Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Agribusiness (MAgribus) is a research-focused postgraduate qualification designed around the business and strategic challenges of the agriculture and food industries. It develops advanced knowledge across the agribusiness and agri-food value chain, from farm production through to marketing and international trade.

Key benefits include:

• Advanced knowledge of agribusiness and agri-food value chains.
• Development of skills for analysing and solving complex real-world agribusiness problems.
• Research and analytical skills suitable for strategic agribusiness issues.
• Training in communicating research findings clearly.
• Development of teamwork and solution-development skills.
• Application of agribusiness knowledge in ethical and culturally appropriate ways.
• A substantial research component through either a 60-credit research report or a 90-credit thesis.
• Links with agribusiness industry and internationally connected agribusiness academics, supporting research topics relevant to the sector.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme is divided into Part One and Part Two and offers both coursework and research pathways.

Part One compulsory options include:

• 112702 International Agri-Food Marketing Strategies – 15 credits: international agri-food business and marketing, international consumers, exports, trade terms, transportation, packaging, documentation, payment methods, risk management, intercultural communication and negotiation.
• 112747 International Food and Agribusiness Strategies – 15 credits: contemporary New Zealand and international agribusiness issues, strategy, agricultural trade, environmental issues, food and fibre markets and supply chains.
• 119705 Agri-Food Value Chain Systems – 15 credits: domestic and international food and agribusiness value chains, their participants, integration, relationships and performance.
• 119729 Research Methods – 15 credits: research methodology, ethics, scientific method, systems approaches, surveys, case studies, enterprise/project analysis, modelling, analysis and communication of research results.

Additional subject-course options include:

• 112743 Cooperative Governance and Management – 15 credits
• 119731 Topics in Agricultural Extension and Consultancy – 15 credits
• 119752 Advanced Farm and Horticultural Management – 15 credits
• 178740 Global Food Markets and Trade – 15 credits
• 178742 Environmental Economic Issues – 15 credits
• 188707 Environmental Management Principles and Practice – 15 credits
• 188708 Land System Change – 15 credits.

Research component:

• 119887 Research Report – 60 credits
• 239885 + 239886 Thesis 90 Credit Parts 1 and 2 – 45 credits each
• Alternative thesis structure: 239889 Thesis 90 Credit Part 1 – 30 credits and 239890 Thesis 90 Credit Part 2 – 60 credits.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Master of Agribusiness is centred on agribusiness rather than a set of formally named specialisations.

The available subject areas allow students to develop expertise in areas such as:

• International agribusiness
• Agri-food marketing
• Food and agribusiness strategy
• Agri-food value chains
• Cooperative governance
• Agricultural extension and consultancy
• Farm and horticultural management
• Global food markets and trade
• Environmental economics
• Environmental management
• Land-system change
• Agribusiness research

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 9 master's qualification.
• 180-credit programme.
• Research-focused qualification with substantial dissertation/thesis options.
• Can be completed through either a coursework or research pathway.
• Covers the full agribusiness value chain, from production through agri-food marketing.
• Strong emphasis on international agribusiness and food markets.
• Research can address strategic issues affecting agribusiness.
• Opportunities to study subjects involving sustainability, environmental management, agricultural economics and land-system change.
• Manawat? campus provides access to Massey's established agriculture and agribusiness academic environment.
• Distance and online study is available.
• Advanced-entry/credit opportunities may reduce the number of credits required for eligible students.

Career Outcomes

Massey describes growing demand for professional skills and higher qualifications in the primary industries and agribusiness sector.

Potential career areas associated with the qualification include:

• Agribusiness management
• Agri-food business management
• Agricultural consulting
• Farm and horticultural management
• Agri-food marketing
• International agricultural trade
• Food and agribusiness supply-chain management
• Cooperative management and governance
• Agricultural policy and research
• Agribusiness strategy
• Environmental and resource-related business roles
• Agribusiness research and analysis
• Government and industry organisations
• International food and agricultural organisations

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

Important current points for applicants include:

• The programme is currently listed as a 180-credit, 1.5-year full-time master's degree.
• A 200-word maximum research-interest summary is required when applying because the qualification contains a 90-credit thesis.
• Applicants using the three-year work-experience entry pathway need to provide a CV.
• Official transcripts from universities other than Massey are required.
• Progression from Part One to Part Two has academic-grade requirements:
  • Research pathway: minimum B+ grade average over the first 60 Part One credits.
  • Coursework pathway: minimum B grade average over the first 60 Part One credits.
• Massey states that not all courses are available every year.
• Students should therefore verify the availability of their intended courses before finalising their study plan.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student studying the on-campus Master of Agribusiness in New Zealand, the relevant visa is generally the Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently states that this visa:

• Allows study in New Zealand at an approved education provider.
• Can be issued for up to four years.
• Costs from NZD $850.
• Has a published processing benchmark of 80% within 8 weeks.
• Requires an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Requires evidence of sufficient tuition funding or an applicable scholarship.
• Requires evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Requires acceptable medical/travel insurance.
• Requires applicants to meet health and character requirements.
• Requires evidence of genuine study intentions.
• Requires evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.