The Master of Agricultural Information Management (MAI) is a two-year post graduate program requiring a relevant undergraduate degree for entry. This program explores the high level of innovation and technology currently being employed in the agriculture sector. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number two is to “end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.” Estimates by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) show that by 2050, global demand for food will rise by 50% compared to the present.

Pressure on existing food systems is advancing because of an increasing world population creating the need to approach this problem innovatively. Estimates show that using current and emerging technologies, the overall demand for food will be met, but questions still linger whether it will be in a sustainable manner. Emerging and current technological innovations could be used as a lever to address these challenges and further enable improvements in food systems, productivity, and human welfare.

New technology will play a crucial role in moving the world to a more productive path. Technological advancement in analytics, artificial intelligence, information and communication technology, seed and food bioengineering and robotics present innovative opportunities for producing food in smarter ways. However, technological advancements are not enough, and other factors need to be present for there to be success, including public sector governance, workforce development, trade and tax policies, and business regulation.

Today, data capture and mechanisation are increasingly relevant in the management and production of crops, animals, and the natural environment. This emerging industry targets individuals who are dedicated to pursuing a career in agriculture or entrepreneurial minds who want to harness gains in agriculture.

As a result, there is a growing need for professionals who are qualified and well versed with these new and emerging technologies to take over this niche and contribute to supporting the food systems of the 21st century and beyond. The Master of Agricultural Information Management is conceptualised and designed to produce graduates who have skills and an in-depth understanding of the application of information technology (IT) in the analysis of agricultural data and management decision-making, and as a result harness the vast opportunities in agriculture while also responding to the different challenges and constraints facing the sector.

Expertise accrued during the course include the usage of agribusiness management, geospatial technologies, financial management, creation of data maps, agricultural economics, and enhanced computer skills related to data computation, processing, and analysis. This expertise aims to address management of agricultural information and agribusiness enterprises.

Graduates will have developed and applied theoretical knowledge and understanding from a variety of authentic learning tasks and assessments, including lectures, guest lecturers, workshops, computer lab sessions, group work, and industry visits. Assessments will be in the form of case studies, formal examinations and projects that reflect real-life situations.

The course encourages all graduates to be advocates of lifelong learning and ethical practice through membership of professional associations and industry peak bodies. Career pathways include but are not limited to:

• Agroinformatics consultant
• Agribusiness consultant
• Agricultural marketing specialist
• Agriculture development officer
• Supply chain manager
• University academic
• Employment in relevant government departments in areas such as research, regulation, policy development, education and extension, and administration
• Employment in private sector organisations providing services to the agribusiness sector in areas such as research, extension, administration, and sales
• Employment in industry

The course structure is based on four semesters (each semester is 12 teaching weeks, plus one review week and one exam week).

• 120 credit points of core
• 40 credit points of elective

To qualify for award of Master of Agricultural Information Management a student shall accrue an aggregate of at least 160 credit points, including satisfactory completion of the core units noted below.

YEAR 1, SEMESTER 1

• AC400 Agribusiness Accounting
• BC400 Communication and Media Management
• EC400 Agribusiness Economics and Finance
• MK400 Agribusiness Marketing

YEAR 1, SEMESTER 2

• AP501 Food, Fibre, and Protein Production
• IM401 Introduction to Agroinformatics
• IM501 Agriculture Data and Information Management
• MG401 Leadership in Agribusiness

YEAR 2, SEMESTER 1

• AP511 Precision Agriculture
• RS501 Research Methodology

2 x electives

YEAR 2, SEMESTER 2

• IM502 Big Data in Agriculture
• IM500 Agroinformatics Capstone

2 x electives

 

More Information

For more information about elective units see the List of Units.

Domestic Students

Completion of an AQF Level 7 or above higher education qualification (or overseas equivalent) with a minimum GPA of 4.5 (using a 7.0 point scale) in Agriculture, Food Science, Business, Management, or IT/ICT;

OR

Completion of an AQF Level 7 or above higher education qualification (or overseas equivalent) with a minimum GPA of 4.5 (using a 7.0 point scale) in any field AND a minimum two years’ professional experience in a managerial position.

International Students

Completion of an AQF Level 7 or above higher education qualification (or overseas equivalent) with a minimum GPA of 4.5 (using a 7.0 point scale) in Agriculture, Food Science, Business, Management, or IT/ICT;

OR

Completion of an AQF Level 7 or above higher education qualification (or overseas equivalent) with a minimum GPA of 4.5 (using a 7.0 point scale) in any field AND a minimum two years’ professional experience in a managerial position.

Applicants whose entry qualifications were obtained in an institution where English is not the language of instruction normally require an International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) of 6.5, with a score of not less than 6.0 in any of the four skill areas, or equivalent.

Note: International students must hold a valid student visa. There are numerous conditions that apply to a student visa. A holder of a student visa may not work, paid or unpaid, for more than 40 hours in any fortnight during semester. Current information on student visa conditions may be found here.

Relevant Work Experience

The following supporting documentation is required to demonstrate relevant work experience:

• certified copies of relevant qualificiations or micro-credentials completed, if relevant;
• a current CV demonstrating relevant work experience, including managerial or leadership experience of people or projects. This includes a full work history that details the major activities undertaken, such as managing a team, managerial components of major projects, and/or delegation responsibilities;
• two current, signed references that are work related; and
• Statement of Intent outlining the motivation to study, previous education, employment history; and how this course can assist in career aspiration or progression.

Applicants entering with two years of professional experience are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director (or delegated representative).

Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Credit for previous learning may be obtained through the process of articulation, credit transfer, and RPL or a combination of these processes. Students who wish to apply for RPL must provide evidence in terms of completed qualifications along with other relevant documentation.

Alternative Admission Arrangements

Alternative admission pathways are also open for educationally disadvantaged applicants and for First Nations Peoples applicants. These applicants will be assessed on a case-by-case basis with RPL, professional accreditations, and the provision of a portfolio of work for entry to micro-credential and single units.

Applicants seeking alternative entry must also fulfil the English language entry requirements.

Alternative pathways are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director (or delegated representative).

Graduates of the Master of Agricultural Information Management will:

• integrate contemporary business decisions and information technology in multiple agribusiness contexts;
• create knowledge through the application of current theory and methods;
• demonstrate a clear understanding of ethical issues relevant to agricultural information application and communication;
• critically analyse and evaluate large volumes of data, demonstrating mastery of theoretical knowledge in professional practice, to support decision making;
• apply appropriate procedures for packaging and re-packaging agricultural information to adapt to diverse needs of agribusiness;
• lead their clients/organisations to recognise the opportunities and capabilities that ICT offers;
• apply cognitive skills, with high level personal autonomy and accountability, to undertake research, to analyse and evaluate contemporary multidisciplinary practice for the development and improvement of agricultural information management;
• apply current international standards and best practices to provide leadership in adoption of agricultural information management principles;
• develop and demonstrate highly effective communication and interpersonal skills, autonomy, critical thinking, and creativity as a practitioner and to be able to transfer complex knowledge and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Learning Time Period and Fee

International Student Fees:

Tuition per unit: AUD $ 3,125

Total Course Fees: AUD $ 50,000

Deposit component of tuition fees (non-refundable): AUD $ 500

Total amount paid up front and prior to issue of Confirmation of Enrolment: AUD $ 25,000

 

Domestic Student Fees: Total Course Fees:

Tuition per unit: AUD $ 2,500

Total Course Fees: AUD $ 40,000

One-time Application Fee (non-refundable): AUD $ 500

Total amount paid up front: AUD $ 10,000

 

Scholarships

To promote excellence in scholarship and learning, Leaders Institute will offer scholarships to outstanding students for both courses starting Year 2.

A combination of merit and needs based scholarships by way of fee discount of 25% is available for both domestic and international students. To apply for this scholarship, please meet your Program Director.