Postgraduate | 2026

Master of Economics and Resource Policy specialising in Global Food and Agribusiness

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City

Duration

2 year(s) full-time

Mode

Hybrid

Program code

MAERP

Study as

Full-time

Indicative fees

$49,700

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6.0 IELTS Listening 6.0 IELTS Speaking 6.0 IELTS Writing 6.0 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115906B

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible for admission, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and fulfill any essential criteria for admission:

A completed bachelor (AQF level 7) or bachelor honours (AQF level 8) degree with an overall Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher (or equivalent academic performance) or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution; OR
A completed nested or related graduate certificate (AQF level 8) or higher with an overall Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher (or equivalent academic performance) or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 6.5
IELTS Reading 6.0
IELTS Listening 6.0
IELTS Speaking 6.0
IELTS Writing 6.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

International admissions by country

Country	Score
Australia - GPA 7.0 Scale	N/A

Why Master of Economics and Resource Policy?

The food and agriculture industry is essential to our wellbeing. It dictates whether societies have access to the most vital natural resources.

With our Master of Economics and Resource Policy specialising in Global Food and Agribusiness, you’ll learn how to shape the global policies that promote sustainable agriculture, food security and rural development. You’ll use your knowledge in modelling solutions and economic theory to solve real-world problems.

Whether you’re from a purely food, resource, agricultural, business or economics background – this degree will help you delve deeper into the economic analysis of these areas.

You’ll graduate with a solid understanding on the forces, trends and policies that impact businesses, households, producers, retailers, consumers and governments.

Overview

In our Master of Economics and Resource Policy, you’ll acquire the skills to dissect the choices made by individuals, governments, and businesses, along with their repercussions on individuals and the wellbeing of societies.

Develop knowledge and insights that will enable you to offer business strategy advice, provide context behind global economic trends and events, and shape public policies.

Through the Global Food and Agribusiness specialisation, you’ll come to understand the complex and critical issues in global food and agricultural business systems through an economic lens. Delve into issues including environmental sustainability, water security and managing global food chains.

Benefit from hands-on learning with opportunities to complete a research project, internship and fieldtrip. Graduate ready to work in roles across public service, industry, consultancies, not-for-profits, private business, or continue your studies with a PhD.

Key features

Be taught by renowned scholars and active researchers.
Apply economics theory and methods to resourcing and policy development.
Graduate with a competitive edge with your specialisation in Global Food and Agribusiness.
Complete an internship, career development course or Higher Degree Research skill-building course.
Undertake a research project in an area of interest.
Go on a fieldtrip that explores South Australia’s food industry systems.

What you'll learn

Your core courses will explore fundamental knowledge in economics and resource policies. You’ll complete courses on Economic Principles, Global Food and Agricultural Markets, Principles of International Trade and Development, and Cost-Benefit Analysis. These courses will teach you key economic frameworks, theories, methods and policies, and introduce you to food and agricultural production.

As part of your Global Food and Agribusiness specialisation, you’ll build your knowledge on food systems and their impact on economies. Examine the policies affecting food and agriculture through using economic frameworks. Analyse the impacts of evolving markets, socioeconomic trends and policies on food systems

You’ll then deepen your knowledge by choosing two courses from the following list:

Experiences and Insights in Agri-food Systems fieldtrip
Water Security and Governance
Management and Performance of Global Food Chains
Globalisation and Agriculture in Emerging Economies
Agricultural Decision Making
Resource and Environmental Economics.

You’ll also choose one of the following courses:

Internship
Career development course
Higher Degree Research skills course.

Other opportunities to tailor your studies to suit your career goals will include a research project on a topic of your choice and four elective courses.

Specialisations

The Master of Economics and Resource Policy is also available with specialisations in the following:

Economic Analysis
International Trade
Public Economics and Policy.

What courses you'll study

Complete 96 units comprising:

42 units from Core courses, and
6 units from Work integrated learning, and
Either:
48 units from Discipline courses, or
48 units for one Major from Major

Complete exactly 42 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Principles of International Trade and Development	Course code IBUS5001	Units 6
Course name Economic Principles	Course code ECON5001	Units 6
Course name Research Methods and Development	Course code ECON6000	Units 6
Course name Cost-Benefit Analysis	Course code BUSI5017	Units 6
Course name Global Food and Agricultural Markets	Course code BUSI5035	Units 6
Course name Research Project	Course code BUSI6006	Units 12

Complete exactly 24 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Resource and Environmental Economics	Course code ECON6004	Units 6
Course name Water Security and Governance	Course code ECON6011	Units 6
Course name Experiences and Insights in Agri-food Systems	Course code ECON6012	Units 6
Course name Globalisation and Agriculture in Emerging Economies	Course code ECON6013	Units 6
Course name Agricultural Decision Making	Course code ECON6014	Units 6
Course name Management and Performance of Global Food Chains	Course code BUSI6032	Units 6
Course name Trends and Issues in the World Food System	Course code ECON5011	Units 6
Course name Global Food and Agricultural Policy Analysis	Course code POLI5001	Units 6

Complete exactly 6 units from the following:

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name HDR Research Skills	Course code ECON2800	Units 6
	Course name College Professional/Career Development	Course code ECON3802	Units 6

Career outcomes

As a graduate, you’ll have the expertise to work in the broader field of economics or in a specialist role within the food and agriculture industry.

You might be an agricultural economist, interpreting and analysing data on agricultural markets, policies and systems. Or perhaps you’ll become an international development specialist, supporting agricultural development, food security and rural livelihood.

Other career opportunities may include:

Policy adviser
Sustainability consultant
Data analyst
Business Analyst
Supply Chain Manager
Economic researcher.

Industry trends

The global food and agriculture industry is evolving. There is a noticeable increase in food products labelled ‘clean’ and a surge in agricultural technology developments and adoption (L.E.K 2017). As these trends continue to shape how food is grown, raised and produced, companies will need to drive and adapt to industry disruptions (L.E.K 2017).

As the World Economic Forum (WEF) Future of Jobs Report projected in 2023, the largest net-job creators will emerge from technological, environment and economic trends. As an economics expert with specialised knowledge in global food and agribusiness, your skillset will be highly regarded. Companies, businesses and governments will rely on your expertise to analyse economic data, assess risk and formulate policies that help the global food and agricultural industry flourish in a modern world.

How to apply

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, including after-hours support provided via Studiosity through live online chat assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner (GP) to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, visa and work rights and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view our Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: