• Charles Sturt introduces new postgraduate agriculture courses
• The new courses were developed with industry to address the needs of the evolving agriculture sector
• Applications for the courses open on Friday 5 August

As the Australian ag sector drives towards growing into a $100 billion industry by 2030, Charles Sturt University is making a vital contribution to this goal with the launch of new postgraduate courses next month.

Agriculture has been earmarked as a key growth area for the University, especially at Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga, with the new courses designed to appeal to those interested in career progression or career changes.

The new courses will be launched on Friday 5 August within Charles Sturt’s Faculty of Science and Health and are available domestically or internationally.

The new courses include:

• Master of Agriculture (with specialisations)
• Graduate Diplomas in Agricultural Business Management, Digital Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture (exit point only)
• Graduate Certificate in Agricultural Business Management
• Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture
• Graduate Certificate in Agriculture

A Master of Agricultural Science (with specialisations) will also be offered as a stand-alone course, both on campus and online, to onshore international students and domestic students.

The Master of Agriculture will appeal to online domestic postgraduate students while the Master of Agricultural Science will appeal to international onshore students.

The structure of the courses allows participants to build the level of qualification they require, from Graduate Certificates requiring industry experience to pathways into Master-level qualifications.

For example, students can enter postgraduate studies with a six-week micro subject ‘ Agribusiness accounting’, which will suit those looking to take control of agriculture business accounts and finances, learn how to profit from cashflows and how to manage it effectively.

Course Director with the Charles Sturt School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences Mr Matt Hunt said graduates will be well-positioned to provide leadership in policy, research and strategic management in a wide range of roles.

“The course is delivered from Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga within the heart of Australia’s major agricultural region,” he said.

“Students will have the ability to study online or on campus, where they will have access to extensive facilities, including the most sophisticated underground root growth laboratory in the southern hemisphere, state-of-the-art laboratories and modern glasshouse facilities in Wagga Wagga (pictured), working models of a range of irrigation systems, and an on-campus 1400-hectare university farm.”

Mr Hunt said the international-acclaimed teaching staff are experts in agriculture, agribusiness, and sustainable practices.

Academics involved in delivering the new curriculum will allow students to enhance or redirect their capabilities for a career in the rapidly-changing agriculture or agribusiness sectors, according to Mr Hunt.

“Students will learn from experts in diverse agriculture disciplines … who are developing sustainable strategies to combat pests, delving into geospatial research, and championing new technologies to improve farming and operational practices,” he said.

“These new subjects will allow our future graduates to gain experience in adopting to climate change, improving food security and reaching Sustainable Development Goals, all important skills and assets in the changing industry.”

Director of Rennylea Pastoral Company, an industry partner that assisted to develop the course, Ms Lucinda Corrigan said this collaboration allows their company to work with students at the start of their careers.

“We have worked closely with the agricultural, animal and veterinary science faculties at Charles Sturt University since 2006,” she said.

“We are delighted to host students each year and contribute to their journeys. We have also given a scholarship to a student entering their final years of study for the last 10 years.

“It is rewarding to see these young professionals out in industry making their mark.”

For more information on the new postgraduate agriculture courses, visit the Charles Sturt website.