Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Agricultural Science at Lincoln University is a research-focused postgraduate degree designed for students who want advanced knowledge and research capability in agricultural science. Lincoln describes the programme as supporting advanced study and research in the fields underpinning agricultural production and development, with an emphasis on responding to the requirements of international markets and evolving agricultural challenges.

Key benefits for international students include:

• Develop advanced scientific knowledge relevant to agricultural production and development.
• Build independent research skills through supervised postgraduate research.
• Develop the ability to investigate complex agricultural problems and contribute new knowledge.
• Combine advanced taught study with substantial thesis research in the 240-credit pathway.
• Work with Lincoln academics and research supervisors in a specialist land-based university environment.
• Potentially progress to PhD study after completing a research master's degree.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The standard 240-credit pathway comprises:

• 120 credits of taught courses selected from the relevant master's course schedules.
• 120-credit research thesis.

The first year provides preliminary research preparation before the major thesis research component.

The exact taught-course combination depends on the student's agricultural science area and approved study plan. Lincoln does not publish one fixed list of compulsory subjects for every Master of Agricultural Science student on the programme page.

Potential subject/research areas within Lincoln's agricultural science environment include:

• Agricultural systems.
• Animal science.
• Plant science.
• Soil science.
• Food science and technology.
• Pest management.
• Conservation and ecology.
• Environmental science.
• Microbiology.
• Biochemistry.
• Molecular biology.
• Agricultural production and development

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Master of Agricultural Science does not present a fixed list of named specialisations on the current programme page.

However, Lincoln's agricultural science research environment covers areas including:

• Plant science.
• Animal science.
• Soil science.
• Agricultural systems.
• Food science.
• Pest management.
• Conservation and ecology.
• Environmental science.
• Microbiology.
• Biochemistry.
• Molecular biology

Programme Highlights

• Level 9 master's qualification.
• Standard pathway: 240 credits.
• 2 years full-time.
• Research Master's with taught and research components.
• 120 credits of taught study plus a 120-credit thesis.
• 120-credit thesis-only option may be available to appropriately qualified applicants.
• Lincoln University Campus.
• Semester 1 and Semester 2 entry.
• Latest published starts: 22 February 2027 and 19 July 2027.
• 2026 international fee estimate: NZ$37,000 per 120 credits.
• Research-led study in agricultural science.
• Access to specialist agricultural and land-based research expertise.
• Potential progression to PhD study.

Career Outcomes

The qualification is designed for advanced research, professional practice and further academic study in agricultural science.

Potential career areas include:

• Agricultural research.
• Agricultural science.
• Plant science.
• Animal science.
• Soil science.
• Food science and production.
• Agricultural systems and production management.
• Environmental and agricultural research.
• Pest management.
• Conservation and ecology.
• Government agricultural agencies.
• Agribusiness and primary-industry organisations.
• Research institutes.
• Universities and academic research.
• Agricultural consultancy.
• Further doctoral study.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying at Lincoln University must hold a current, valid New Zealand visa. For a new student, Lincoln requires the visa application to be supported by:

• Offer of Place from Lincoln University.
• Evidence that tuition fees have been paid, normally a fee receipt.
• Passport.
• Digital photograph.
• Proof of funds for living expenses of NZ$20,000 per year.
• Evidence of funds for travel to the student's home country at the end of study, or an air ticket.
• Visa application fee.

Immigration New Zealand may additionally request:

• Medical certificates or a chest X-ray.
• Police Certificate.
• Additional information where the student will be under 18 when study begins.