Why study with us
The University is ranked first in Australia and fourth in the world for graduate employability in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020.
Find out moreThe University of Sydney has been a leading contributor to agricultural knowledge and food production for more than a century.
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The Master of Agriculture and Environment trains you to solve the big challenges in the world: food security, climate change, and management of carbon, water and the environment. With lots of professional experience in the lab and out in the field, you’ll be ready to contribute to a booming sector that generates over $150 billion a year in production, contributes around 16% of Australia's export earnings, and tackles the biggest global issues of our time.
The one-and-a-half-year Master of Agriculture and Environment is the perfect next step for graduates already trained by a degree in Science, Economics or related work experience (accreditation subject to approval).
Within this articulated degree you will complete a research project where you will be innovatively addressing modern-day problems, while also honing your skills in project management, communication and cross-disciplinary thinking. You can choose from a range of specialist streams depending on where your interests lie. Importantly, the course gives you lots of hands-on experience, which helps to make you highly sought-after by employers in both the public and private sectors.
Your studies will be bolstered by state-of-the-art facilities that are among the best in Australia. These include our Centre for Carbon, Water and Food – the first of its kind in the nation – and the world-renowned Plant Breeding Institute. In 2015, our IA Watson International Grains Research Centre became the largest regional grains research centre in the country.
Commonwealth Supported Places
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for this course for eligible domestic students. This means that your course fees are subsidised by the Australian Government and you pay a student contribution amount (SCA). CSP places are limited in number and are allocated based on academic merit.
Candidates for the degree of the Master of Agriculture and Environment complete 72 credit points (cp) of study including a research project as part of a capstone experience with a value of 24cp.
Many units of study are based on compulsory fieldwork carried out prior to the commencement of semester, so all students should be available to participate in fieldwork excursions two weeks prior to the commencement of semester.
You will complete a specialisation in:
The project will enable you to develop skills in cross-disciplinary thinking and project management and will comprise four units of study (24cp):
All research projects will commence in the second semester after commencement unless exemption is approved by the dean. Students who have completed relevant prior learning at an equivalent level elsewhere may be given up to 12 cp advanced standing with the approval of the Dean.
Sample study plan:
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
| Soil Processes, Assessment and Management | Climate Change: Process, History, Issues |
| Crop and Pasture Agronomy | Environmental Economics |
| Specialisation elective | Research proposal and approach |
| Specialisation elective | Research review |
| Year 2 | |
| Research Communication | |
| Research Paper | |
| Specialisation elective/elective | |
| Specialisation elective/elective | |
A successful applicant for admission to the Master of Agriculture and Environment will:
In exceptional circumstances the Dean may admit applicants without these qualifications who, in the opinion of the faculty, have qualifications and evidence of experience and achievement sufficient to successfully undertake the award. A very limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) may be available to domestic applicants for this course from year to year.
Graduates of the Master of Agriculture and Environment are eligible for membership of several professional bodies in the fields of agriculture and natural resource management.
Opportunities for skilled graduates are in growing fields such as:
Our graduates are employed in a range of industries including:
Indicative Postgraduate Student Contribution Amount
The student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution, please refer to the University's Tuition Fees website.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.
Indicative Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee
The tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student is an indication only of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount.
Annual review and fee increase
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
Indicative International Tuition Fees for Postgraduate Students
The tuition fee for international postgraduate students is an indication only of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the tuition fees. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protective clothing, and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html. In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through a government approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government. Further information is available from https://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/living-costs/health-insurance.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
