Master of Horticultural Science
Course code T66
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About this Course
This course delivers cutting edge theoretical and practical knowledge for production, postharvest and supply chain of horticultural produce.
It also focuses on the management, supply chain and sustainability issues surrounding the way horticultural produce is gathered, stored, and utilised. Students will be instilled with principles of advanced production technologies, practices, and technology to address key national and global issues in the horticultural industry. Students will undertake a semester-long work placement or project with industry, academics, or external research partners.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) Award.
Course code T66
Entry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Admissions
Fees
Domestic fee paying - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $30,550
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Joondalup | FT PT | FT PT |
| Mount Lawley | ||
| South West | ||
| Online |
About this Course
This course delivers cutting edge theoretical and practical knowledge for production, postharvest and supply chain of horticultural produce.
It also focuses on the management, supply chain and sustainability issues surrounding the way horticultural produce is gathered, stored, and utilised. Students will be instilled with principles of advanced production technologies, practices, and technology to address key national and global issues in the horticultural industry. Students will undertake a semester-long work placement or project with industry, academics, or external research partners.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) Award.
Course code T66
CRICOS code 108845B
Entry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $42,100
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Joondalup | FT | FT |
| Mount Lawley | ||
| South West | ||
| Online |
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
Special entry may be considered for students with a cognate first degree (or with appropriate experience) who can apply for a reduced course duration:
1.5 years full time (3 years part time) - 180 credit points
Admission is based on:
Bachelor degree in a related discipline*, or
Bachelor degree in any discipline, plus five years relevant work experience^, or
Graduate Certificate in a related discipline*, or
Evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent.
*Related discipline refers to any horticulture/agriculture/biology related discipline
^Relevant work experience constitutes Senior/Managerial positions to be approved by the Course Coordinator.
Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Bachelor degree; or
- Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
Special entry may be considered for students with a cognate first degree (or with appropriate experience) who can apply for a reduced course duration:
1.5 years full time (3 years part time) - 180 credit points
Admission is based on:
Bachelor degree in a related discipline*, or
Bachelor degree in any discipline, plus five years relevant work experience^, or
Graduate Certificate in a related discipline*, or
Evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent.
*Related discipline refers to any horticulture/agriculture/biology related discipline
^Relevant work experience constitutes Senior/Managerial positions to be approved by the Course Coordinator.
Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Bachelor degree; or
- Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup
Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup
Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup
Semester 2: Study part-time at Joondalup
Course Structure
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SCI6160 | Horticultural Science | 20 |
| SCI6161 | Propagation Technology | 20 |
| MAT5212 | Biostatistics | 20 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| MAN6925 | Project Management | 20 |
| SCI6162 | Principles of Production Horticulture | 20 |
| SCI6120 | Science Communication and Ethics | 20 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SCI6163 | Advanced Horticultural Production | 20 |
| SCI6164 | Pathology and Pests | 20 |
| SCI6165 | Post-Harvest Science and Technology | 20 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SCI6108 ^ | Postgraduate Science Project | 60 |
| OR students approved for professional placement will enrol in the following in place of SCI6108 | ||
| SCI6700 ^ | Professional Placement (Science and Mathematics) | 60 |
^ Core Option
T66|3
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
-
Students have the opportunity to spend their final semester undertaking a professional placement embedded within a host organisation. Successful applicants for this capstone placement opportunity will enrol in and complete SCI6700 Professional Placement (Science and Mathematics) in place of SCI6108.
Attendance requirements
Students are required to complete a placement which is equivalent to one semester of full-time study. Whilst attendance is negotiated with the WIL host organisation, typically students will be expected to undertake a minimum of 300 hours over a maximum of 17 weeks. Typical full-time placements usually comprise 450 hours of professional placement.
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
Students, the WIL host organisation and the school's WIL Coordinator must complete a WIL documentation pack (which includes all required OSH and Risk Assessment documents) before the placement can commence. WIL host organisations may have additional clearance requirements of applicants, including evidence of police clearance, non-disclosure agreements or research ethics clearances.
There may also be vaccination or other similar requirements, including those imposed by government or third-party placement hosts, that apply to Professional Placements which form part of your course. Please consider this requirement before applying for Professional Placement and speak with the WIL and Course Coordinator if this raises any concerns. You may not be able to complete the Professional Placement unit if you are unable to meet the placement requirements.
Course learning outcomes
- Reflect critically on a complex body of knowledge and recent global developments in horticultural science, research principles, and methods related to professional practice.
- Analyse complex concepts to solve problems in authentic horticultural scenarios.
- Communicate innovative contributions to specialist and non-specialist audiences in the field of horticulture.
- Initiate, plan and execute a substantial horticulture science focused project.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup
Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup
Course Structure
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SCI6160 | Horticultural Science | 20 |
| SCI6161 | Propagation Technology | 20 |
| MAT5212 | Biostatistics | 20 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| MAN6925 | Project Management | 20 |
| SCI6162 | Principles of Production Horticulture | 20 |
| SCI6120 | Science Communication and Ethics | 20 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SCI6163 | Advanced Horticultural Production | 20 |
| SCI6164 | Pathology and Pests | 20 |
| SCI6165 | Post-Harvest Science and Technology | 20 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| SCI6108 ^ | Postgraduate Science Project | 60 |
| OR students approved for professional placement will enrol in the following in place of SCI6108 | ||
| SCI6700 ^ | Professional Placement (Science and Mathematics) | 60 |
^ Core Option
T66|3
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
-
Students have the opportunity to spend their final semester undertaking a professional placement embedded within a host organisation. Successful applicants for this capstone placement opportunity will enrol in and complete SCI6700 Professional Placement (Science and Mathematics) in place of SCI6108.
Attendance requirements
Students are required to complete a placement which is equivalent to one semester of full-time study. Whilst attendance is negotiated with the WIL host organisation, typically students will be expected to undertake a minimum of 300 hours over a maximum of 17 weeks. Typical full-time placements usually comprise 450 hours of professional placement.
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
Students, the WIL host organisation and the school's WIL Coordinator must complete a WIL documentation pack (which includes all required OSH and Risk Assessment documents) before the placement can commence. WIL host organisations may have additional clearance requirements of applicants, including evidence of police clearance, non-disclosure agreements or research ethics clearances.
There may also be vaccination or other similar requirements, including those imposed by government or third-party placement hosts, that apply to Professional Placements which form part of your course. Please consider this requirement before applying for Professional Placement and speak with the WIL and Course Coordinator if this raises any concerns. You may not be able to complete the Professional Placement unit if you are unable to meet the placement requirements.
Course learning outcomes
- Reflect critically on a complex body of knowledge and recent global developments in horticultural science, research principles, and methods related to professional practice.
- Analyse complex concepts to solve problems in authentic horticultural scenarios.
- Communicate innovative contributions to specialist and non-specialist audiences in the field of horticulture.
- Initiate, plan and execute a substantial horticulture science focused project.
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $30,550 - Domestic fee paying estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
MSc Horticulture graduates are employed across several organisations and industries including the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Universities, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Agrochemical companies, Elders Agribusiness in Australia, Nurseries, Parks and Gardens, Packhouses, Wholesalers, Retailers and Exporters, Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, Biosecurity - Department of Agriculture. Horticulture Innovation Australia, AUSVEG, VegetablesWA.
Possible future job titles
Horticulturalist, Horticultural Project Officer, Horticulture Research Officer, Horticulture Development Officer, Agricultural and Horticultural Plant Operator, Administration Officer, Waterways Plant Operator, Orchard manger, Vegetable farm manger, Bush Regenerator
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $42,100 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
MSc Horticulture graduates are employed across several organisations and industries including the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Universities, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Agrochemical companies, Elders Agribusiness in Australia, Nurseries, Parks and Gardens, Packhouses, Wholesalers, Retailers and Exporters, Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, Biosecurity - Department of Agriculture. Horticulture Innovation Australia, AUSVEG, VegetablesWA.
Possible future job titles
Horticulturalist, Horticultural Project Officer, Horticulture Research Officer, Horticulture Development Officer, Agricultural and Horticultural Plant Operator, Administration Officer, Waterways Plant Operator, Orchard manger, Vegetable farm manger, Bush Regenerator
Need some help deciding what to study?
Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.
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Quick guide to uni-speak
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The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Do you have any questions about the Master of Horticultural Science?
The Important Things
Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.
Course Entry
There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.
Fees & Scholarships
Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.
Applying
Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.
ECU Experience
Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.