Master of Agribusiness (Coursework)

Please note that this course is no longer accepting new enrolments. Students interested in an on campus agribusiness course should consider the Agribusiness stream within the Master of Agricultural Sciences (MG-AGSC).

The Master of Agribusiness 704BB program offers a full time (1.5 years) on-campus stream of the Master of Agribusiness (Coursework) whereby both local and international students can combine primarily residential and traditional on-campus study at the Parkville Campus, with some online study.

On completion of this course students will have:

• a broad knowledge of the trends and underlying influences impacting the agribusiness value chain and the global environment

• a knowledge of methods relevant to business decision making across the core areas of economics, finance and management in the agrifood and fibre context, and an ability to analyse at intermediate to advanced levels both quantitative and qualitative data with appropriate discipline-based techniques

• an ability to critically reflect on business analytical methods, models and tools as they have developed over time for a range of decision contexts

• an understanding of the pervasive elements of risk and uncertainty impacting agribusiness enterprises and industry segments, and the ability to define the risks likely to impact specific agribusiness enterprise types

• an ability to apply analytical methods, models and tools to organisational and industry-related problems and case studies in the agribusiness value chain, and to synthesise background and contextual information leading on to problem definition for analysis

• the ability to articulate and present discussion, analysis and investigative findings using appropriate written communication styles, face-to-face and digital media

• the ability to analyse and discuss within different forums, the application of theory to a range of problems and decision making situations

Graduates will demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills:

• in applying their heightened understanding of agribusiness issues, problems and challenges to more effective enterprise decision-making and industry resilience and capacity building

• in undertaking an analysis of a complex problem with high levels of personal autonomy as part of capstone project subject or prescribed subject combinations

Students must complete 87.5 points of core subjects, plus 62.5 points of elective subjects.

Core Subjects

Elective Subjects

Students must take 50 points of the following electives which includes a research option.Other elective subjects may be taken as approved by the course coordinator.

Research Option

Should students decide to choose a research option, you have the option of choosing semester long version of the Research Project (AGRI90070 - 25 points) or enrolling in the AGRI90064 - 12.5 version of the subject in both Semester 1 and Semester 2. Students must complete 25 points in total. Please see your student centre for assistance with enrolling if needed.

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

Either of:

• an undergraduate degree in any discipline with at least H3 (65%) average in the final year, or
• a graduate or postgraduate certificate in any discipline with at least H3 (65%) average, or
• a graduate or postgraduate diploma in any discipline, with at least H3 (65%) average,

Together with at least two years of documented relevant professional or management experience, or

• an honours degree in any discipline, or equivalent;

and

• a curriculum vitae or resume; and
• two academic referee reports; and
• a personal statement of up to 500 words.

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

Note. 50 points of advanced standing in the Master of Agribusiness may be awarded for the completion of the Graduate Certificate in Agribusiness.

The Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences (FVAS) welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and Faculty policy to take reasonable steps to make reasonable adjustments so as to enable the student’s participation in the Faculty's programs. FVAS contributes to the New Generation degrees and offers a broad range of programs across undergraduate and post-graduate levels many of which adopt a multi-disciplinary approach.

Students of the Faculty's courses must possess intellectual, ethical, and emotional capabilities required to participate in the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the School. Candidates must have abilities and skills in observation; motor in relevant areas; communication; in conceptual, integrative, and quantitative dimensions; and in behavioural and social dimensions.

Adjustments can be provided to minimise the impact of a disability, however students need to be able to participate in the program in an independent manner and with regard to their safety and the safety of others.

I. Observation: In some contexts, the student must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic and applied sciences. More broadly, observation requires reading text, diagrams, maps, drawings and numerical data. The candidate should be able to observe details at a number of scales and record useful observations in discipline dependant contexts.

II. Communication: A candidate should be able to communicate with fellow students, professional and academic staff, members of relevant professions and the public. A candidate must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively. Communication includes not only speech but also reading and writing.

III. Motor: Candidates should have sufficient motor function necessary for participation in the inherent discipline-related activities. The practical work, design work, field work, diagnostic procedures, laboratory tests, require varying motor movement abilities. Off campus investigations may include visits to construction sites, urban, rural and/or remote environments.

IV. Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving, the critical skill demanded of professionals in land and environment industries, requires all of these intellectual abilities. In addition, the candidate should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures.

V. Behavioural and Social Attributes: A candidate must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.

Students who feel their disability will prevent them from meeting the above academic requirements are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit.

Completion of the Graduate Certificate in Agribusiness articulates into the Master of Agribusiness.
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.

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