Lincoln University

What you'll study

This programme is centred on an independent research project leading to a thesis, supervised by academic staff with expertise across agronomy, animal science, horticulture, soil science, plant protection, and agri-environmental systems. Students typically undertake a period of literature review and project planning followed by data collection, analysis and thesis writing. Depending on the project and supervisory arrangements, students may also take a limited number of advanced coursework papers to support method development, such as research methods and statistics, experimental design, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and specialised topic modules (for example pasture ecology, crop physiology, livestock systems, soil health, or agri-food supply chains).

Research topics often address applied problems in sustainable production, productivity improvement, climate adaptation and mitigation, biosecurity, precision agriculture, biodiversity on farms, or value-chain innovation. Projects can use field experiments on Lincoln’s demonstration farms and research plots, controlled-environment facilities, laboratory analyses, modelling, or social-science approaches, depending on the question and methodology.

Entry requirements

• A relevant bachelor’s degree with honours or a postgraduate diploma in agriculture, biology, environmental science, horticulture, animal science, or a closely related discipline. Selection is competitive and applicants are normally expected to demonstrate strong academic performance at undergraduate level or equivalent professional experience.
• Applicants without an honours degree may be considered if they have substantial relevant professional experience and evidence of research potential.
• A clear research proposal or statement of research interests and identification of a potential supervisor is usually required as part of the application to ensure project feasibility and supervision capacity.
• English language proficiency is required for applicants whose first language is not English; typical requirements align with standard postgraduate English criteria (for example, an IELTS or equivalent score at postgraduate level).
• Acceptance may be subject to meeting university postgraduate admission regulations and any additional conditions set by the College of Sciences or the supervising academic unit.

Career prospects

Graduates leave equipped for careers in research and technical leadership across the primary sector. Common pathways include roles as research scientists in universities, Crown Research Institutes and industry R&D teams; technical and extension officers for government agencies and industry bodies; farm and production consultants; policy analysts and advisers working on agri-environmental regulation and rural development; and quality and innovation roles within agribusiness and food companies. Many graduates also use the Master’s as preparation for doctoral study and academic careers.

Why study at Lincoln University

• Lincoln is New Zealand’s specialist land-based university with a long-standing focus on agriculture, horticulture and environmental management, providing an academic environment shaped around primary production and sustainability.
• Strong industry links and partnerships provide opportunities for applied research collaborations with farmers, industry organisations and government agencies, helping to ensure research relevance and impact.
• Access to on-campus research farms, glasshouse and laboratory facilities, and local field sites supports practical, field-based research projects across farm systems and supply chains.
• Supervisors are research-active academics with expertise across the spectrum of plant, animal, soil and socio-economic aspects of agriculture, offering tailored supervision and postgraduate training.
• The university emphasises interdisciplinary approaches to contemporary challenges such as climate resilience, sustainable intensification and value-chain innovation, preparing graduates to address complex problems in the primary sector.