Graduate studies in agriculture, food and ecosystem sciences

Our graduate degrees set you up for specialist, in-demand roles in industry, with options to integrate research training for expanded career opportunities.

Join a diverse network of leading minds and  develop specialised knowledge and technical and practical skills that will help you make an immediate impact on issues such as sustainability, land and forest management or food supply.

As well as the Masters programs below, we offer graduate certificates and diplomas for those looking to up-skill and professionals considering a career change. Our world-renowned academics also teach into other graduate degrees offered by the Faculty of Science.

Students working in a greenhouse, surrounded by plants and with large windows behind them

Agricultural sciences

  • Master of Agricultural Sciences

    Master the science of sustainable and profitable food and fibre production. Build specialist, in-demand skills across science, technology and economics to develop effective solutions for critical issues affecting communities at local, regional and global level. Choose from five specialisations.

  • Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Sciences

    Specialist training to kickstart a career in agriculture. A pathway into our Master of Agricultural Sciences. 1 year full time / 2 years part time. On campus (Parkville).

  • Graduate Certificate in Agricultural Sciences

    Specialist training to kickstart a career in agriculture. A pathway into our Master of Agricultural Sciences. 6 months full time / 1 year part time. On campus (Parkville).

A student measuring a hole dug into the ground, from inside it

Case study: Liam Carlin-Incoll

Liam says what drew him to the Master of Agricultural Sciences degree was the opportunity to choose from five specialisations, as well as more than 30 elective subjects.

“I’m passionate about sustainable agriculture and areas that go beyond crop production. I was able to tailor my degree to align with this,” he said.

Ecosystem sciences

Image of Mitchell Stephen

Case study: Mitchell Smith

It only took one subject in ecosystem science for Mitchell Smith to find his dream career as a forest fire-fighter. Since taking a capstone subject in Forest Systems, Mitchell has worked across Victoria and the Tiwi Islands in the fire management sector.

These experiences inspired him to return to study and complete graduate studies in Bushfire Planning and Management.

Food sciences

  • Master of Food and Packaging Innovation

    A unique, industry-led degree – the only one of its kind in the world – that combines food science, entrepreneurship and innovation in product and packaging design, preparing you for an exciting career in food development, technology and innovation.

  • Master of Food Science

    Design new and better ways to feed the world. Combine a strong foundation in food chemistry, processing, sensory science, food safety and microbiology with career-focused electives and the opportunity to conduct an original research project.

  • Graduate Diploma in Food Science

    Explore food science and its application across related industries. A pathway into our Master of Food Science. 1 year full time / 2 years part time. On campus (Parkville).

  • Graduate Certificate in Food Science

    Explore food science and its application across related industries. A pathway into our Master of Food Science. 6 months full time / 1 year part time. On campus (Parkville).

A student in full PPE operating lab machinery

Case study: Pavneet Kaur Kharbanda

Master of Food and Packaging Innovation student Pavneet Kaur Kharbanda saw high value in the degree’s blend of packaging design, innovation and food science. She has taken advantage of that flexibility by choosing subjects in management, innovation, sustainability, and consumer behaviour, and has been able to build on the knowledge and experience she gained in the fast-moving consumer goods industry in her studies.

Urban horticulture

  • Master of Urban Horticulture

    The only course of its kind in the southern hemisphere, you'll learn to create, manage and advocate for urban greening.

  • Graduate Diploma in Urban Horticulture

    Explore the foundations of designing, creating, managing and advocating for urban green spaces. This is a potential pathway into the Master of Urban Horticulture.

  • Graduate Certificate in Urban Horticulture

    Looking for a career change with a focus on plants? The Graduate Certificate of Urban Horticulture is a perfect introduction to the foundations of designing, creating, managing and advocating for urban green spaces.

  • Graduate Certificate in Arboriculture

    Learn how to manage trees in the urban forest, study tree growth and function, plant identification and selection, pests and diseases, and environmental stresses.

  • Graduate Certificate in Garden Design

    Learn about holistic design principles, how to choose and use the right plants for the right situations, and develop skills in drawing and graphic presentation.

  • Graduate Certificate in Green Infrastructure

    Develop cross-disciplinary approaches to the planning, design and management of green infrastructure to improve city environments, including urban trees, green roofs and walls, and water-sensitive urban design.

Profile picture of Hui-Anne Tan

Case study: Hui-Anne Tan

Through her Bachelor of Science studies at the University of Melbourne, Hui-Anne developed a strong interest in green infrastructure and urban ecology and wanted to pursue further studies. After coming across the Master of Urban Horticulture, a unique course with an industry focus, Hui-Anne knew it was the perfect pathway for her. Since completing her Master's, Hui-Anne has begun working in the field of urban forest and ecology within local government to create and maintain greener cities.

Short courses and micro-certificates

A short course or micro-certificate is a great pathway into further study or another tool in your professional skillset.

Adding a research project to a degree

If you'd like to incorporate research into your graduate coursework study, explore our research opportunities to find a supervisor or project that is available for Masters students. Masters degrees are also a pathway to Graduate Research.