Course Postgraduate

Master of Food Security

Course details for:
Entry requirements
ATAR:
more entry options
Study mode
Part Time Full Time
First year fee (domestic)
$11,813
Full course fee (domestic)
$23,625
Full time duration
2
Murdoch code
M1311

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.

Course 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.

Start dates

Starting period Location Face to Face Online Mixed mode
Semester 1, 2026 Murdoch Yes No Yes
Semester 2, 2026 Murdoch Yes No Yes
Semester 1, 2027 Murdoch Yes No Yes
Semester 2, 2027 Murdoch Yes No Yes

View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.

Starting period Location Face to Face Online Mixed mode
Semester 1, 2026 Murdoch Yes No No
Semester 2, 2026 Murdoch Yes No No
Semester 1, 2027 Murdoch Yes No No
Semester 2, 2027 Murdoch Yes No No

View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.

On-campus farm

The only city-based university in Australia with a farm on campus, providing students with access to animals for hands-on learning experience.

Strong job prospects

With up to 7 graduate roles available per student, agricultural science offers exceptional career opportunities.

Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture

#1 in WA

For overall educational experience, learning resources, skills development, teaching quality and student support.

Good Universities Guide 2026*

Admission 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.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) 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.

Admissions and pathways

Unsure whether you qualify for entry or what path to take? Whether you're a school leaver or non-school leaver, our range of pathways can help you get into Murdoch. Check out the options available to find the best one for you.

Choose your pathway

Plan your course

Explore the sample course structure below to get an idea of what your degree could look like, or take the next step in planning your degree:

Use the Course Visualiser - build your personalised study plan interactively

Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.

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

Unit code Unit name Credit points

Fees & Scholarships

Fees

Full course fee: 
$23,625
First year fee: 
$11,813

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.

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.

How to Apply

  • Your document checklist

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

    Compulsory documents

    Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:

    1. Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study)
    2. Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements

    Recommended documents (if applicable)

    1. Change of name documentation
    2. Marriage certificate
    3. Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing

Your document checklist

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

Compulsory documents

  1. Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
    • Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study) both original and English translated versions.
    • Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
  2. Genuine Student documents (if applicable) - Check the GS requirements page for further information
    • GS Form 2
    • Personal Statement (SOP)
    • Up to date Curriculum Vitae
  3. A copy of your Passport

Recommended documents

  1. A copy of your visa documents (if available)
  2. A copy of any past visa rejection documents (if applicable)
  3. Packaged offer letter (if applicable)
  4. Sponsorship documents if you study will be sponsored
  5. Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing
Apply via an agent

Apply through an agent

If you’re applying as an international student, our global network of agents will help you get started on your journey.

Student Central team helping student with laptop

Apply directly to Murdoch

If you are a non School leaver, you can apply for most undergraduate, honours and postgraduate courses directly through our online application system.

View all ways to apply

There are many ways to apply to Murdoch University as we know everyone has a different path and journey. Get started and take the next step.

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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1300 687 3624

1300 687 3624

1300 687 3624

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