Our rankings
We're ranked 59th globally for agriculture and forestry by the 2022 QS University Rankings by Subject.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 4th globally for employability by the 2022 QS Graduate Employability Rankings.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely during 2022 if they are unable to undertake face-to-face study. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely. For the latest updates on course availability, visit the COVID-19 information page.
About this course
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.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Applying for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
There is no separate application required to apply for a CSP. Once you apply for admission, if you are successful in securing a CSP, you will receive notification via an offer of admission.
A Commonwealth supported place (CSP) is not guaranteed as there are a limited number of CSPs available for postgraduate courses. The number of available CSPs for a course can change each semester/year. CSPs are also not automatically awarded for course transfers and upgrades.
CSPs are awarded for the duration of a course based on academic merit determined by the University and eligibility criteria specified by the Australian Government. Learn more about CSPs. If you do not qualify for a CSP you may be offered a domestic fee-paying place.
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
Late applications may be considered subject to availability of places. We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
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:
