Master of Food Security

The Master of Food Security at Murdoch University is structured for those aiming to tackle local and global challenges in sustainable food production, supply and access. Over a one-year period, students build knowledge across subjects such as food systems, agricultural technology, policy analysis, food safety, and nutrition. Coursework is organised into semester-based units, often totalling the equivalent of one year full-time study and delivered on Murdoch’s Perth campus. Units are assigned specific credit points that contribute towards qualification requirements, allowing students to track their academic progress.

This degree often features research-led teaching and links to Western Australia's agricultural sector, drawing on real-world example scenarios and the state's experience in food production and export. A distinctive part of the course can involve a capstone research project, where students investigate a specific food security challenge or propose solutions for rural and urban settings, sometimes in collaboration with industry partners or research groups. Students may also access work-integrated learning opportunities, supporting a better understanding of workplace practices and policy contexts in Australian agribusiness or government.

The Master of Food Security is suited to science graduates, agricultural professionals, and policy workers interested in advancing their expertise. Skills developed include critical research and analysis, policy interpretation, communication across industry, and technical understanding of food supply chains and sustainability. Australian qualifications of this type prepare graduates to move into roles that span commercial, research and public-sector positions, with the option for further higher degree research study down the track.

International students are welcomed and, upon completing the course, may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Enrolled students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during teaching weeks, which is useful for gaining local experience in agriculture or policy settings. Admission details, including specific credit points and the structure of professional placements or research projects, should always be confirmed through Murdoch University's official page.

• Policy analyst in government agriculture or food agencies
• Food supply chain manager for agribusiness firms
• Research officer in food security or sustainability projects
• Consultant for international development and food security programmes
• Quality assurance coordinator in food production industries
• Community food systems project officer in Australian local governments