About this honours subject area

Increasing the sustainable production of plant food and fibre over the next 50 years is one of the world’s great challenges—made more complex by climate change, which is reshaping how we manage and use plant production systems. The Plant Production honours program examines the genetic and physiological controls on plant growth, the influence of key abiotic and biotic factors such as soil, water, nutrients, pests, and diseases, and the role of management practices in shaping outcomes. You’ll deepen your expertise in plant biology, soil science, plant protection, agronomy, automation, and precision agriculture, while exploring innovations to boost productivity, use resources more efficiently, and minimise environmental impacts. As part of this honours course, you’ll undertake an independent research project under the guidance of expert academic supervisors, supported by advanced coursework to sharpen your technical, analytical, and critical thinking skills. You’ll produce a portfolio of written and oral work that demonstrates your expertise and prepares you for careers in research, industry, or further study at a higher degree level.

Plant Production honours projects are available to any student graduated with a Bachelor of Science with a major in Plant Production or equivalent degree/major.

Unit of study requirements for Honours in Plant Production: completion of 24 credit points of project work and typically 24 credit points of advanced coursework.[FC1]

For further details about honours in Plant Production, please get in touch with the honours coordinator, Dr Malcolm Possell.

Applying for Honours in Plant Production

Application to Honours is a two-step process. You first submit an Expression of Interest for a supervisor and project to the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, then apply for admission through the Faculty of Science.

1. You can search for a supervisor and browse available projects on the EoI portal link
2. If your Expression of Interest (EoI) is accepted by the supervisor, you will receive an email and PDF confirmation of supervision for your nominated Honours project.
3. After your EoI is approved by your supervisor, you will receive an acknowledgment email which you should attach to your application - see applying for honours.
4. You will be notified of your confirmed supervisor shortly after EoI’s close. Late applications for available supervisors will be considered in the order received.