Master of Precision Agriculture
Master of Precision Agriculture
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Upcoming start dates
Semester 1 - 16 Feb 2026
Semester 2 - 13 Jul 2026
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Qualification
Taught Master's
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Duration
1.5 years full-time
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Credits
180
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Location
Lincoln University Campus
Around the world, digital technology is being employed to make agriculture more efficient, productive and sustainable. To ensure global food production meets population needs, there is strong demand for leaders with the technical skills and industry understanding to reshape the future of the agrifoods industry.
Study for free
If you're a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, residing in New Zealand at the time of study, you may be eligible for free tuition fees. Part time study options may be available. Terms and conditions apply. Learn more.
About this programme
The focus is on learning the technology-based skills, tools and applications that can grow a more productive and more sustainable agrifoods production sector.
With high-level skills and capabilities in data gathering and management, you’ll be of immense value to an exciting range of organisations and businesses.
You can complete the programme in 12 months if you start in February or July. This will include a summer semester from November to February.
How you’ll grow
- Become highly adept at using information management technologies to monitor and manage crops, animals and natural resources across a range of agricultural contexts.
- Grow your ability to discuss the principles and technologies of precision agriculture, and how they apply to cropping, horticulture and livestock cultivation.
- Evaluate how algorithms, sensors and controllable implements are used to ensure effective, precise timing of actions and responses.
- Compare and contrast precision agricultural techniques and how they influence performance, productivity, environment and economy.
- Evaluate how GIS analysis can solve ecological problems.
- Design and adapt systems that incorporate GPS, remote-sensing and multi-thematic data sets effectively through data analysis processes and GIS applications in land-based production systems.
- Recognise the value and potential of a systems-based approach to applying information technologies to decision-making, along with the potential for solving agriculture-related environmental problems through precision agriculture.
Career opportunities
This postgraduate degree expands your opportunities to work as a digitally-literate expert and decision-maker in the primary industries, with large farming corporations and food production organisations.
You’ll be eligible for roles in data-driven science, sustainable production management, strategic management or digital consultancy, with the potential to move into governance.
Programme information
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A relevant New Zealand level 7 bachelor’s degree or recognised equivalent with a B+ average or better in the 300 level and final year (full-time equivalent) courses
- IELTS 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0)
- A background in, but not limited to, engineering, computer science, agricultural science and agricultural management.
What's it going to cost?
The Master of Precision Agriculture is covered by our fee waiver. If you're a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, residing in New Zealand at the time of study, you may be eligible for free tuition fees. Part time study options may be available. Terms and conditions apply. Learn more.
If you are an international student, see our list of International Fees.
You can start studying in:
- Semester 1 (late February)
- Semester 2 (early July)
You can complete the programme in 12 months if you start in February or July. This will include a summer semester from November to February.
Graduate Attributes refer to the knowledge, skills, and values that you gain from completing your qualification. These high-level qualities will prepare you for career success, further study or research and making a valuable contribution to society in your chosen field.
Knowledge
- Discuss critically the principles and technologies of precision agriculture for cropping, horticultural and livestock enterprises in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.
- Evaluate how sensors, decision support algorithms and controllable implements are used to ensure precise timing and application of agricultural inputs.
- Justify the systems approach to applying information and decision-making technologies.
- Compare and contrast precision agriculture techniques from the perspectives of performance, environmental and economic impact.
- Evaluate how GIS analysis can solve ecological problems at a landscape scale.
Skills
- Interpret the results of literature reviews (using library databases) and research projects clearly and concisely, in various written and oral forms.
- Design and adapt systems incorporating GPS, remote sensing and other multi-thematic data sets appropriately through data analytical procedures and GIS applications and in land-based production systems.
- Manage, analyse and interpret monitoring information.
- Conceptualise and design a project, including the formulation of good questions with realistic research goals, adhering to both animal and human ethics requirements.
- Demonstrate bicultural and intercultural competency relevant to precision agriculture.
Values
- Demonstrate an appreciation of the philosophy and ethics of science research and communication.
- Recognise the potential and respect the limitations of solving environmental problems associated with agriculture using precision agriculture approaches.
- Recognise the contribution of multiple knowledges within precision agriculture.
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Entry requirements
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A relevant New Zealand level 7 bachelor’s degree or recognised equivalent with a B+ average or better in the 300 level and final year (full-time equivalent) courses
- IELTS 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0)
- A background in, but not limited to, engineering, computer science, agricultural science and agricultural management.
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Regulations and fees
What's it going to cost?
The Master of Precision Agriculture is covered by our fee waiver. If you're a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, residing in New Zealand at the time of study, you may be eligible for free tuition fees. Part time study options may be available. Terms and conditions apply. Learn more.
If you are an international student, see our list of International Fees.
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Intake semesters
You can start studying in:
- Semester 1 (late February)
- Semester 2 (early July)
You can complete the programme in 12 months if you start in February or July. This will include a summer semester from November to February.
-
Graduate Attributes
Graduate Attributes refer to the knowledge, skills, and values that you gain from completing your qualification. These high-level qualities will prepare you for career success, further study or research and making a valuable contribution to society in your chosen field.
Knowledge
- Discuss critically the principles and technologies of precision agriculture for cropping, horticultural and livestock enterprises in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.
- Evaluate how sensors, decision support algorithms and controllable implements are used to ensure precise timing and application of agricultural inputs.
- Justify the systems approach to applying information and decision-making technologies.
- Compare and contrast precision agriculture techniques from the perspectives of performance, environmental and economic impact.
- Evaluate how GIS analysis can solve ecological problems at a landscape scale.
Skills
- Interpret the results of literature reviews (using library databases) and research projects clearly and concisely, in various written and oral forms.
- Design and adapt systems incorporating GPS, remote sensing and other multi-thematic data sets appropriately through data analytical procedures and GIS applications and in land-based production systems.
- Manage, analyse and interpret monitoring information.
- Conceptualise and design a project, including the formulation of good questions with realistic research goals, adhering to both animal and human ethics requirements.
- Demonstrate bicultural and intercultural competency relevant to precision agriculture.
Values
- Demonstrate an appreciation of the philosophy and ethics of science research and communication.
- Recognise the potential and respect the limitations of solving environmental problems associated with agriculture using precision agriculture approaches.
- Recognise the contribution of multiple knowledges within precision agriculture.
Programme Structure
List A
Compulsory courses
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{{ 'ENGN 604' | except-last-word }} {{ 'ENGN 604' | last-word }}
Advanced Precision Agriculture
20 credits
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{{ 'ENGN 676' | except-last-word }} {{ 'ENGN 676' | last-word }}
Agricultural Engineering
20 credits
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{{ 'ENGN 698' | except-last-word }} {{ 'ENGN 698' | last-word }}
Research Essay
20 credits
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{{ 'ENGN 699' | except-last-word }} {{ 'ENGN 699' | last-word }}
Research Placement
20 credits
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{{ 'ERST 606' | except-last-word }} {{ 'ERST 606' | last-word }}
Advanced Geographic Information Systems A
20 credits
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{{ 'COMP 636' | except-last-word }} {{ 'COMP 636' | last-word }}
Software Development
40 credits
- Compulsory courses
- Elective courses
A course advisor can assist you to select your courses and plan your degree.
Students who have demonstrated sufficient academic ability (and with the approval of the Dean of the relevant faculty) are permitted to substitute ENGN 698-699 with a 40-credit dissertation ENGN660.
Schedule of required courses (pending approval)
- COMP 6CV Computer Vision
Plus 20 credits from the Schedule of Master's Degree courses (600-level) listed in the Lincoln University Calendar to form a coherent programme of study, and approved by the Academic Coordinator.
Programme contacts
Key information for students
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Need more info?
Email us on grow@lincoln.ac.nz
Or call us on 0800 10 60 10
If you're overseas, please call +64 3 423 0000
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