Master of Science (Advanced) in Agricultural Innovation

COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science (Advanced) in Agricultural Innovation at Australian National University is a 96-unit research-intensive postgraduate program designed to develop advanced interdisciplinary skills for solving complex challenges in global food and agricultural systems. The degree is structured into 48 units of coursework and 48 units of supervised research, with a strong requirement that at least 48 units are completed at the 8000 level. The coursework component begins with core agricultural systems subjects such as sustainable agricultural systems, agricultural systems, and agricultural innovation, providing a foundation in modern farming systems and innovation approaches. Students then broaden their expertise through systems-based learning in areas such as engineering sustainable systems, systems thinking, genetics, biology, environmental modelling, human-computer interaction, entrepreneurship, and systems engineering. A science and society component develops understanding of broader policy, environmental, ethical, and communication issues, including food security, environmental governance, participatory resource management, and science communication. Research training is strengthened through methods courses in statistics, programming, modelling, GIS, experimental design, machine learning, and field-based research techniques. The degree culminates in a 48-unit Masters Thesis (ENVS8000), completed over consecutive semesters under academic supervision, requiring independent research and a written dissertation. Students must maintain a minimum 70% weighted average and secure supervisor approval to progress to the research stage. Overall, the program prepares graduates for research, industry, and policy roles in agriculture, sustainability, and innovation through strong technical expertise, interdisciplinary thinking, and applied research experience.