Master of Science

Study the new Master of Science - from a leading Australian university ranked among the world’s top 1%*.

Study alongside our leading researchers. Learn from our world-class educators. Work with our industry partners to learn the skills needed to adapt and thrive in your future career.

This University of Adelaide postgraduate coursework degree prepares you to play a critical role in one of four specialist areas of: 

The Master of Science suite of programs is currently suspended and is not accepting new admissions.

Why study a Master of Science at Adelaide?

This highly interdisciplinary degree includes an engaging, student-centred blend of face-to-face and online coursework, and a significant independent research project.

Supported by an inspiring team of world-class researchers and academics, and working with state-of-the-art scientific research technology and facilities, you’ll gain:

  • a deep understanding of your chosen specialisation’s key theoretical and practical aspects, and its place within science’s broader scope;
  • advanced capabilities working across scientific disciplines;
  • high-level skills in collecting, analysing, critically evaluating and synthesising qualitative and quantitative data;
  • the ability to communicate effectively in a variety of modes, to diverse audiences, for a range of purposes; and
  • strong research design, execution and reporting skills.

You’ll also have the option to gain valuable real-world experience through an industry internship, and undertake life-changing overseas study tours.

Register for webinar

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Degree snapshot

START DATES

  • February or July

DURATION

  • 2 years full-time; part-time available

LOCATIONS

  • North Terrace campus
  • Waite campus

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

INDICATIVE ANNUAL FEES*

  • Domestic student - $33,000
  • International student - $42,500

Full details

 

Specialisations

  • Earth science
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    Master of Science (Earth Science)

    Drive innovative mineral exploration 

    With increasing global mineral demand, but declining deposit discovery rates, the mineral exploration sector is hungry for innovation. This is particularly the case for copper and so-called ‘critical minerals’, such as rare-earth metals, which are vital for emerging technology, including electric cars and solar panels.

    Our new Master of Science (Earth Science) - from a leading Australian university ranked among the world’s top 100 for Earth Sciences* - will prepare you to take the scientific lead in this crucial industry.

    What will you do?

    • Learn from - and establish lasting relationships with - globally recognised researchers and academics.
    • Graduate with a deep understanding of the key theoretical and practical aspects of cutting-edge enquiry into our planet’s physical systems, and its place within science’s broader scope.
    • Gain a strong mineral exploration skill set, including novel methodologies.
    • Through an independent research project, gain one-on-one support from experts in their field.

    Up to 12 months’ credit available for similar study elsewhere.

    Earth science student

    Images courtesy Dr Richard Lilly

    Core subjects
    • Research methodology
    • Becoming smart about data
    • Communicating science
    • Sciences internship
    • Research concepts
    • Research project
    Electives

    Specialisation electives

    • Igneous metamorphic geology
    • Exploration methods
    • Mineral and energy resources
    • Earth observation

    Other electives

    • Field geoscience program
    • Geoscience data analysis
    • Electromagnetics and seismology

    Detailed study plan

    Where could it take you? 

    You could oversee a major mineral exploration venture in China; mastermind new strategies to enhance ‘critical mineral’ discovery rates in Australia; or develop new methodologies to search for in-demand metals anywhere else in the world. If you have strong entrepreneurial instincts, you may even choose to launch your own consultancy. Or you could extend your research further still with a PhD.

    Apply now  Register for Webinar

    *QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2019.

  • Grape and wine science
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    Master of Science (Grape and Wine Science)

    Lead improvements in grape and wine quality

    Wine is an economic powerhouse, with the industry tipped to be worth over US$420bn globally by 2023*. But success is never guaranteed. In Australia, and indeed worldwide, producers face significant challenges, including climate change, resource scarcity and changing consumer trends.

    Continued high-quality research in grape and wine science holds the key. Our new Master of Science (Grape and Wine Science) prepares you to play a leading role.

    What will you do?

    • Study at the University’s renowned Waite campus, where fully 70% of Australia’s wine research activity takes place.
    • As part of one of the world’s longest established wine study programs, you will learn from globally recognised researchers and academics within a faculty ranked among the world’s top 40 for Agriculture^.
    • Gain key industry insights from researchers from our outstanding partner organisations, including the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI), Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI).
    • Obtain a deep understanding of the science underpinning cutting-edge winemaking and viticulture, and its place within science’s broader scope.
    • Through a significant independent research project, develop research skills that will be highly transferable to related disciplines and industries, such as food, analytical chemistry and microbiology.
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    Core subjects
    • Research methodology
    • Becoming smart about data
    • Communicating science
    • Sciences internship
    • Research concepts
    • Research project
    Electives

    Specialisation electives

    • Foundations of wine science
    • Introductory winemaking or Viticultural science
    • Advances in grape and wine science
    • Methods of grape and wine analysis

    Other electives

    • Sensory studies
    • Fermentation technology
    • Brewing technology and beer production
    • Food production in a future climate
    • Plant health
    • Soil and plant nutrition
    • Introductory winemaking
    • Viticultural science

    Detailed study plan

    Where could it take you? 

    You could guide a French winery’s efforts to continue enhancing its sparkling wine offerings despite climate change. You might drive the growth of hardy cool-climate varieties in Argentina’s Central Patagonian steppes. Perhaps you’ll help a US brand develop new products to appeal to Millennials.

    If you have strong entrepreneurial instincts, you may even choose to launch your own consultancy. Or you could extend your research further still with a PhD.

    Apply now  Register for Webinar

    *Zion Market Research, 2019. ^ARWU 2019.

  • International agricultural development
    International agriculture - Cassava Laos - courtesy Neil Palmer (CIAT)

    Master of Science (International Agricultural Development)

    Guide market-wide agricultural advance

    Even with the rise of the ‘knowledge economy’, agriculture remains a driving force of human progress. More sustainable, more efficient and better-quality agricultural industry holds the promise of not only greater food security and care for our planet, but improved quality of life for countless communities around the world.

    Our new Master of Science (International Agricultural Development) will prepare you to lead these advances in rural economies anywhere, through science.

    What will you do? 

    • Study at a leading Australian university ranked among the world’s top 40 for Agriculture*
    • This highly interdisciplinary degree explores both the agricultural and social science of agricultural development.
    • Gain a deep understanding of the science underlying agricultural systems and the natural world.
    • Develop a broad awareness of how to apply this science in the context of different cultural, social and political landscapes, with varying trade, policy and economic conditions.
    International agriculture - Rice field Bolivia

    Images courtesy Neil Palmer, CIAT (CC BY-SA 2.0)

    Core subjects
    • Research methodology
    • Becoming smart about data
    • Communicating science
    • Sciences internship
    • Research concepts
    • Research project
    Electives

    Specialisation electives

    • Farming systems in developing countries
    • Global food and agricultural markets
    • Environmental planning and governance
    • Managing agricultural development in farming systems

    Other electives

    • Globalisation and agriculture in emerging economies
    • Global food and agricultural policy analysis
    • Trends and issues in the world food system
    • Food production in a future climate
    • Plant health
    • Soil and plant nutrition
    • Plant breeding
    • Emerging issues in science and society

    Detailed study plan

    Where could it take you? 

    You could oversee adoption of more water-efficient cotton farming in China; mastermind a reduction in food staple spoilage in India; or guide export expansion for European energy-crop producers.

    If you have strong entrepreneurial instincts, you may even choose to launch your own consultancy. Or you could take your studies further still with a PhD.

    Apply now  Register for Webinar

    *Academic Ranking of World Universities by Subject (Agricultural Sciences), 2019.

  • Plant breeding innovation
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    Master of Science (Plant Breeding Innovation)

    Point the way to future food security

    In the face of climate change and massive global population growth, putting good food on the table has never been so challenging. Crops must be highly nutritious, productive and resilient - and that means breeding suitable varieties in faster and more effective ways.

    Our new Master of Science (Plant Breeding Innovation) will prepare you to rise to this scientific challenge, by identifying new opportunities, building on scientific discoveries and applying new technologies.

    What will you do?

    Plant science laboratory work
    Core subjects
    • Research methodology
    • Becoming smart about data
    • Communicating science
    • Sciences internship
    • Research concepts
    • Research project
    Electives

    Specialisation electives

    • Plant genetics and genomics
    • Plant breeding
    • Innovations in plant biotechnology
    • Innovations in plant breeding

    Other electives

    • Farming systems in developing countries
    • Trends and issues in the world food system
    • Globalisation and agriculture in emerging economies
    • Global food and agricultural policy analysis
    • Global food and agricultural markets
    • Agricultural extension in developing countries
    • Plant health
    • Soil and plant nutrition
    • Food production in a future climate
    • Bioinformatics practice
    • Bioinformatics and systems modelling course
    • Epigenomics applications
    • Genomics applications
    • Transcriptomics applications
    • Emerging issues in science and society

    Detailed study plan

    Where could it take you? 

    You’ll graduate ready to drive plant breeding innovation anywhere in the world. You could contribute to developing crops with high yield potential and nutritional value; drought and salinity tolerance; disease and pest resistance; and the ability to thrive in a wide range of climatic conditions.

    If you have strong entrepreneurial instincts, you may even choose to launch your own research consultancy. Or you could extend your research further still with a PhD in plant breeding or plant biotechnology.

    Apply now  Register for Webinar

Scholarships

A scholarship could help you pay for your course fees and living costs. If you're a high achiever - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you.

Scholarship search

The following postgraduate coursework programs are offered at graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters level.

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The Master of Science suite of programs is currently suspended and is not accepting new admissions.

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Whatever your questions, just ask. We're here to help every step of the way.