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  • Postgraduate
  • Degree

Master of Science

How to apply
Entry requirements
Duration
  • 2 years (or part-time equivalent)
Location
  • Ipswich
  • Toowoomba
  • External
  • Online
Start
Fees
  • AUD 9,312
  • (Indicative annual fee)

Overview

  • Be ready to make a meaningful impact through science. UniSQ’s Master of Science allows you to gain professional development in line with your individual interests, needs and prior study.  Develop expertise in your chosen science specialisation to extend your professional skillset and pave the way for career progression.  
  • Combining coursework and research, this masters degree is ideal if you’re a professional who would like to further your knowledge and skills, change your career, or if you have a degree in a different discipline.  
  • Advance your research skills and develop a research thesis through a project in your chosen specialisation.  

Specialisations in the Master of Science

  • Agricultural Science

    Drive innovation in agriculture by addressing climate, water, and food security challenges through sustainable practices.

  • Astrophysics

    Explore the universe, expand your expertise in astrophysics, and gain the skills to lead in science and discovery.

  • Environment and Sustainability

    Drive sustainable change and shape a better future – be ready to tackle the complex challenges of modern environmental and natural resource management.

  • Mathematics and Statistics

    Turn data into insight – solve real-world challenges and support informed decision-making with mathematics and statistics expertise.


Master of Science

I work full-time and am raising a young family, I needed the flexibility that online learning offered. The academic staff in mathematics, physics, and computing were incredibly supportive, knowledgeable, and passionate about their subjects.

Andrew - Science

Career outcomes

As a graduate, you can pursue advanced, specialised, and leadership-oriented roles in range of industries depending on your area of specialisation. This includes agriculture, scientific research, environmental science, data science and analytics, health and medical science, technology, education and science communication, and government and policy. 

Why study Sciences and Agriculture at UniSQ?

Explore the universe

UniSQ hosts the only ground-based support in the Southern Hemisphere for NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite mission. 

Five-star rating

Rated 5/5 stars for overall educational experience in agriculture.
(Good Universities Guide, 2025)

Feel secure in your future

#1 in Queensland for science and mathematics graduates in full-time employment.
 (Good Universities Guide, 2025)

What you'll study

To graduate from the Master of Science, you must successfully complete 16 units of study.

Degree structure

A postgraduate university degree typically comprises of advanced coursework and research opportunities, allowing you to deepen your expertise in a specific field while building upon foundational knowledge.

Choose one (1) the following specialisations
OR
(8 Units)
OR OR OR
Sport and Exercise
(8 Units)

Students complete two (2) student selection units from the list of approved courses

Students choose two (2) Student Selection Units of Level 5 or 6 course, as approved by the Program Director
OR

Students choose two (2) Student Selection Units from the below recommended electives or any postgraduate level course subject to pre-requisite requirements and enrolment rules list as approved by the Program Director
OR

Students choose two (2) Student Selection Units of Level 5 or 6 course, as approved by the Program Director
OR
OR

Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for detailed recommended enrolment patterns and course availability.

You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previous studies or relevant work experience. This could reduce the number of courses you need to study to complete your degree.

Degree requirements

You will be required to attend on-campus residential schools as part of this degree. During these sessions, you will attend face-to-face practical classes and workshops, use the laboratory facilities and specialised equipment, and engage with staff and fellow students.

Other study options

If you’re interested in further study, after completion of this degree you can go on to study the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (if you meet all the entry requirements).

Entry requirements

There are many ways to be considered for entry into a UniSQ degree based on your education, work experience and relevant personal attributes. You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this postgraduate degree.

  • Completion of an Australian university 3-year bachelor degree, or equivalent, in any area
    or
  • equivalent professional work experience, as determined through the Credit and Exemption procedure.

You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires:

  • IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Alternative English language proficiency tests may also be accepted.

Entry pathways

There is more than one way to get into university, and if you're not sure about your entry options get in touch to discuss.

Fees and scholarships

Commonwealth supported AUD 9,312
The Federal Government contributes to the cost of your degree, and you need to pay a student contribution.
  • This estimated 2025 annual fee is based on the current average rate for your first year of study (8 units per year) and does not include cost of materials such as textbooks, additional costs or the Student Services and Amenities fee
  • This is an indicative guide only and your fees will vary depending on the courses you select, with the actual rates calculated at enrolment.
  • We review our fees annually and they may increase each year.
  • Further details are available on the Fees website.

Additional costs

You may be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee as part of your degree cost.

This degree includes an on-campus residential school component that involves travel, accommodation, and meal expenses.

Payment options

You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP is a government loan scheme that allows you to defer payment until your income reaches a certain threshold. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP.

You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Services Australia.

UniSQ Scholarships

We offer scholarships for academic excellence, community leadership, and financial need - you can apply for more than one!

Find out more

How to apply

Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.

Apply
Degree code
MSCN

You can select to start your study in Trimester 1, 2 or 3.

Study period  Application closing date Orientation  Start date
Trimester 1, 2025  Monday 10 February Monday 3 February  Monday 10 February 
Trimester 2, 2025 Monday 26 May Monday 19 May Monday 26 May 
Trimester 3, 2025 Monday 8 September Monday 1 September Monday 8 September
Trimester 1, 2026  Monday 16 February Monday 9 February  Monday 16 February 

More information on application key dates is available.

Preparing to apply

You've made the decision to study at UniSQ - congratulations! Take the next steps:

Each degree has unique entry requirements so it’s essential to know the specifics for your chosen degree.

The entry requirements for your degree will provide you with details regarding the documentation to provide. These may include:

  • interviews and selection criteria
  • CV/resume or LinkedIn profile
  • referee reports.

Application dates can vary so be sure to check our key dates to get all the details.

Apply online directly to UniSQ for your chosen degree.

After you’ve submitted your application, you will be emailed a reference number. You will be notified via email the outcome of your application within 10 business days.

Follow the link in your email from UniSQ or log in to the application portal to accept your offer.

Find out more

Connect with us - start a conversation, whenever suits you.

Live Chat

Available 5 days a week
Chat now

Phone

Freecall
1800 269 500

Email

Email us at study@unisq.edu.au

Appointment

Book an appointment

Frequently asked questions

A Master of Science is a postgraduate university qualification with a focus on scientific, engineering and mathematical courses/research. You’ll develop your science skills and knowledge according to your personal interest and future goals. To earn a Master of Science degree you generally need to complete a series of courses in your chosen specialisation which includes relevant research or thesis work depending on which learning institution you study with.

Common abbreviations of a Master of Science include M.Sc and M.S.

During your Master of Science degree, you will likely attend lectures either online or on-campus as well as participate in practical sessions and demonstrations. This ensures you receive a solid scientific foundation, preparing you to further your career or diversify your employment options.

Would you like to talk through your study options? Get in touch and we can provide you with the personalised support and advice you need.

Your career options with a Master of Science qualification will vary depending on your specialisation and if you’d like to work in private or public sectors. Master of Science graduates enjoy lucrative careers in:

  • Business System Analyst
  • Climatologist
  • Data Analyst or Scientist
  • Environmental Scientist or Consultant
  • Financial Analyst
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Market Researcher
  • Mathematician
  • Software Engineer
  • Sports Development Specialist
  • Space Scientist or Engineer.

A Master of Science degree will take you approximately 2 years to complete. Some students choose to study part-time which increases the time it takes to finish the required courses.

If you would like to change careers, progress in your current career, cross-skill, enhance your existing knowledge, or explore another discipline of study, a Master of Science degree may be a great fit for you!

With a Masters degree you are likely to open up more job opportunities and an increased earning potential due to the specialised knowledge you’ll have gained during your postgraduate studies.

Yes! At UniSQ we understand balancing work, life and family commitments with your study is important.

You have the option to study these specialisation both on-campus or externally:

These specialisations are only available to study externally:

If you choose to study externally you learn your subject theory online and attend on-campus residential schools if required.

Discover more about the ways you can study at UniSQ.

What you will learn during your Master of Sciences studies will vary depending on the learning institution you choose and the courses you select. Generally science, technology, engineering and mathematics are common subject areas covered in Master of Science degree.

At UniSQ, you can choose from a variety of Master of Science specialisation to align with your interests and goals including:

To gain entry into the Master of Science at UniSQ you either need a 3 year-bachelor degree or equivalent, or equivalent professional work experience.

If you don’t need these entry requirements, we offer a number of bachelor degrees for you to study to help you gain entry into the Master of Science.

Would you like to talk through your study options? Get in touch and we can provide you with the personalised support and advice you need.

The cost of a Master of Science degree in Australia will vary depending on the education provider and specialisation you choose.

When you study with us, the first year of your studies will cost approximately AUD 7950 (Commonwealth supported place), not including:

  • Student services and amenities fees
  • Residential school costs.

Please view the fees and scholarships section of your preferred specialisation for details.

There are many great reasons to study a Master of Science at the University of Southern Queensland.

  • According to the Good Universities Guide 2025, we are rated 5/5 stars for sciences and mathematics:
    • learning resources
    • overall educational experience
    • student support
    • teaching quality.
  • UniSQ hosts the only ground-based support in the Southern Hemisphere for NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite mission.
  • UniSQ's science research centres lead research in health research, sustainable agricultural systems, crop heath, astrophysics, future materials, applied climate Science and more.