Key facts

Entry requirements

Entry is based on a bachelor qualification with second-class honours or equivalent, or a bachelor qualification with relevant research preparation.

View full entry requirements
Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Fees
  • International
  • Research Training Program
View more fees information
CRICOS code
  • 000449M
Start Dates and Campus
Research Period 1Research Period 2
OnlineOfferedOffered
Armidale CampusOfferedOffered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot Offered

Course information

Download course brochure
UNE student crouches in outdoor setting with clipboard

Upgrade your knowledge and skills or pivot your career by developing expertise in sustainable, science-based agricultural systems of production through UNE's Master of Rural Science. This postgraduate degree offers a supportive program of independent research related to practical and sustainable production of food and fibre.

UNE is a leading innovator in teaching and research in the agricultural sciences. Your advanced knowledge and skillset will prepare you for high-level work in this rapidly evolving industry.

Why study the Master of Rural Science with UNE?

Our Master of Rural Science provides a program of independent, supervised research for high-calibre graduates that will enable you to make an advanced contribution to scholarship in a scientific field of knowledge related to the provision of food and fibre for world needs. We have active research programs in livestock production efficiency and cabon management, integrated animal health and welfare, livestock and product quality, soil science, soil pollution, organic farming, terrestrial carbon, cotton and grains, weed science and sustainable farming.

For over 60 years UNE has been a leader of agricultural education and research. The visionary, pioneering work carried out by Professor Bill McClymont at UNE laid the groundwork for our modern understanding of agricultural systems. McClymont's holistic model is still used today to maximise production without losing focus on sustainable ecological, economic, social and environmental contexts. UNE maintains close links with the agricultural industry derived from our long experience in the teaching and research of agriculture.

Our academics are at the forefront of innovation, leading research and development into agricultural sciences and agricultural systems. With a science-based, practical approach to problem solving at farm, catchment and industry level, our Master of Rural Science graduates are renowned for effectively developing and communicating solutions for all levels of rural production and agricultural systems.

Our research facilities are world class. You will have access to the latest state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology for research at our innovative SMART Farms, laboratories and glasshouse facilities to develop science-based innovation to provide solutions for industry, now and into the future.

UNE is Australia's longest continuous provider of distance (online) education. We're here to help you adapt to a rapidly-evolving world with skills and knowledge to prepare you for professional opportunities.

What makes our course different?

Our Master of Rural Science allows you to develop high-level, cutting-edge research skills, leading to an original contribution to knowledge via a thesis. Through our course you can:

  • Direct your career by choosing your specialist research topic within such areas as genetics and breeding, nutrition, animal health and reproduction, physiology, animal behaviour, animal products: fibre, meat, eggs, cotton, soils cience, soil pollution, plant production systems and sustainable farming systems.
  • Be part of a vibrant research-led academic community.
  • Develop high-level research skills and methodology and enhance your critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills.
  • Work with research groups that rank amongst the best in the world. UNE's Rural Science based research is internationally renowned, and in the most recent independent assessment by the Australian Research Council, Excellence in Research Australia, we achieved outstanding results. Across a range of disciplines our research was given the top rating of 'well above world average'.
  • Progress to a PhD in your chose field of research.
  • Study flexibly either on campus, or online at home to suit your lifestyle and other commitments.

If you are an Australian or New Zealand student and meet the criteria for entry to the Master of Rural Science, you may be funded under the Australian Government's Research Training Program (RTP) and may not incur tuition fees for the duration of the course. If you are an international student, you will incur tuition fees.

Internal funding is available to support research projects and UNE offers a range of scholarships for Higher Degree Research students.

Study online

Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus

Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.

Entry requirements

To be eligible to apply for this course you must meet one of the following entry requirements:

  • You have completed a Bachelor with Honours qualification (AQF Level 8 or overseas equivalent) with a minimum result of second class honours or equivalent.
  • You have completed an AQF Level 7 qualification (or overseas equivalent) and you have had adequate relevant preparation since graduation.*

Eligibility for admission is reviewed by the Associate Dean Research (ADR) or delegate.

The Director Graduate Research has final authority for approving admission to research higher degrees.

All admissions are subject to the HDR Admission and Enrolment Policy.

All applicants must meet the English Language Requirements for all Higher Degree by Research candidates (see English Language Requirements higher than the University Minimum Annex).

* Adequate relevant preparation may be gained through an approved academic course, professional training, work experience or peer reviewed publications.

See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

  • Previous qualifications documentation. You must provide a certified/notarised copy of your official transcript(s) and certificate(s) for all previous secondary and tertiary study. You do not need to provide transcripts for any previous study completed at UNE. For information on getting your documents certified/notarised, please refer to our Document Certification Guidelines.
  • Evidence of supervision. You must provide evidence that at least one UNE academic staff member has agreed to support your application/supervise your research. For example, email communication with your proposed supervisor.
  • Research proposal. You must submit a research proposal which you will complete in consultation with your potential supervisor. Your proposal must not be longer than three A4 pages. Please refer to the HDR Application Guidelines for the suggested format.
  • Referee reports. You must nominate two people (preferably external to UNE) who can testify to your academic achievements. You will need to contact your referees prior to lodging your application and request that they complete the online HDR Referee Report form. UNE cannot request these reports on your behalf.
  • Proof of identity and citizenship. All documents provided must be a certified/notarised copy. Australian citizens must provide a birth certificate, passport or citizenship certificate. New Zealand citizens must provide a passport and visa. Australian Permanent Residents must provide a passport and visa, and the date you became a permanent resident. International applicants must provide a passport, and evidence of the country you hold citizenship in; for example, a foreign government identity card.
  • Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved English test within the past two years, please provide a copy of the test results with your application.

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

You can apply for Advanced Standing for coursework already completed as part of other qualifications. The relevant Associate Dean Research or delegate will assess and approve Advanced Standing as part of your admission to candidature.

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost?

Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:

Fee typeCost
International
$36,226*
Research Training Program
$0*
Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time$351
*For more information, visit our Research Training Program page. Please note that International fees are a guide only and will vary depending on the discipline you are applying for. Please visit our Visa and Fees page for more details.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for both Domestic and International Higher Degree Research (HDR) Students. HDR scholarships can include funding for many things including tuition fees, living allowance stipends, relocation, travel and research specific projects. There are also targeted scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

HDR Scholarships are confidential and the application process is free. Please visit the HDR scholarships webpage for current scholarship opportunities.

Your career

Career outcomes

Agricultural scientists are in high demand. Your career opportunities could include:  

  • research organisations, e.g. CSIRO, DAWE, ABARES 
  • state government agencies 
  • agricultural planning and advisory consultants 
  • commercial agricultural research providers 
  • universities and research institutes. 
Other career information

UNE’s Master of Rural Science provides you with the potential to open doors to high-level opportunities in agricultural industries and further research opportunities. 

Course outcomes

The Master of Rural Science course aims are to provide a program of independent, supervised research for high calibre graduates that make an advanced contribution to scholarship and mastery of a scientific field of knowledge related to provision of food and fibre for world needs.
  1. exhibit a mastery of a scientific field of knowledge by: (a) having systematically acquired intellectual skill and experience that is grounded in contemporary developments in a scientific discipline; (b) creating and communicating scholarship of a quality to satisfy peer review, extending the frontier of the field of knowledge and potentially meriting publication; (c) demonstrating knowledge of research principles and methods applicable in advanced academic inquiry;
  2. conduct research independently and systematically by: (a) conceptualising, designing and implementing a project which will increase knowledge that is applicable or contributes new insights to a scientific field; (b) evaluating ideas and making informed judgements on complex issues or challenges in the scientific field of specialisation; (c) communicating ideas, methodologies and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences; and
  3. be accountable for their own learning and professional training by: (a) demonstrating the capacity to undertake further learning and/or a further career in or around research at an advanced level, and contributing substantially to the development or dissemination of new techniques, ideas or approaches; (b) displaying the qualities and attributes necessary to exercise personal responsibility and autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations, whether in professional environments or in the public domain.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

Stay connected

Register your interest and we'll keep you updated

UNE collects personal information to help with your enquiry and for marketing. Information may be disclosed outside of NSW and Australia through third parties acting for UNE. By entering your details you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Notice and consent to this disclosure.

Why study with us?

Testimonial placeholder icon of a university graduate

I was attracted to UNE for its rural location and because it had specialised degrees in agricultural economics and rural science.

Emeritus Professor Kym Anderson AC

How to apply

Applying to UNE is quick and easy. You can apply for this course at any time — there are no closing dates for applications.

If you would like to apply for a scholarship, closing dates do apply and are specific to each individual scholarship. Please see the HDR Scholarships webpage for further information.

Preparing to apply

The documents you will need to include in your application depend on:

  • Your chosen HDR program
  • Your personal circumstances

Please review the course rules and entry requirements above before you apply. If you have any questions or need help with your application please contact the Graduate Research School team.

Important Notice for Prospective Students

For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.