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.
Agricultural sciences
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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.
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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).
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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).
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
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Master of Environment
A 200-point program (2 years full-time or approx. 3-4 years part-time) with the option to anchor your studies with one of our 11 named specialisations or a customised specialisation.
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Graduate Diploma in Environment
A 100-point program (1 year full-time with part-time options available) designed as an introduction to environmental issues.
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Graduate Certificate in Environment
A 50-point program (6 months full-time with part-time options available) designed as an introduction to environmental issues.
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Master of Ecosystem Management and Conservation
Gain specialist knowledge in the biophysical and social aspects of ecosystem management, working at both local and landscape levels.
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Graduate Certificate in Bushfire Planning and Management
Enhance your knowledge of fire in the Australian landscape and further develop skills in either planning and regulation to minimise bushfire risks or fire management.
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
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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).
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
- Assessment of Bushfire Exposure
- Carbon Neutral Agriculture (short course)
- Discovering Horticulture
- Evaluation in Agricultural Innovation
- People and Change in Agriculture
- Segmentation Approaches for Agriculture
- Supporting Farm Practice Change
- Sustainable Sourcing in Food and Fibre
- Urban Design for Bushfire-Resilient Homes
- Urban Forests Masterclass: the Australian School of Urban Forestry
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.