University of Queensland

Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Science

  • Delivery: Face to Face
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 12 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Diploma

Gain practical skills to address environmental challenges and enhance agricultural practices in global settings.

Course overview

This program is suited to recent graduates from any discipline, as well as experienced professionals seeking to update or broaden their skills. Students can choose from more than 20 courses, including specialised options in agronomy, horticulture and plant protection. This flexibility allows studies to be tailored to individual interests and supports career pathways across government, commercial, community and research roles. Teaching is delivered by highly awarded academics and focuses on current developments in agricultural science, including precision agriculture, genetic technologies and sustainable resource management.

Students have access to leading animal and agricultural facilities in the Southern Hemisphere, specialist research greenhouses and more than 1,000 hectares of working farmland. Graduates are prepared to apply leadership, research and problem-solving skills to address global challenges in food production, environmental sustainability, animal welfare, biosecurity and limited resources. The Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Science may also provide a pathway into a master’s program.

CSP Subsidised Fees Available

This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.

Key facts

Delivery
Face to Face
Course Type
Graduate Diploma
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
12 months (Full time)
Campus
Gatton
Intake
27th July, 2026
Units
8
Fees
More Information
HECS-HELP loans are available to eligible CSP students to cover their student contribution amount.
HECS, CSP

What you will study

To earn the Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Science, you must complete 16 units or eight courses comprising:

Four to eight units from GDipAgrSc Foundational Courses

  • Emerging Issues in Plant and Animal Biosciences (two units)
  • Global Challenges in Agriculture (two units)
  • Leadership in Rural Industries and Communities (two units)
  • Plant Physiology (two units)
  • Sustainable Soil Management (two units)

Eight to Twelve units from GDipAgrSc Flexible Core Courses

  • Advanced Agronomy (two units)
  • Integrated Crop Health and Management (two units)
  • Crop Physiology (two units)
  • Agricultural and Resource Policy (two units)
  • International Agricultural Development (two units)
  • Horticulture Production (two units)
  • Plant Protection (two units)

Zero to Four units from GDipAgrSc Program Elective Courses

  • Advanced Research Methodologies (two units)
  • Research Design (two units)
  • Agricultural Value Chain Management (two units)
  • Pasture Science and Management (two units)
  • Agribusiness Farming and Management (two units)
  • Graduate Research Topic (two units)
  • Graduate Research Project (four units)
  • Plant Interactions (two units)
  • Plant Pathology (two units)
  • Horticultural Science 2 (two units)
  • Effective Stakeholder Engagement (two units)

Entry requirements

To be eligible for entry, you'll need:

  • A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline or;
  • To have completed post-secondary studies and have two years full-time equivalent, relevant work experience.

You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 on a 7-point scale in your previous degree.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Your previous studies can be acknowledged as credit towards your postgraduate studies, provided that they meet the relevant course requirements.

If you receive an offer of enrolment and you’ve undertaken prior learning, you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. The procedure is governed by the university's Recognition of Prior Learning policy. Contact the university for more details.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

This postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

  • Agricultural Consultant
  • Agricultural Economist
  • Extension and Inspection Officer
  • Land Information Systems Officer
  • Protection Officer
  • Agronomist

Fees and CSP

Indicative annual fee in 2026: $4,980 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 16 units (normally eight courses) per year.

Student fees may vary in accordance with:

  • The number of courses studied per term.
  • The choice of major or specialisation.
  • Choice of courses.
  • Credit from previous study or work experience.
  • Eligibility for government-funded loans.
  • You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.

If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.

Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.

Your student contribution amount is:

  • Calculated per the course you're enrolled in.
  • Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
  • Reviewed and adjusted each year.

HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.