rules.
| Course Aims |
This is a coursework and research-based program designed to equip agricultural scientists with specialist professional knowledge in conceptual, scientific and technical competencies related to food and fibre production and land management. Specialisation in a discipline is available through the completion of the research project.
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| Learning Outcomes |
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
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| Graduate Attributes |
Knowledge of a Discipline
Students will be required to read literature on practical, conceptual and theoretical aspects of agricultural science and provided with the opportunity to obtain specialist knowledge in selected discipline through an independent research project.
Communication Skills
Students will be required to express well-organised, logical and clearly written assessment tasks. Students will be exposed to techniques for improved oral and written communication skills throughout the course.
Global Perspectives
Students will examine examples of models, theories and case-studies on the production of food and fibre from around the world and in the context of food security.
Information Literacy
Students will be instructed, assessed and expected to demonstrate high-level research capacity in written assignments (including a research thesis) and utilise a wide range of sources.
Life-Long Learning
Students will be instructed in, assessed and practise learning skills in critical thinking, research and communication that will be useful to them beyond the unit of learning.
Problem Solving
Students will be challenged to critically examine literature, established theories and models, and techniques from a range of disciplines to address contemporary issues related to production of food and fibre. Conducting an independent research project will require students to develop and answer critical research questions.
Social Responsibility
Students will be exposed to concepts of social responsibility within the course and will be required to exhibit social responsibility when interacting with other students.
Team Work
Students will be exposed to training in team skills and perspectives throughout the course, particularly in a professional workplace situation as part of their research project.
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