Type of qualification
Level of study
Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Master of Agribusiness – MAgribus
Massey’s Master of Agribusiness is an internationally recognised qualification. You will gain the research and professional skills required across the value chain from farm production to food marketing.
Key skills you will learn include:
- advanced knowledge of agribusiness and agri-food value chains
- solving real world complex problems by application of appropriate methodologies
- communicating clearly the results of investigations
- working effectively in small teams and applying advanced knowledge of agribusiness to effective solutions to agribusiness issues in an ethical and culturally appropriate way.
The Master of Agribusiness is a research-focused degree with a dissertation component. Our close links with industry and agribusiness faculty globally will help you identify relevant research topics that specifically address strategic issues.
Massey’s agribusiness programme aligns itself with agribusiness industries throughout the world - ensuring our graduates have the skills and industry knowledge employers want today, and in the future.
A MAgribus is a good fit if you:
- achieved at a high level in your undergraduate degree in agricommerce/agribusiness, business or agriculture
- achieved a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and have completed at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
- would like to investigate and solve real world complex issues, through in-depth research.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Master of Agribusiness you will have been awarded or qualified for:
- a bachelor's degree in agriculture or a business-related subject with a B+ grade average or higher over the qualifying 300-level courses, or equivalent, or
- a bachelor's degree, or equivalent, with a B+ grade average or higher over the qualifying 300-level courses and at least three years of relevant work experience, or
- a Bachelor of AgriCommerce/Agribusiness with Honours with Second Class Honours, Division I or higher or equivalent, or
- a Postgraduate Diploma in Agribusiness with a B+ grade average or higher, or equivalent.
If you are applying with the work experience option, you will supply a curriculum vitae (CV) to support your application.
If you have a Bachelor of AgriCommerce/Agribusiness with Honours or a Postgraduate Diploma in Agribusiness from Massey University as outlined above, you may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification.
You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
This qualification includes a 90-credit thesis. The 45-credit parts for the Thesis (239885 and 239886) are for use by completing students. Please provide a short summary of your research interests (up to 200 words) when you apply for this qualification.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with Distinction or Merit.
- Look for information under ‘Student Progression’ in the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
- Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Maximum time limits for completion
There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Structure of the Master of Agribusiness
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
The Master of Agribusiness is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second.
For progression from Part One to Part Two you will achieve a grade average of B+ or higher over the first 60 credits undertaken for Part One.
If you are admitted with a BAgriCommerce (Hons) or PGDipAgribus, you may apply for credit towards Part One of the Master of Agribusiness.
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Credit summary
180 credits
- Part One compulsory courses – 45 credits
- Part One electives from the Schedule – 45 credits
- Part Two thesis – 90 credits
This is a parts-based qualification. This means there are regulations around your completion of Part One before progressing to Part Two, etc.
Ensure that overall, you have no more than 30 credits of Special Topic or professional development courses.
Advanced entry: Those who have already completed specified qualifications in advance of the minimum entry requirements and have been granted credit for it, may be able to complete this degree in 60 - 120 credits.
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Part One
Compulsory courses (Choose 45 credits from)
Course code: 112702 International Agri-Food Marketing Strategies 15 credits
An advanced study of international agri-food business and marketing. Emphasis is placed on international consumers and agri-food exports, including external environment, terms of trade, transportation, packaging, documentation, methods of payment, risk management, intercultural communication and negotiation.
View full course detailsCourse code: 112747 International Food and Agribusiness Strategies 15 credits
Contemporary New Zealand and international agribusiness issues and strategies. Emphasis is placed on the dynamics of agribusiness strategies, structures and institutions in the context of agricultural trade and environmental issues, food and fibre markets and supply chains. Case studies are used extensively throughout the course.
View full course detailsCourse code: 119729 Research Methods 15 credits
Research methods for students whose research focuses on the human-science interface and human applications of science. The course includes foundations of science, ethics, the scientific method, and systems approaches to problem-solving and research; selection of appropriate research methods, including survey methods, case studies, enterprise/project analysis, and modelling; analysis and presentation of research results and communication skills.
View full course detailsElective courses (Choose 45 credits from)
Course code: 112743 Cooperative Governance and Management 15 credits
An advanced study of the theory and practices of cooperatives and mutuals. Emphasis is placed on the governance and management of cooperatives and their subsequent performance in meeting the demands placed on them through shareholder/supplier or shareholder/buyer complexities. The competitiveness of cooperatives in a global environment is explored through appropriate case studies.
View full course detailsCourse code: 119731 Topics in Agricultural Extension and Consultancy 15 credits
This course focuses on extension and consultancy theory and its application in commercial farming and horticulture. The design, implementation and evaluation of extension and consultancy programmes; managing an agricultural consultancy business; codes of practice (ethics); current and emerging extension and consultancy issues. Case studies of local agricultural consultancies.
View full course detailsCourse code: 119752 Advanced Farm and Horticultural Management 15 credits
Studies related to the principles of farm and/or horticultural management using case studies of farm and/or horticultural businesses; risk analysis and management at the strategic, tactical and operational levels; development of business plans; financial management and the application of whole farm planning techniques.
View full course detailsCourse code: 178740 Global Food Markets and Trade 15 credits
An economic analysis of the global food markets with emphasis on international trade, agri-food policies, and on the industrial organisation of the contemporary food sector.
View full course detailsCourse code: 178742 Environmental Economic Issues 15 credits
Economic analysis of policy management issues in the use of natural resources, climate change, and the environment.
View full course detailsPart Two (Choose 90 credits from)
Course code: 239885 Thesis 90 Credit Part 1 45 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 239886 Thesis 90 Credit Part 2 45 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 239888 Thesis 90 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 239889 Thesis 90 Credit Part 1 (30 credits) 30 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 239890 Thesis 90 Credit Part 2 (60 credits) 60 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsFees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Fees Free website.
Scholarship and award opportunities
- Alistair Betts Scholarship
- Allan and Grace Kay Overseas Scholarship
- Ann Sinclair Charitable Trust
- C Alma Baker Trust Postgraduate Scholarship
- Charles Elgar Scholarship
- Dr Eric Ojala Postgraduate Scholarship in Agricultural Policy Research
- Johannes August Anderson Postgraduate Scholarship
- Noeleen Olson Horticulture Masters Scholarship
- Rongotea Lions Club Student Assistance Fund
Fees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
Join industry at a senior level
New Zealand’s economy is dominated by agriculture and food - it generates approximately 70% of the country’s export earnings a year and international demand is predicted to continue to grow. Join the large group of Massey students that have secured jobs before they graduate. They have gone on to become leaders in the industry in New Zealand and internationally.
There is a growing demand for professional skills in the primary industries. There is increasing demand for people in occupations with higher qualifications in this sector.
Earn more
A 2017 Ministry of Education publication The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates, found that in New Zealand:
- young master’s graduates earn more than 1.5 times more than the national median (5 years after study)
- earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed
- five years after completion, the median earnings of young master’s graduates are 15% higher than for those with a bachelor’s degree.
What our students say
““I was extremely fortunate to have a supervisory team of leading lecturers in their field, who were incredibly supportive and encouraged me to challenge myself and achieve the most I possibly could…””
Related study options
Farm Management – Bachelor of Agribusiness
At Massey, many of our agribusiness students have jobs before they even graduate. Learn how to build and deliver profitable and sustainable businesses.
International Agribusiness – Bachelor of Agribusiness
Go global with your agribusiness skills. Learn how agricultural products are created, marketed, and distributed internationally.
Postgraduate Diploma in Agribusiness – PGDipAgribus
Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Agribusiness is a stepping stone to a research-based degree such as a master’s degree.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz