Master of Agribusiness (Coursework)

The study of agribusiness is the study of decision-making within the context of the food and fibre business, from input suppliers to primary producers to wholesalers, processors, retailers and consumers in a competitive, consumer-directed market under the influence of government.

The course focuses on enhancing the specific skills required to make effective business decisions within the context of this unique and complex system.

The course will broaden the learners' understanding of the industry in which they operate and enhance the analytical skills they bring to bear on problems faced in the day-to-day work environment. Successful applicants will benefit from a focused learning environment involving international University partners, interacting regularly with other students, academic staff, and industry mentors and from active, extensive networking through the two annual residential programs and electronic assignments, tutorials and online discussions.

The Masters program consists of 150 credit points of study of which 100 points are offered at Master's level. The Graduate Certificate program (50 credit points) is nested within the Masters.

The course will be offered during four study periods per annum and will commence with a one-week intensive residential program at the beginning of the first and second years. The program will be delivered to students as they work in their home or office primarily using online, web-based delivery augmented where necessary by print, CD-ROM, and other learning materials. Examination, if required, will be in the form of an open-book exam, which students will take at home. A team-based approach to problem solving will be fostered. The computer communication will incorporate three main components: subject learning and content; communications including email, online discussions/messaging openly shared by all members and access to remote web sites and databases such as library support.

Master of Agribusiness program (part-time 3 years)

Year 1 - Study Period One

Year 1 - Study Period Two

Year 2

208-725 Business Strategy is a Residential subject.

YEAR 3

Year 3 - Study Period Two

i. The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant's ability to pursue successfully the course using the following criteria:

• Undergraduate degree with Honours or equivalent qualification, and at least two years documented, relevant professional or management experience

ii The Selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests and call for referee reports and employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

The Graduate Certificate in Agribusiness can articulate into the Master of Agribusiness.

It is the University policy to take all steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a students participation in the university's programs. This course requires all students to enrol in subjects where they must actively and safetly contribute to laboratory activities and field trips. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Disability Liason Unit.

The Melbourne Experience enables our Graduates to become:

Academically excellent
Our Graduates will be expected to:

• Have strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship
• Have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s)
• Reach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities,
  problem-solving and communication
• Be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self directed
  learning
• Be adept at learning in a range of ways, including through information and
  communication technologies

Knowledgeable across disciplines

Our graduates will be expected to:

• Examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of
  disciplines
• Expand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experinces in diverse
  subjects
• Have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront
  unfamiliar problems
• Have a a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment.

Leaders in communities
Our graduates will be expected to:

• Initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including
  professions and workplaces
• Have excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of
  personal strengths and limitations
• mentor future generations of learners
• engage in meaningful public discourse, with a profound awareness of community needs

Attuned to cultural diversity
Our graduates will be expected to :

• Value different cultures
• Be well-informed citizens able to contibute to their communities wherever they
  choose to live and work
• Have an understanding of the social and cultural diversity in our community
• Respect Indigenous knowledge, cultures and values

Active global citizens
Our graduates will be expected to:

• Accept social and civic responsiblities
• Be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment
• Have a broad global understanding, with a high regard for human rights, equality
  and ethics.

• A profound respect for truth, intellectual and professional integrity, and the
  ethics of scholarship
• Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed
  learning and research
• An ability to derive, interpret and analyse social, technical or economic
  information from primary and other sources
• Awareness of and ability to utilise appropriate communication technology and methods
  for the storage, management and analysis of data
• Capacity for creativity and innovation, through the application of skills and knowledge
• Ability to integrate information across a relevant discipline to solve problems in
  applied situations
• Highly developed computer - based skills to allow for effective on-line learning and
  communication.
• Highly developed written communication skills to allow informed dialogue with
  individuals and groups from industry, government and the community
• Highly developed oral communication skills to allow informed dialogue and liaison
  with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community.
• Appreciation of social and cultural diversity from a regional to a global context
• Ability to participate effectively as a member of a team
• Ability to plan work, use time effectively and manage small projects

Articulation

Students with an honours degree (or equivalent) from a cognate discipline may apply for credit in some or all of the subjects offered at Graduate Certificate level.

International students

The course is delivered online so students can study part-time from anywhere in the world while continuing to work full-time in the industry. Students are only required on campus for a one week residential teaching block each year. The Department of Immigration and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) will allow students to attend the residential school with a Visitor's Visa.

Computer equipment requirements

Students must have a computer with the following minimum requirements:

Equipment Minimum Requirements

Computer *: Pentium with CD Rom and speakers

Hard Drive: 10 Gigabyte

RAM: 64 Megabyte

Operating System: Windows 98, XP

Printer: High Quality

Modem: 56 kbps

Internet Access: Local Internet Service Provider

Software: Office 2000 Pro, Up-to-date Anti virus Software, Acrobat Reader, WinZip

* (or MAC Equivalent)