The Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Science is a 120-credit, one-year full-time postgraduate qualification at Lincoln University in Canterbury, New Zealand. It is designed for students who want advanced knowledge of agricultural science and the development of more productive, sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. The programme draws on Lincoln’s established agricultural science research strengths and can be taken as a stand-alone qualification or used as a pathway towards further postgraduate study.

The IPU link supplied in the request is the IPU Master of Global Business page, not a dedicated page for the Lincoln Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Science. Therefore, any IPU-specific partnership, pathway, application process, fee arrangement or additional admission requirement is not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU.

Why Study / Key Benefits

• Develop advanced knowledge in agricultural science at postgraduate level.
• Explore research findings and technologies that can increase the value and sustainability of agricultural production.
• Build knowledge relevant to environmental and economic challenges facing agriculture.
• Develop specialist knowledge that can be applied to primary production systems.
• Benefit from Lincoln University's long-standing reputation and research expertise in agricultural science.
• Gain preparation for careers involving agricultural research, technological development and primary production improvement.
• The qualification can be completed as a stand-alone postgraduate diploma.
• It can also be used to staircase into further postgraduate study, subject to the relevant admission and progression requirements.
• Lincoln describes agriculture, horticulture and viticulture as one of its specialist land-based areas, with programmes covering disciplines such as biology, chemistry, plant science, animal science, soil science and management.
• Lincoln's specialist land-based focus is closely connected with sustainability, productivity and resilient agricultural systems.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme is normally a two-semester, full-time qualification.

Students must complete 120 credits from the schedule of relevant 600-level Master's courses available to agricultural science students. All courses are electives, but course selection is made with support and advice from the Course Coordinator.

The programme structure is therefore:

First study semester:

• Elective course
• Elective course
• Elective course

Second study semester:

• Elective course
• Elective course
• Elective course
• Elective courses

The exact course titles and combination depend on the current relevant Master's course schedule and the student's approved study plan.

The programme may cover topics within agricultural science such as:

• Agricultural production systems.
• Plant science.
• Animal science.
• Soil science.
• Agricultural biology.
• Agricultural chemistry.
• Sustainable agricultural production.
• Agricultural technology.
• Primary production systems.
• Agricultural research and innovation.
• Environmental and economic aspects of agricultural systems.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Postgraduate Diploma does not specify fixed majors or named specialisations. Students select relevant 600-level courses with advice from the Course Coordinator.

Lincoln's broader Agriculture, Horticulture and Viticulture specialisation covers areas including:

• Agriculture.
• Horticulture.
• Viticulture.
• Plant science.
• Animal science.
• Soil science.
• Biology.
• Chemistry.
• Agricultural systems management.
• Agricultural engineering.
• Primary production.
• Agribusiness and related management areas.

Programme Highlights

• Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Science.
• NZQF Level 8.
• 120 credits.
• Normally one year full-time.
• Two semesters.
• Semester 1 and Semester 2 entry.
• Lincoln University Campus.
• 600-level postgraduate study.
• Flexible elective-based structure.
• Courses selected with Course Coordinator support.
• Strong connection with agricultural science research.
• Focus on agricultural productivity, sustainability and technological development.
• Suitable as a stand-alone qualification or as preparation for further postgraduate study.

Career Outcomes

Lincoln states that the qualification can prepare graduates for opportunities in:

• Agricultural research.
• Technological development.
• Improvement of primary production systems.
• Agricultural and agribusiness organisations.
• Private companies serving the agricultural sector.
• Research and development.
• Agricultural consultancy.
• Primary industries.
• Government and sector organisations.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The latest official programme page currently shows:

• Semester 1 2027 start: 22 February 2027.
• Semester 2 2027 start: 19 July 2027.
• Duration: 1 year full-time.
• Credits: 120.
• Location: Lincoln University Campus.
• 2026 domestic fee estimate: NZ$9,410.
• 2026 international fee estimate: NZ$42,000.

Important programme requirements include:

• Relevant Level 7 bachelor's degree or recognised equivalent.
• B- average or better in the 300-level and final-year full-time-equivalent courses.
• 120 credits at 600 level.
• An approved and coherent course of study.
• English-language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students must hold a current and valid visa permitting study in New Zealand at Lincoln University.

For a new international student, Lincoln states that the Student Visa application requires:

• 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 to cover travel to the home country at the end of study, or an air ticket to the home country.
• Visa application fee.

Immigration New Zealand may additionally request:

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