Agriculture
The agricultural workforce of the future faces interesting and exciting challenges. Influences on the sector include the need to increase food production with less land and water for agriculture; rising energy costs; globalisation of markets and increased trade; consumers taking greater interest in how their food is produced and farmers being closely attuned to market signals and environmental constraints - delivering health benefits through diet. There is a need for scientists with a good appreciation of the relevant socioeconomic issues, and for economists who have an understanding of technology to work as expert consultants, managers, researchers, policy makers and regulators in agricultural production, natural resource management, processing, food systems, marketing and agribusiness management.
Overview
The Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources offers unique, innovative programs that are designed to suit the needs of modern agricultural science and economics. With a foundation spanning both disciplines, graduates have the ability to extend their scientific knowledge, as well as gain valuable expertise in key concepts underpinning business and commerce. Students may choose from a range of flexible postgraduate coursework options from subject areas including:
- Agribusiness
- Agricultural economics
- Natural resource management
- Resource economics
- Agricultural technologies and
- Sustainable agriculture
University of Sydney Advantage
The Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources has been the leader in modern agricultural programs for 100 years. The Faculty is renowned for it’s activities at the interface between applied science and agroeconomics, providing graduates with an outstanding education and making them highly competitive in today’s employment market. The Faculty’s strong research culture is aligned to areas of strategic national and international importance, and offers extensive engagement with industry.
Mode of Delivery
Most of the units of study are taught on campus through a face-to-face teaching mode. However, as you are choosing from a wide range of units of study, it is possible that a few units are offered through distance education.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master of Agriculture are normally a three year Bachelor degree or an equivalent qualification. In some instances the admission requirements may be met by evidence of general or professional qualifications and appropriate work experience to indicate that the student has the academic preparation and capacity to complete the nominated program.
Program Requirements
Students choose units according to the requirements for the respective programs.
Graduate Certificate in Agriculture - GradCertAgr
- satisfactory completion of 24 credit points (cp) made up of a selection of units chosen from subjects meeting prior learning requirements and timetabling
Graduate Diploma in Agriculture - GradDipAgr
- satisfactory completion of 36 cp made up of a research project and a selection of units chosen from subjects meeting prior learning requirements and timetabling
Master of Agriculture - MAgr
- satisfactory completion of 48 cp made up of a major research project and a selection of units chosen from subjects meeting prior learning requirements and timetabling
Established pathways exist to transfer between the programs described above.
Units of Study
An up-to-date list of units of study offered are listed in the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources handbook 2010 at: www.usyd.edu.au/handbooks. All units are 6 cp in value unless indicated otherwise.
After Graduation
Our programs provide graduates with the knowledge and tools to recognise and face challenges within the agricultural industry. The breadth of the programs allows for a diverse range of destinations for graduates, and contributes to an increased level of career satisfaction.
Credit for previous study
With the approval of the Dean, students may be granted admission with advanced standing if they have completed relevant prior learning at an equivalent level elsewhere. Students may transfer between programs and receive credit for any completed units, provided the award from which they are transferring has not been conferred.
Minimum Program Duration - Full Time
GradCertAgr - 1 semester
GradDipAgr - 2 semesters
MAgr - 2 semesters
Minimum Program Duration - Part Time
GradCertAgr - 2 semesters
GradDipAgr - 4 semesters
MAgr - 4 semesters
Is Mid-Year Entry Available?
On consultation with the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.