Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture – PGDipAgr

Advance your agricultural expertise.

Type of qualification
Postgraduate diploma
Level of study
Postgraduate 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.

More about study levels

NZQF level 8

Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.

Find out more about NZQF levels

Time to complete
1 year full-time (120 credits)
Part-time available

Study a Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture – PGDipAgr

The Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture is designed for graduates and professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge of contemporary agricultural systems.

Build advanced expertise in sustainable production, farm systems, innovation and the science underpinning New Zealand's primary industries. You'll enhance your professional capability and career opportunities. Massey University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture also gives you the opportunity to join the pathway to in-depth research at a master’s level. 

Further study

If you are successful in this qualification, you may have the opportunity of proceeding to a master’s such as the Master of Science.

A PGDipAgr is a good fit if you:

  • have an undergraduate qualification in agriculture or a related discipline
  • are interested in postgraduate study, but do not have a research background
  • want to deepen your knowledge of agricultural systems, innovation, and sustainability.
  • are seeking advanced skills to progress your career in the primary industries.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific requirements

To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture  you will have been awarded or qualified for:

  • an agricultural or business-related Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent; or
  • have been awarded or qualified for a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and have completed at least 3 years of relevant work experience.

You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.

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. 

Prior learning, credit and exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:

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 Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture

Structure of the Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture

If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture is available part-time.

Courses and specialisations

Courses and specialisations

Credit summary

Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.

120 credits

Ensure that overall, you have:

  • No more than 30 credits of approved Special Topic or professional development courses.

60 credits from courses at 700-level selected from the following prefixes:

112 Agribusiness, 119 Agriculture and Horticulture, 189 Soil Science, 238 AgriScience, 283 Agronomy.

60 credits from courses at 700 level selected from the following prefixes:

112 Agribusiness, 117 Animal Science, 119 Agriculture and Horticulture, 188 Natural Resource Management, 189 Soil Science, 233 Earth Science, 238 AgriScience, 283 Agronomy

Fees and scholarships

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

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 Inland Revenue website.

Scholarships and awards

Search our scholarships and awards

Related study options