Course details

Summary

An internationally significant career

Use your knowledge of soils to open doors to international careers in sustainable food.

WHAT IS IT LIKE?

This qualification will give you the in-depth knowledge of soils that will open up meaningful, relevant careers that address sustainable food production globally.

As an aspiring soil scientist you will deal with the productive capacity of the land and how its management impacts on the environment. At Massey we have a reputation for producing high calibre graduates that go on to work in the international agricultural research scene.

Make our expertise your own

When you study soil science, you will be able to take advantage of Massey’s expertise in land-related disciplines. We have a wide and relevant group of expertise within the university, from agriculture, horticulture and earth science to ecology, environmental management and social sciences.

You will learn from, and research with, highly-skilled internationally-recognised and active researchers in these fields, with a huge depth of knowledge and experience. Whatever focus you’d like to have in your postgraduate study and research, there is likely to be an expert at Massey who can help you dig deeper into your area of interest.

Some examples of areas you could focus your research on include:

• Sustainable nutrient management
• Soil resource mapping and interpretation
• Soil conservation
• Irrigation, drainage, water foot printing.
• Water quantity and quality
• Greenhouse gas mitigation.
• Nutrient cycling in crop and pasture systems

Careers

Play a key role

Soil scientists play a key role in understanding the earth’s land and water resources. Graduates of Massey’s soil science programmes go on to enjoy careers in regional councils and many agriculture and forestry industries. They also help with challenging tasks such as land reclamation after mining.

You will be valued by employers for your critical thinking, complex problem solving and observation skills.

Possible career paths include being an agronomist for a major fertiliser company, an environmental or resource management officer for a regional council or agricultural industry body. You could become a specialist in soil mapping and interpretation, precision agriculture, nutrient management or the environmental protection of waterways. An understanding of a soil’s production potential is valued by agricultural service industries whether you become soil conservationist, crop consultant, research technician, or a marketing manager for an agricultural firm.

Structure

You will follow a parts-based course of study, which shall consist of courses totalling at least 180 credits, comprising Part One and Part Two as defined by the Courses Schedule.

Entry criteria

Admission to the Master of Science (180 or 240 credits) requires you to have

• a Bachelor of Science degree, or close equivalent, with a major in Earth Science, Geology or Soil Science, with a minimum B average in the majoring 300 level courses; or
• a bachelor degree followed by a Graduate Diploma of Science or close equivalent, in Earth Science, Geology or Soil Science, with a minimum B average in the majoring 300 level courses.

Admission to the 120 credit Master of Science requires you to have a minimum B average for either of the following:

• a Bachelor of Science (Honours) with an endorsement in Soil Science; or
• a Postgraduate Diploma in Science with an endorsement in Soil Science

English language requirements:

• IELTS score of 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
• TOEFL iBT score of 90 overall (min 20 in Writing)
• PTE Academic score of 58 Overall (min 50 in communicative skills)
• Cambridge English score of 180