Master of Philosophy (Agriculture and Food Science)

The Master of Philosophy (Agriculture and Food Science) at Curtin University is a two-year higher degree by research that lets students investigate issues in agricultural production, food systems and sustainability. Students select a research topic within agriculture or food science and undertake independent study under the supervision of experienced academics at Curtin’s Perth campus. The degree structure allows flexibility to focus deeply on a specific area, which may include plant sciences, soil health, food safety or agricultural technology.

This master's course follows the Australian research format: students start with proposal development and a literature review, then carry out data collection and analysis in line with their research question. Most of the 200 credit points are allocated to a substantial thesis that forms the centrepiece of the degree. Supportive coursework units in research methods and statistics are often included, especially in the first semester, to help develop critical skills for high-quality research projects.

Graduates gain experience in designing research, analysing scientific data, and communicating findings to the scholarly community and industry partners. The Perth setting offers connections to Australian agriculture, agribusiness, and food innovation sectors, with opportunities to engage in fieldwork, laboratory research or industry collaboration. This degree suits science graduates looking for a career in research, those planning to progress to a PhD, or professionals seeking to develop expertise in agricultural or food systems research.

International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while enrolled, and may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream on completion. Prospective students should confirm English requirements and course details on the official Curtin or CRICOS website.

• Agricultural researcher in government, industry, or university settings
• Food scientist in processing, safety, or quality assurance
• Research and development roles within agribusiness or food companies
• Policy analyst for government agencies related to food and agriculture
• Project manager in plant, animal, or food systems research
• Preparation for doctoral (PhD) study