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Course Overview
The Master of Agriculture and Food Sciences (Specialisation) course provides graduates with advanced contemporary knowledge in agricultural and food sciences.
You will be able to apply your skills and knowledge to address contemporary challenges and support sustainable agricultural growth and innovative food production. This course also equips you to contribute to the University’s strategic goal of enhancing processes and sustainability outcomes in Tasmania’s blue and green economies.
The Master of Agriculture and Food Sciences is a two-year course which students can enter with a cognate or non-cognate degree.
The course comprises of:
Four core units worth a total of 50 credit points, to be completed as part of the transition semester
A specialisation comprising of six units, worth 75 credit points. Students can choose one of three specialisations:
Sustainable Agricultural Systems
Crop Science and Plant Health
Food Microbiology
A research pathway or professional pathway worth 75 credit points. Threshold criteria apply for entry into the research pathway.
Where You Can Study
Hobart
French St, Hobart, Tasmania (TAS) 7005
Eligibility
Domestic students:
2-year MAgFoodSci:
A Bachelor degree in a science related area, and some background (e.g. minor sequence) in sciences relevant to one of the specialisations, completed to a standard of achievement that is deemed acceptable by the College.
1.5-year MAgFoodSci:
A Bachelor degree in a science field with a major in Agricultural Science or Microbiology completed to a standard of achievement that is deemed acceptable by the College.
Note: a GPA of 75% is required for the purposes of admission.
International students:
Admission to most postgraduate coursework courses at the University of Tasmania require qualifications equivalent to an Australian bachelor degree. Applicants must achieve the required grade in their qualifying studies, meet any prerequisite subjects, and meet English language requirements to be eligible for an offer.
English Language Requirements
For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship or prior studies in English in an approved country, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.
English Language Requirements are: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0)
Course Specific Requirements
A Bachelor degree in a science related area, and some background (e.g. minor sequence) in sciences relevant to one of the specialisations, completed to a standard of achievement that is deemed acceptable by the College.
Note: a GPA of 75% is required for the purposes of admission.
Quality & Recognition
Academic Regulator
TEQSA
Professional Body
Agricultural Industry Body / AgriFutures
Accreditation Status
AccreditedSkills Assessor
VETASSESS
Course Content
Global Food Supply
Food production, access, use and resilience of supply in globally diverse contexts will be discussed and investigated. Cases studies will be explored from Africa, Asia, Europe, America and Australia to illustrate the complexity and diversity in the production of and…
Agrifood Research Methods
This unit equips students with the skills to undertake scientific investigations essential to agricultural and food research. The unit follows a logical progression from understanding the key principles of scientific methodology to crafting a well-defined research hypothesis. Students then explore…
Industry Analysis and Adoption
This unit equips students with the skills they need to conduct a detailed analysis of an industry and use this analysis to identify and communicate potential market or technical innovations with a variety of target audiences. These target audiences might…
Academic Skills for Agri-food Research
This unit is an assignment-based unit in which you will explore a particular aspect of agriculture, food science or microbiology in detail through the production of a review of the scientific literature in that area. The topic is chosen through…
Agricultural Technology and Innovation
The unit explores theoretical and practical technologies and innovations applicable to agricultural production systems. These technologies and innovations address current productivity and sustainability challenges and include topics such as technologies and innovations for precision farming and irrigation management. Students will…
Agricultural Landscape Systems
This unit links your knowledge in agronomy, horticulture and business to the area of agricultural land resource assessment. We will develop your understanding and land management skills via practical experiences with SE Tasmanian soil and land resources. This unit will…
Agronomy
Examines the status of agronomy, including developments in breeding, physiology and management. Farming systems research is also examined through a study of topics such as seasonal forecasting and climate change, crop sequence, crop simulation modelling and precision farming. Practical work…
Crop Protection and Biosecurity
This unit develops understanding of the principles and practical skills used to manage agricultural pests, including weeds, insects and plant diseases. The unit builds capabilities relevant to the day-to-day role of an agronomist, including weed identification, pest and disease monitoring,…
Horticultural Science
The objective of the unit is to provide students with a detailed understanding of key physiological processes underlying horticultural crop production and post-harvest management practices that are designed to provide products desired by the market.The breadth of horticulture is considered…
Insect Ecology and Behaviour
You will explore five contemporary entomological research areas in depth that have broad application to industry and society. These are reproduction, pollination, predation, herbivory and global insect declines. In each of these areas, you will examine evidence for and against…
Plant Pathology
The focus of this unit is on advanced topics of plant disease biology and management. Concepts will be illustrated with diseases caused by viral and virus-like agents, phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi in agricultural and horticultural systems. Topics include infection biology,…
Crop Physiology
This unit provides students with advance knowledge of mechanisms of plant function, from the molecular to the whole plant level. The broad range of fundamental processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, plant water relations, stomata physiology, mineral nutrition, plant hormone functions,…
Advanced Food Safety Management
Traditional approaches to food safety assurance are failing to keep up with the modern food industry. In response, and to harmonise international trade in food, food safety management is moving to a "risk-based approach that relies strongly on synthesis of…
Foodborne Pathogens
Maintenance of food security and public health requires vigilance in the food supply chain based on knowledge of the physiology, ecology and epidemiology of food-borne pathogens including bacteria, viruses and parasites. This unit focuses on enhancing depth of knowledge of…
Food Microbiology
This unit aims to provide Master of Agriculture and Food Sciences students with the knowledge of the roles of microorganisms in the production, deterioration and safety of foods, with a strong focus on ecological and physiological perspectives. It examines how…
Microbes and Man
Microorganisms, though invisibly small, collectively make up the majority of the living matter on Earth and have profound influences on many aspects of our lives. This unit will draw on contemporary, real-world examples to explore the influence and impact of…
Fermented Food and Beverages
Tasmania has a growing reputation as a gourmet paradise, with high quality primary products and a growing fermented food and drink industry. In this unit, students will learn about the full production life cycle for fermented food and drink, from…
Microbiology
Microbiology is the study of microorganisms- how they work and their role in our world and can tell us much about the origin and history of life. Microorganisms drive essential nutrient and chemical cycles that support life, cause infectious diseases…
Farming Systems
In this interdisciplinary unit, students are introduced to systems thinking and practice in a farming context. Systems approaches are used to explore how broader social, cultural, political, economic and ecological factors influence farming. Using local and international case studies, students…
Soil Science
This unit aims to develop your understanding of key soil physical and chemical properties and processes, and your ability to relate these properties and processes to soil constraints, soil suitability, and agricultural management. It also focuses on building your ability…
Animal Science
This unit explores how animal science production can be expanded to meet future needs while maintaining social licence to operate and minimising climate impacts. Students will gain knowledge of the science underpinning aspects of modern animal production and develop an…
Pasture and Animal Science
The unit introduces the science underpinning pasture production and management and the link between pasture or other feedstuffs on animal digestion, feed and nutrient utilisation and productive performance. In the practical classes, students are given the opportunity to perform pasture assessment and…
Leadership, People and Culture
The unit will contrast the difference between leadership and management, what is required to lead others and lead an agricultural team, team leadership and management, building a good organisational culture, employment relations and the law for agri-workers, and the employment…
Agribusiness Innovation and Entrepreneurship
In this unit, students will explore aspects of innovation and entrepreneurship that can grow your business through the creation of new opportunities. Students will investigate disruptive and incremental innovations that may contribute to the development of increased efficiencies in production…
Case Studies in Agriculture
This is the capstone unit in the professional pathway for the Master of Agriculture and Food Science course. Students will engage with a series of case studies, selected from different areas of agriculture, for example, horticulture, animal production, post-harvest processing,…
Project Planning
In this unit, you will develop a proposal to address an industry problem or opportunity. Skills will be developed in compiling a business case or tender for a small project that addresses the industry topic. The proposal will include background…
Master of Agriculture and Food Science Thesis A
In the Master of Agriculture and Food Science Thesis, you will undertake an independent program of research under the supervision of a qualified staff member with expertise in the field of interest. In designing and delivering your research project you…
Master of Agriculture and Food Science Thesis B
In the Master of Agriculture and Food Science Thesis, you will undertake an independent program of research under the supervision of a qualified staff member with expertise in the field of interest. In designing and delivering your research project you…
Research Project Proposals
In this unit, you will, with assistance and supervision, develop a proposal for a small research project. Skills will be developed in identifying relevant research topics, appropriate funding bodies and developing projects. The proposal will include background to the proposed…
Common Questions
The Master of Agriculture and Food Sciences (Specialisation) at the University of Tasmania has a duration of 104 weeks.
The estimated total course cost is AU$74,723, which covers tuition fees. There are no additional non-tuition fees listed.
The course is delivered at the University of Tasmania's Hobart campus in Tasmania, Australia, which is a location owned and operated by the provider.
To be eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights, a course must meet several criteria including being in 'Registered' status, being a Skills Level 1 qualification, having a duration of 92 weeks or greater, and having its narrow Field of Education align with the Skills Level 1 priority list. This course (CRICOS Code: 106832A) has a duration of 104 weeks and is a Masters Degree, so it may qualify — however, eligibility is reviewed yearly and requires at least one active enrolment at the time of review. Contact ESOS-PolicyTeam@education.gov.au for confirmation.
You can contact the University of Tasmania's International Student Enquiries team by phone at +61 3 6226 6200 or by email at your.study@utas.edu.au. Further information is also available on their website at www.utas.edu.au/international.
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