Course overview
- Description
World populations and economies are increasing their demands for food and fibre. Agricultural systems are placed under pressure to meet environmental, social and economic goals. To maintain or increase production levels, an understanding of the complex factors that shape agricultural systems is required. This course prepares students with the knowledge and skills they need for a future in the rapidly evolving field of agricultural science.
- Course title
- Master of Agricultural Science (coursework or coursework and dissertation)
- Award abbreviation
- MAgSc
- Course code
- 72510
- Course type
- Master's degree by coursework or by coursework and dissertation
- Status
- Current / 2025
- Administered by
- Agriculture and Environment
- CRICOS code
- 074945E
Course details
- Intake periods
- Beginning of year and mid-year
- Attendance type
- Full- or part-time (Student visa holders should read Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 for more information.)
- Articulation
- The Master of Agricultural Science has the following exit awards: 72310 Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Science (48 points) (48 points), 72210 Graduate Certificate in Agricultural Science (24 points) (24 points)
- Credit points required
- 96
A standard full-time load is 24 points per semester. - Standard course duration
- 1.5 years full-time (or equivalent part-time) comprising 72 points of taught units and 24 points of admission credit, as recognised and granted by the School
- Maximum course duration
- 2 years full-time (or equivalent part-time) comprising up to 96 points of taught study (see Rule 5 for further information)
- Time limit
- 4 years
- Delivery mode
- Internal
- Locations offered
- UWA (Perth)
- Domestic fee type
- Commonwealth supported and/or HECS-HELP
- Available to international students
- Yes. For information on international student fees see 'Student Procedures: Fees'. (Enquiries: https://www.uwa.edu.au/askuwa)
- Course Coordinator(s)
- Dr Judith Lichtenzveig
- Fees
- Visit the fees calculator.
Prospective students should see the Future Students website for details on admission requirements, intake periods, fees, availability to international students, careers information etc.
Example Study Plans
- Master of AgScience Agri. Technology 1.5 Years [xlsx]
- Master of AgScience Agri. Technology 2 Years [xlsx]
- Master of AgScience Crop and Livestock 2 Years [xlsx]
- Master of AgScience Crop and Livestock 1.5 Years [xlsx]
- Master of AgScience Genetics and Breeding Sem 2 2024 (72 points 1.5 Years) [xlsx]
- Master of AgScience Genetics and Breeding Sem 2 2024 (96 points 2 Years) [xlsx]
- Master of AgScience Soil Science and Plant Nutrition Sem 2 2024 (72 points 1.5 Years) [xlsx]
- Master of AgScience Soil Science and Plant Nutrition Sem 2 2024 (96 points 2 Years) [xlsx]
See study plans for more information.
Specialisations
SP- Agricultural Technology
SP-AGSYS Crop and Livestock Farming Systems
SP-GENBR Genetics and Breeding
SP-SOILS Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
Course structure
Key to availability of units:
- S1
- Semester 1
- S2
- Semester 2
- N/A
- not available in 2025 – may be available in 2026 or 2027
- NS
- non-standard teaching period
All units have a value of six points unless otherwise stated.
Students who have not completed tertiary units that are deemed equivalent to the conversion units for course by the course coordinator must complete relevant conversion units up to the value of 24 points from this group, as advised by the School(s):
Conversion units must be taken in the first semester of their study.
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1, S2 | AGRI4409 | Fundamentals of Agricultural Science |
| practical classes: 1 hour per week; lectures: 6 x 15 minute online lectures per week |
| S1, S2 | ENVT4411 | Geographic Information Systems Applications |
| The total workload for the unit is 150 hours. This includes podcasts for viewing and reading to be undertaken prior to attending one compulsory 3-hour workshop per week where students will be contributing to interactive discussions together with practical lab work using GIS software. Completion of the practical workshop labs is necessary to enable skills for completing written unit assessment. Independent learning is required throughout the unit. |
| S1, S2 | SCIE4401 | Data Use in Science |
| 24 hours. The total workload for this unit is 150 hours. |
| S1, S2 | SCIE4403 | Ethical Conduct and Communication in Science | Weekly face-to-face OR online workshops. This unit runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2, and can be taken in either semester. |
Take all units (18 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S2 | AGRI5402 | Agribusiness |
| total workload: 150 hours; contact hours: 10 half days |
| S1, S2 | ENVT4422 | Research Methods in Agricultural and Environmental Science |
| 9 online interactive workshops resulting in 18 hours contact; field camp of 32 hours for face-to-face cohort |
| S1, S2 | SCIE4402 | Data Management and Analysis in the Natural Sciences |
| 5 days (1 day per fortnight). The total workload for the unit is 150 hours. |
Students in the course by coursework and dissertation take 24 points from this group.
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1, S2 | SCIE5571 | Dissertation Part 1 |
| as required by supervisor |
| S1, S2 | SCIE5572 | Dissertation Part 2 |
| as required by supervisor |
| S1, S2 | SCIE5573 | Dissertation Part 3 |
| as required by supervisor |
| S1, S2 | SCIE5574 | Dissertation Part 4 |
| as required by supervisor |
Students in the course by coursework only take 12 points from this group:
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1, S2 | SCIE5004 | Professional Skills in Science |
| |
| S1, S2 | SCIE5005 | Science in Practice |
| 1x 2hr session per week contact by consultation as required |
Agricultural Technology specialisation
Take all units (30 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NS | AGRI4401 | Precision Agriculture | total workload: 150 hours; contact hours: 4 x 2 hr computer workshops per week for the first six weeks of semester, plus online materials (videos). Attendance to the workshops is compulsory. | |
| S1 | ENVT4401 | Advanced Land Use and Management |
| three 2-day blocks (the total workload for the unit is 150 hours) |
| S2 | ENVT4408 | GIS Programming |
| 42 hours |
| S2 | ENVT5516 | Environmental Monitoring and Sensors |
| 1x 1hr lecture per week 1x 4hr workshop per week 1 field trip |
| S1 | ENVT5561 | GIS and Spatial Analysis: Multifunctional Landscapes |
| 150 |
For students doing coursework only, take unit(s) to the value of 12 points.
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | AGRI5503 | Animal Production Systems |
| Seminar 3 hours per week, Tutorial 2 hours per week and an over night field trip . The total workload for the unit is 150 hours. |
| S1 | AGRI5506 | Integrated Pest Management - Principles |
| total workload: 150 hours; contact hours: 4 hours per week for 12 weeks |
| S2 | AGRI5508 | Sustainable Grazing Systems |
| total workload: 150 hours |
| S2 | AGRI5571 | Advanced Soil Science |
| 12x 3 hour workshops during semester. The total workload for the unit is 150 hours |
| S2 | ENVT5503 | Remediation of Soils and Groundwater |
| The total workload for the unit is 150 hours. |
| N/A | ENVT5600 | Topics in Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology |
| 1 hour contact per week for 10 weeks. The total work requirement for the unit is 150 hours. |
| S1, S2 | SCIE5304 | Science Practicum |
| 100 hours of work placement paired with learning content and assessment. Contact hours in Practicum placement (the majority of student time in the unit) as arranged with the unit coordinator and host/supervisor. Additional, minor, contact hours for initial and post-placement discussions with coordinator, and final presentation and review. |
Crop and Livestock Farming Systems specialisation
Take all units (24 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | AGRI4410 | Breeding and Biotechnology | interactive workshops 2 hours per week practicals 3 hours per week | |
| S1 | AGRI5503 | Animal Production Systems |
| Seminar 3 hours per week, Tutorial 2 hours per week and an over night field trip . The total workload for the unit is 150 hours. |
| S2 | AGRI5508 | Sustainable Grazing Systems |
| total workload: 150 hours |
| S2 | SCIE5507 | Food Fibre and Fuel Security |
| lectures, tutorials and/or workshops: 6 hours per week |
Take unit(s) to the value of 6 points:
Note: All students in this specialisation must take at least one of these units.
Core-option
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NS | AGRI4401 | Precision Agriculture | total workload: 150 hours; contact hours: 4 x 2 hr computer workshops per week for the first six weeks of semester, plus online materials (videos). Attendance to the workshops is compulsory. | |
| S1 | AGRI5506 | Integrated Pest Management - Principles |
| total workload: 150 hours; contact hours: 4 hours per week for 12 weeks |
For students in course by coursework only, take unit(s) to the value of 12 points.
Electives
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NS | AGRI4401 | Precision Agriculture | total workload: 150 hours; contact hours: 4 x 2 hr computer workshops per week for the first six weeks of semester, plus online materials (videos). Attendance to the workshops is compulsory. | |
| S1 | AGRI5506 | Integrated Pest Management - Principles |
| total workload: 150 hours; contact hours: 4 hours per week for 12 weeks |
| S2 | AGRI5571 | Advanced Soil Science |
| 12x 3 hour workshops during semester. The total workload for the unit is 150 hours |
| S1 | ENVT5005 | Waste and the Circular Economy |
| Lectures 15 x 1 hour (online and pre-recorded), 5 x 1hr Industry seminar (Face to Face), Industry Contact (dependent on partner selected) |
| N/A | ENVT5600 | Topics in Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology |
| 1 hour contact per week for 10 weeks. The total work requirement for the unit is 150 hours. |
| S1, S2 | SCIE5304 | Science Practicum |
| 100 hours of work placement paired with learning content and assessment. Contact hours in Practicum placement (the majority of student time in the unit) as arranged with the unit coordinator and host/supervisor. Additional, minor, contact hours for initial and post-placement discussions with coordinator, and final presentation and review. |
Genetics and Breeding specialisation
Take all units (24 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | AGRI4410 | Breeding and Biotechnology | interactive workshops 2 hours per week practicals 3 hours per week | |
| S1, S2 | SCIE4001 | Collecting, Analysing and Interpreting Big Data in Biology |
| Lectures and Seminars: 27 hours |
| S2 | SCIE4002 | Bioinformatics and Data Analysis for Genomics |
| lectures and tutorials: 24 hours per semester; presentation sessions: approx. 6 (depending on student enrolment) |
| S2 | SCIE5507 | Food Fibre and Fuel Security |
| lectures, tutorials and/or workshops: 6 hours per week |
Take unit(s) to the value of 6 points:
Note: All students in this specialisation must take at least one of these units.
Core-option
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NS | AGRI4401 | Precision Agriculture | total workload: 150 hours; contact hours: 4 x 2 hr computer workshops per week for the first six weeks of semester, plus online materials (videos). Attendance to the workshops is compulsory. | |
| S1 | AGRI5506 | Integrated Pest Management - Principles |
| total workload: 150 hours; contact hours: 4 hours per week for 12 weeks |
| S2 | AGRI5508 | Sustainable Grazing Systems |
| total workload: 150 hours |
For students in course by coursework only, take unit(s) to the value of 12 points.
Electives
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NS | AGRI4401 | Precision Agriculture | total workload: 150 hours; contact hours: 4 x 2 hr computer workshops per week for the first six weeks of semester, plus online materials (videos). Attendance to the workshops is compulsory. | |
| S1 | AGRI4407 | Plant and Human Nutrition |
| total workload: 150 hours; contact hours: 6 days full-time |
| S1 | AGRI5503 | Animal Production Systems |
| Seminar 3 hours per week, Tutorial 2 hours per week and an over night field trip . The total workload for the unit is 150 hours. |
| S1 | AGRI5506 | Integrated Pest Management - Principles |
| total workload: 150 hours; contact hours: 4 hours per week for 12 weeks |
| S2 | AGRI5508 | Sustainable Grazing Systems |
| total workload: 150 hours |
| S2 | AGRI5571 | Advanced Soil Science |
| 12x 3 hour workshops during semester. The total workload for the unit is 150 hours |
| N/A | ENVT5600 | Topics in Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology |
| 1 hour contact per week for 10 weeks. The total work requirement for the unit is 150 hours. |
| S1, S2 | SCIE5304 | Science Practicum |
| 100 hours of work placement paired with learning content and assessment. Contact hours in Practicum placement (the majority of student time in the unit) as arranged with the unit coordinator and host/supervisor. Additional, minor, contact hours for initial and post-placement discussions with coordinator, and final presentation and review. |
Soil Science and Plant Nutrition specialisation
Take all units (30 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NS | AGRI4401 | Precision Agriculture | total workload: 150 hours; contact hours: 4 x 2 hr computer workshops per week for the first six weeks of semester, plus online materials (videos). Attendance to the workshops is compulsory. | |
| S1 | AGRI4407 | Plant and Human Nutrition |
| total workload: 150 hours; contact hours: 6 days full-time |
| S1 | AGRI5506 | Integrated Pest Management - Principles |
| total workload: 150 hours; contact hours: 4 hours per week for 12 weeks |
| S2 | AGRI5571 | Advanced Soil Science |
| 12x 3 hour workshops during semester. The total workload for the unit is 150 hours |
| S1 | ENVT4401 | Advanced Land Use and Management |
| three 2-day blocks (the total workload for the unit is 150 hours) |
For students in course by coursework only, take unit(s) to the value of 12 points.
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | AGRI5503 | Animal Production Systems |
| Seminar 3 hours per week, Tutorial 2 hours per week and an over night field trip . The total workload for the unit is 150 hours. |
| S2 | AGRI5508 | Sustainable Grazing Systems |
| total workload: 150 hours |
| S1 | ENVT5005 | Waste and the Circular Economy |
| Lectures 15 x 1 hour (online and pre-recorded), 5 x 1hr Industry seminar (Face to Face), Industry Contact (dependent on partner selected) |
| S2 | ENVT5503 | Remediation of Soils and Groundwater |
| The total workload for the unit is 150 hours. |
| N/A | ENVT5600 | Topics in Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology |
| 1 hour contact per week for 10 weeks. The total work requirement for the unit is 150 hours. |
| S1, S2 | SCIE5304 | Science Practicum |
| 100 hours of work placement paired with learning content and assessment. Contact hours in Practicum placement (the majority of student time in the unit) as arranged with the unit coordinator and host/supervisor. Additional, minor, contact hours for initial and post-placement discussions with coordinator, and final presentation and review. |
See also the rules for the course and the Student Rules.
Rules
Applicability of the Student Rules, policies and procedures
1.(1) The Student Rules apply to students in this course.
(2) The policy, policy statements and guidance documents and student procedures apply, except as otherwise indicated in the rules for this course.
Academic Conduct Essentials and Communication and Research Skills modules
2.(1) A student who enrols in this course for the first time irrespective of whether they have previously been enrolled in another course of the University, must undertake the Academic Conduct Essentials module (the ACE module) and the Communication and Research Skills module (the CARS module).
(2) A student must successfully complete the ACE module within the first teaching period of their enrolment. Failure to complete the module within this timeframe will result in the student's unit results from this teaching period being withheld. These results will continue to be withheld until students avail themselves of a subsequent opportunity to achieve a passing grade in the ACE module. In the event that students complete units in subsequent teaching periods without completing the ACE module, these results will similarly be withheld. Students will not be permitted to submit late review or appeal applications regarding results which have been withheld for this reason and which they were unable to access in the normally permitted review period.
English Language competency requirements
3. To be considered eligible for consideration for admission to this course an applicant must satisfy the University's English language competence requirement as set out in the University Policy on Admission: Coursework.
Admission requirements
4. To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—
(a) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
and
(b) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent;
and
(c) have successfully completed prior tertiary study in science or in a related cognate discipline as recognised by UWA.
Admission ranking and selection
5. Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.
Articulations and exit awards
6.(1) This course has the following exit awards:
- 72310 Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Science (48 points)
- 72210 Graduate Certificate in Agricultural Science (24 points)
(2) A student who withdraws from the Master of Agricultural Science course before completing it, but after completing 48 points of Level 4 or Level 5 units, which includes the course core units, may apply to the School to be awarded the Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Science.
(3) A student who withdraws from the Master of Agricultural Science course before completing it, but after completing 24 points excluding conversion units, with at least 12 points of core units, of which a minimum of 6 points must be degree core
, may apply to the School to be awarded the Graduate Certificate in Agricultural Science.
Course structure
7.(1) The course consists of units to a total value of 96 points (maximum value) which includes conversion units to a value of 24 points, course core units and specialisation units. The course comprises the following specialisations :
- SP- Agricultural Technology
- SP-AGSYS Crop and Livestock Farming Systems
- SP-GENBR Genetics and Breeding
- SP-SOILS Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
(2) Units must be selected in accordance with the course structure, as set out in these rules.
(3) Students who have completed tertiary units that are deemed equivalent to the conversion units for course by the course coordinator are granted credit for conversion units up to a value of 24 points.
Satisfactory progress
8. To make satisfactory progress a student must pass units to a point value greater than half the total value of units in which they remain enrolled after the final date for withdrawal without academic penalty.
9. A student who has not achieved a result of Ungraded Pass (UP) for the Communication and Research Skills module (the CARS module) when their progress status is assessed will not have made satisfactory progress even if they have met the other requirements for satisfactory progress in Rule 8.
Progress status
10.(1) A student who makes satisfactory progress in terms of Rule 8 is assigned the status of 'Good Standing'.
(2) Unless the relevant board determines otherwise because of exceptional circumstances—
(a) a student who does not make satisfactory progress for the first time under Rule 8 is assigned a progress status of 'On Probation';
(b) a student who does not make satisfactory progress for the second time under Rule 8 is assigned a progress status of 'Suspended';
(c) a student who does not make satisfactory progress for the third time under Rule 8 is assigned a progress status of 'Excluded'.
11. A student who does not make satisfactory progress in terms of Rule 9 is assigned the progress status of 'On Probation', unless they have been assigned a progress status of 'Suspended' or 'Excluded' for failure to meet other satisfactory progress requirements in Rule 8.
Award with distinction
12. To be awarded the degree with distinction a student must achieve a course weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 80 per cent which is calculated based on—
(a) all units above Level 3 attempted as part of the course that are awarded a final percentage mark;
(b) all relevant units above Level 3 undertaken in articulating courses of this University that are awarded a final percentage mark;
and
(c) all units above Level 3 completed at this University that are credited to the master's degree course.
Deferrals
13. Applicants awarded admission to the course are entitled to a deferral of up to 12 months, as per the University Policy on: Admissions (Coursework).
Additional rules
Research project
14. Students who request approval to undertake a research project must have—
(i) a weighted average mark of at least 70 per cent in at least 24 points of Level 3 units, relevant to the master's specialisation, in their UWA undergraduate major; or
(ii) a weighted average mark of at least 70 per cent in at least 24 points of Level 4 and 5 units (excluding units taken for conversion) completed within the course, or equivalent as recognised by the School.
and
(iv) must have achieved a mark of at least 70% in ENVT4422 Research Methods in Agricultural and Environmental Science.