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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?

Domestic International

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

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.
Learn from teaching staff who have significant practical experience ensuring learning is at the forefront of professional practice.
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.

Progress to structure

Study areas

Agricultural Science

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Progress to structure

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 Core		48 credit points
Core Units		12 credit points
BIO639	Global Biosecurity	3
BIO688	Challenges in Food Security	6
ENV554	Sustainable Land and Water Management	3
Specified Electives		36 credit points
Case Study		36 credit points
Case Study - Required Units		3 credit points
BIO600	Agricultural and Veterinary Science Research Studies	3
Case Study - Specified Electives		33 credit points
BIO601	Biosecurity Plant Pests	3
	OR
BIO537	Plant Biosecurity: Detection and Diagnostics	3
	OR
ENV616	Environmental Policy for the 21st Century	3
	OR
ENV680	Climate Change Adaptation: Ecosystems and Societies	3
	OR
GRD508	Innovation Development	3
	OR
MBS589	Social Enterprise, Social Innovation And Profit For Purpose	3
	OR
PEN505	Climate Change Risk Assessment, Adaptation Planning and Resilience	3
	OR
PEN597	Climate Change Science and Policy	3
	OR
SUS512	Sustainability, Ecology and Communities	3
	OR
SUS6111	Resilient Regions: People and Practice	3
	OR
SUS628	Development and Sustainability	3
	OR
GOV6121	Global Governance, Security and Economy	6
	OR
ENV602	Social-Ecological Systems	3
	OR
TLC501	Communication Skills for Postgraduate Study	3
OR
Internship		36 credit points
Internship - Required Units		6 credit points
BIO683	Professional Placement	6
Internship - Specified Electives		30 credit points
BIO601	Biosecurity Plant Pests	3
	OR
BIO537	Plant Biosecurity: Detection and Diagnostics	3
	OR
COD502	Community Development in Indigenous Communities	3
	OR
ENV616	Environmental Policy for the 21st Century	3
	OR
ENV680	Climate Change Adaptation: Ecosystems and Societies	3
	OR
GRD508	Innovation Development	3
	OR
MBS589	Social Enterprise, Social Innovation And Profit For Purpose	3
	OR
PEN505	Climate Change Risk Assessment, Adaptation Planning and Resilience	3
	OR
PEN597	Climate Change Science and Policy	3
	OR
SUS512	Sustainability, Ecology and Communities	3
	OR
SUS6111	Resilient Regions: People and Practice	3
	OR
SUS628	Development and Sustainability	3
	OR
GOV6121	Global Governance, Security and Economy	6
	OR
ENV602	Social-Ecological Systems	3
	OR
TLC501	Communication Skills for Postgraduate Study	3
OR
Dissertation		36 credit points
Dissertation - Required Units		15 credit points
BIO689	Food Security Masters Dissertation	12
MMF600	Advanced Research Methods for Scientists	3
Dissertation - Specified Electives		21 credit points
BIO601	Biosecurity Plant Pests	3
	OR
BIO537	Plant Biosecurity: Detection and Diagnostics	3
	OR
COD502	Community Development in Indigenous Communities	3
	OR
ENV616	Environmental Policy for the 21st Century	3
	OR
ENV680	Climate Change Adaptation: Ecosystems and Societies	3
	OR
GRD508	Innovation Development	3
	OR
MBS589	Social Enterprise, Social Innovation And Profit For Purpose	3
	OR
PEN505	Climate Change Risk Assessment, Adaptation Planning and Resilience	3
	OR
PEN597	Climate Change Science and Policy	3
	OR
SUS512	Sustainability, Ecology and Communities	3
	OR
SUS6111	Resilient Regions: People and Practice	3
	OR
SUS628	Development and Sustainability	3
	OR
GOV6121	Global Governance, Security and Economy	6
	OR
ENV602	Social-Ecological Systems	3
	OR
TLC501	Communication Skills for Postgraduate Study	3

Progress to entry requirements

Entry requirements

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
University study	Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).	Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Enabling courses (after Year 12)	Successful completion of one of the following: OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University. An enabling or bridging course at another Australian university.	Successful completion of the course.
Enabling courses (in Year 12)	Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12 TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university	Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses	Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject MUPC (1 Trimester) Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.	Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch University Preparation Course Introduction to Academic Communication unit Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

University study
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).

Enabling courses (after Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following: OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University. An enabling or bridging course at another Australian university.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of the course.

Enabling courses (in Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12 TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)

Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject MUPC (1 Trimester) Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch University Preparation Course Introduction to Academic Communication unit Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Extenuating circumstances	We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.	Case-by-case assessment.
Overseas Year 12	Please refer to the information under the country of study.	Please refer to the information under the country of study.
GCE A Levels	Aggregate of 6 points from: A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1) AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)	A Levels: D in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: C in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry.
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)	CPS 54 or higher.	50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
VET course studied at school	Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma	Total score of 24 or higher.	Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)	Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.	Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following: English English Extension (Literature) English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Enabling courses (in Year 12)	Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12 TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university	Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)	70	Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent): English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).
Experience based entry	A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.

Extenuating circumstances
Minimum academic requirement We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.
Minimum English requirement Case-by-case assessment.

Overseas Year 12
Minimum academic requirement Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Minimum English requirement Please refer to the information under the country of study.

GCE A Levels
Minimum academic requirement Aggregate of 6 points from: A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1) AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)
Minimum English requirement A Levels: D in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: C in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry.

Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)
Minimum academic requirement CPS 54 or higher.
Minimum English requirement 50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).

VET course studied at school
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Minimum academic requirement Total score of 24 or higher.
Minimum English requirement Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
Minimum academic requirement Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.
Minimum English requirement Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following: English English Extension (Literature) English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Enabling courses (in Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12 TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)

Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)
Minimum academic requirement 70
Minimum English requirement Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent): English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).

Experience based entry
Minimum academic requirement A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Certificate IV AQF level 4	Successful completion of a Certificate IV.	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6	Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.	Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

Certificate IV AQF level 4
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Certificate IV.
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).

Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)	Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
Experienced based entry	A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.
Mature Age Pathway (MAP)	MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
Minimum academic requirement Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).

Experienced based entry
Minimum academic requirement A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.

Mature Age Pathway (MAP)
Minimum academic requirement MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.

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.

Progress to fees and scholarships

Fees and scholarships

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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Progress to how to apply

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)

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.

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Master of Food Security

What type of student are you?

Overview

Study areas

Apply to start

Sign up to hear from us

Structure

Total credit points: 48

Where could a science degree take you?

Entry requirements

Select which option best describes your path to university :

Higher Education

Recent Secondary Education

Vocational Education & Training

Work & Life Experience

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

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Minimum academic requirement

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Minimum academic requirement

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Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

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Minimum academic requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

English Requirements

Other Requirements

Advanced Standing

Advanced Standing

Fees and scholarships

Scholarships

How much will it cost?

How much will it cost?

Scholarships

How to apply

How to apply