Postgraduate Course

Master of Food Security

What will it take to feed the world in the future, without destroying the planet? Understand the strategies needed to ensure food security through sustainable agricultural practices with a Master of Food Security. 

What type of student are you?

Murdoch code
M1311
Study mode
Part Time or Full Time
Duration
2
Selection rank
CRICOS code
103444D
First year fee (domestic)
$11,902
First year fee (international)
$41,640
Full course fee (domestic)
$23,803
Full course fee (international)
$83,280
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The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported Fee.

Overview

With the human population expected to reach over 8 billion people by 2030 according to the UN, managing future food security is of vital importance. Food and feed production industries worldwide are facing an increasing number of challenges that impact on food availability and access. The ever-increasing risk of inadvertent spread of pests and diseases due to international trade and travel means biosecurity is now crucial to protect our food supply chain.

Develop a sound understanding of what food security is, including the pillars underpinning food security and the key challenges now and in the future. Your core focus will be on understanding the long-term vision and strategies required to ensure that present and future generations will have on-going food security, achieved in ways that do not impact on the environment.

You’ll explore policies that underpin food security and trade in a global context, and be able to investigate the concept of producing, protecting and providing food to ensure sustainable food production for present and future generations.

3 reasons to study Food Security at Murdoch

  1. This course is one of a kind in Australia and draws on Murdoch’s strong research strengths in crop and pasture and agricultural biotechnology, where we have an Excellence in Research rating of well above world standard.
  2. Learn from teaching staff who have significant practical experience ensuring learning is at the forefront of professional practice.
  3. Benefit from our strong ties to industry and to conduct projects that focus on in-depth analysis of an issue of relevance in the workplace.

What you'll learn

Build essential skills and knowledge to meet your career or study goals. Topics you’ll cover include:

  • Recognising the global challenges to food security
  • Understanding the range of agronomic, environmental, socio-political and economic factors impacting on the food supply chain
  • Discovering the magnitude of food losses caused by pests and diseases
  • Developing solutions to a chosen global food security issue

Your future career

Our students have successfully gained employment in the public and private sectors, including the consulting industry in Australia and overseas. Careers could include:

  • Intergovernmental Advisor
  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Agricultural Consultant

 

Professional recognition

Graduates may be eligible to apply for membership to societies such as the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and the Australian Society of Horticultural Sciences.

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Structure

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Total credit points: 48

Unit code Unit name Credit points
Course Core48 credit points
Core Units12 credit points
BIO639Global Biosecurity3
BIO688Challenges in Food Security 6
ENV554Sustainable Land and Water Management3
Specified Electives36 credit points
Case Study36 credit points
Case Study - Required Units3 credit points
BIO600Agricultural and Veterinary Science Research Studies3
Case Study - Specified Electives33 credit points
BIO601Biosecurity Plant Pests3
OR
BIO537Plant Biosecurity: Detection and Diagnostics3
OR
ENV616Environmental Policy for the 21st Century3
OR
ENV680Climate Change Adaptation: Ecosystems and Societies3
OR
GRD508Innovation Development3
OR
MBS589Social Enterprise, Social Innovation And Profit For Purpose3
OR
PEN505Climate Change Risk Assessment, Adaptation Planning and Resilience3
OR
PEN597Climate Change Science and Policy3
OR
SUS512Sustainability, Ecology and Communities3
OR
SUS6111Resilient Regions: People and Practice3
OR
SUS628Development and Sustainability3
OR
GOV6121Global Governance, Security and Economy6
OR
ENV602Social-Ecological Systems3
OR
TLC501Communication Skills for Postgraduate Study3
OR
Internship36 credit points
Internship - Required Units6 credit points
BIO683Professional Placement6
Internship - Specified Electives30 credit points
BIO601Biosecurity Plant Pests3
OR
BIO537Plant Biosecurity: Detection and Diagnostics3
OR
COD502Community Development in Indigenous Communities3
OR
ENV616Environmental Policy for the 21st Century3
OR
ENV680Climate Change Adaptation: Ecosystems and Societies3
OR
GRD508Innovation Development3
OR
MBS589Social Enterprise, Social Innovation And Profit For Purpose3
OR
PEN505Climate Change Risk Assessment, Adaptation Planning and Resilience3
OR
PEN597Climate Change Science and Policy3
OR
SUS512Sustainability, Ecology and Communities3
OR
SUS6111Resilient Regions: People and Practice3
OR
SUS628Development and Sustainability3
OR
GOV6121Global Governance, Security and Economy6
OR
ENV602Social-Ecological Systems3
OR
TLC501Communication Skills for Postgraduate Study3
OR
Dissertation36 credit points
Dissertation - Required Units15 credit points
BIO689Food Security Masters Dissertation12
MMF600Advanced Research Methods for Scientists3
Dissertation - Specified Electives21 credit points
BIO601Biosecurity Plant Pests3
OR
BIO537Plant Biosecurity: Detection and Diagnostics3
OR
COD502Community Development in Indigenous Communities3
OR
ENV616Environmental Policy for the 21st Century3
OR
ENV680Climate Change Adaptation: Ecosystems and Societies3
OR
GRD508Innovation Development3
OR
MBS589Social Enterprise, Social Innovation And Profit For Purpose3
OR
PEN505Climate Change Risk Assessment, Adaptation Planning and Resilience3
OR
PEN597Climate Change Science and Policy3
OR
SUS512Sustainability, Ecology and Communities3
OR
SUS6111Resilient Regions: People and Practice3
OR
SUS628Development and Sustainability3
OR
GOV6121Global Governance, Security and Economy6
OR
ENV602Social-Ecological Systems3
OR
TLC501Communication Skills for Postgraduate Study3
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We believe science will impact every job, industry and country in the world. Find out more about our science degrees.

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Entry requirements

Completion of an AQF level 7 qualification, in the plant, food, ecological, environmental or animal sciences or an equivalent field as determined by the Academic Chair.

English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Other Requirements

Some units may be delivered in intensive mode. Internet access is required for all students.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

 

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai  and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

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Fees and scholarships

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Scholarships

Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship.

Whether you’re a high achiever or have experienced hardship, we offer a wide range of scholarships and awards to students from all walks of life. Explore our scholarships to find the ones you could be eligible for as a new Murdoch student as well as what's available throughout your degree.

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How much will it cost?

Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.

Following your successful application, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer which will contain specific course and fee information.

If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Postgraduate programs are full fee paying, unless indicated otherwise in your Letter of Offer.

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How to apply

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  • Completed official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion
  • An up to date CV

Your Document Checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have some or all of the following documentation ready for a quick application.

  • Complete or incomplete official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion – both original and English translated versions
  • English Language Proficiency Document (if available)
  • Copy of your passport (if available)
How to apply
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All fees are indicative and are provided as a guide only. The actual fees will depend on the individual units you enrol in. You should refer to your Letter of Offer for specific course and fee related information.

The first-year indicative fee is based on a typical full-time enrolment at Murdoch University of 24 credit points.

For domestic students, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, the indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported fee.

Indicative fees for international students are based on applicable full fee paying rates.

The estimated, indicative fee covers tuition fees only, and certain additional fees and charges may apply, depending on the course and units you choose. It also does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries for which you may be eligible.

The estimated, indicative fee assumes no fee increases or indexation. Over time, fee increases or indexation may occur and will affect the estimate. If you are a full fee paying student, this may occur at the start of your second and each subsequent year of study. In the case of Commonwealth Supported students, this will occur for each new calendar year in line with Government policy.

All fee estimates are provided in Australian dollars.