phd in australia in animal nutrition

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Animal Nutrition

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The nutrition group of Animal Science at UNE has a proud history of world-leading research activity and innovative teaching approaches. The group has an enviable reputation in the fields of ruminant and monogastric nutrition for both educational and research opportunities. The nutrition group offers units of study dedicated to animal nutrition as well as contributing to other units that cover a broader range of animal production issues. Staff of the nutrition group have involvement in research, consultancy and education activities throughout Australia and the world and two of the professors currently hold positions as Chief Executive Officers of the Sheep and Poultry Cooperative Research Centres.

Why study Animal Nutrition at UNE?

The nutrition group of Animal Science at UNE has a proud history of world-leading research activity and innovative teaching approaches. The group has an enviable reputation in the fields of ruminant and monogastric nutrition for both educational and research opportunities. The nutrition group offers units of study dedicated to animal nutrition as well as contributing to other units that cover a broader range of animal production issues. Staff of the nutrition group have involvement in research, consultancy and education activities throughout Australia and the world and two of the professors currently hold positions as Chief Executive Officers of the Sheep and Poultry Cooperative Research Centres. We offer flexible delivery modes, we may have great facilities in the area, we have low student/staff ratios and offer a more personal experience. We rank highly for student satisfaction. We offer a relaxed and friendly environment. Our staff are highly qualified and respected. Graduate career prospects are great.

To learn more about teaching and research please visit the School of Environmental and Rural Science .

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Agriculture Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Animal Science Bachelor of Rural Science

Bachelor Honours

Bachelor of Science with Honours

Postgraduate Coursework

Graduate Certificate in Agriculture Master of Science in Agriculture

Postgraduate Research

Doctor of Philosophy Master of Rural Science

ANUT300 / 500 - Applied Animal Nutrition ANPR211 - Animal Production Systems and Products ANPR321 - Animal Function, Health and Welfare ANPR340 - Feedlot Management ANSC201 - Animal Structure and Function PLTY301 / 501 - Poultry Production WOOL512 - Sheep Production

ERS501 - Applied Research Skills in Environmental and Rural Science SCI500 - Research Methods in the Sciences

Expertise in animal nutrition offers diverse and exciting career opportunities throughout the world. Animal nutritionists work as private consultants, advisors at industry, national and international levels, researchers in both the private and public sectors, educators, company representatives, products sales and development personnel and practitioners in their own animal enterprises.

• Department of Agriculture - Australia
• DPI - New South Wales
• DPI - Victoria
• Department of Agriculture and Food - Western Australia
• Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment - Tasmania
• DAFF - Queensland
• Department of Primary Industries & Regions - South Australia
• Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry & Fisheries

Industry Bodies

• New South Wales Farmers Association
• Victorian Farmers' Federation
• Primary Producers SA
• Western Australian Farmer's Federation
• Pastoralists' & Graziers' Association of WA
• Tasmanian Farmers' & Graziers' Association
• Poultry CRC
• Livestock Library

Conferences

• Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition Conference
• Australian Association of Animal Sciences Conference (formerly Australian Society of Animal Production)
• Australian Poultry Science Symposium
• Nutrition Society of Australia Conference

The University of New England has remarkable facilities relevant for animal nutrition teaching and research including over 10,000 acres which support sheep flocks, cattle herds and poultry sheds. Four animal houses including several animal nutrition metabolism units are also located on the university campus. A 2000-head cattle research feedlot ('Tullimba'), managed by the Beef CRC is considered to be one of the most advanced facilities for measuring animal feeding efficiency in the world. Some of Australia's best equipped lecture theatres and nutrition laboratories designed for research analysis and teaching are also located in the animal science section of the university campus.

For general and administrative enquiries, AskUNE .

Enquiries about studying animal nutrition at UNE can be made to:

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The University of New England respects and acknowledges that its people, courses and facilities are built on land, and surrounded by a sense of belonging, both ancient and contemporary, of the world's oldest living culture. In doing so, UNE values and respects Indigenous knowledge systems as a vital part of the knowledge capital of Australia. We recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of the Aboriginal community and pay our respects to the Elders past, present and future.

PhD (Food Science)

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Develop your research skills in food science and nutrition and contribute to the field through research and knowledge discovery. 

You're viewing program information for local students.

RMIT considers you a local student if you are:

• a citizen or permanent resident of Australia, or
• a New Zealand citizen, or
• a person seeking asylum who holds either a: Temporary Protection Visa (TPV), or Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) or Bridging Visa E or Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) visa or Temporary Humanitarian Concern Visa.

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If you are unsure or hold a different visa type, please contact  Study@RMIT for more information.

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You're viewing program information for international students..

RMIT considers you an international student if you are:

• intending to study on a student visa, or
• not a citizen or permanent resident of Australia, or
• not a New Zealand citizen, or
• not a a person seeking asylum who holds either a: Temporary Protection Visa (TPV), or Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) or Bridging Visa E or Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) visa or Temporary Humanitarian Concern Visa.

If you are unsure or  hold a different visa type, please contact  Study@RMIT for more information.

Not an international student?

Not applicable

Research Training Scheme

See admissions

AU$37,440 (2025 annual)

Use your advanced research skills to contribute to new developments in food sciences and nutrition.

RMIT's clinical and experiential research projects contribute to the growth and development of food sciences and nutrition in Australia.

Under expert supervision, you will develop your skills and join researchers already active in:

• application of nanotechnology to food products
• bioprocessing
• biosensors, food microbiology and safety
• encapsulation of micronutrients, enzymes, probiotics and essential fatty acids
• emerging technologies for improving texture and flavour of variety of food products
• food, nutrition and health (nutrigenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, nutritional immunology)
• functionality of dietary fibre from agricultural byproducts and native foods
• gut microflora, probiotics, prebiotics and health
• non-thermal technologies for added value
• structure-function relationships of dairy, plant and alternate proteins for food products.
• consumer perception of food for outer space applications.

This PhD may be undertaken in a project, thesis with publication or thesis mode. Prospective candidates should discuss these modes of submission with their potential supervisor/s.

The School of Science is renowned for technical expertise and understanding of the commercial realities and needs of different industry sectors. Partnerships with industry leaders and collaborative work with experts from other disciplines shape a range of solutions to world problems.

How you will learn

Research at rmit, time spent on research.

Full-time candidates are expected to commit at least four days per week (or at least two days per week for part-time candidates) to their research. The academic year is 48 weeks.

Regular contact with your supervisor

A schedule of meetings with your supervisor/s must be established to assess progress against milestones and timely completion.

Resources, facilities and support

You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

You will be part of an active research community and have access to resources and workshops to help you succeed.

School of Graduate Research

The School of Graduate Research works with Schools to further support candidates during their postgraduate research degree.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

Learning outcomes

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the  learning outcomes .

Electives and course plan

You will complete this program under academic supervision.

The PhD program is structured to enable you to:

• complete a compulsory research methods course
• receive training in research integrity and ethics
• select studies in qualitative and quantitative research techniques
• complete a thesis/project which demonstrates your original contribution to the field and your ability to communicate complex or original research for peers and the community to an international standard

Research integrity modules

You are required to complete the online modules:

• Research integrity
• Copyright and intellectual property

Research methods for sciences

Research methods courses step you through the literature review and preparing your research proposal for confirmation of candidature. They are taught in large discipline groups.

You may need to complete an ethics module to ensure your research is ethical and responsible.

Research techniques

You may elect to take (where relevant) electives in qualitative or quantitative research techniques once data collection has begun. You can use your own data to explore different research analysis techniques. Your supervisor will help you decide when you should take these electives.

Co-curricular activities

You are encouraged to participate in activities offered with the university, college and school according to your needs and interests.

This PhD may be undertaken in a project, thesis by publication or thesis mode. Prospective candidates should discuss these modes of submission with their potential supervisor/s.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

*The maximum duration of the PhD program is 4 years full-time and 8 years part-time. However, candidates are expected to complete their program within 3-4 years full-time equivalent and 6-8 years part-time equivalent.

*The maximum duration of the PhD program is 4 years full-time. However, candidates are expected to complete their program within 3-4 years full-time equivalent.

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

You will be able to pursue an academic career in a university or be employed in senior leadership and management positions in government, scientific and industrial research laboratories.

Entry requirements and admissions

Minimum requirements for admission, prerequisites, selection tasks.

The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program are:

• A bachelor's degree requiring at least four (4) years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology subjects that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year.  OR
• A master's degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction average; OR 
• A master's degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average;  OR
• Evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

At RMIT a grade of distinction represents academic achievement of 70% or higher and a high distinction is 80% or higher.

If you are a current master by research candidate, you are able to apply for a transfer to a doctor of philosophy program through the process prescribed in the  RMIT Higher Degree by Research policy .

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

These entrance requirements are the minimum academic standard you must meet in order to be eligible to apply for the program. You will need to complete a selection task as part of your application.

A selection process will be conducted in conjunction with the School and supervisors you nominate.

For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see  How to apply – Research programs .

English language requirements

Research proposal and supervisor.

You must attach a substantive research proposal that is 2 to 5 pages in length which articulates the intent, significance and originality of the proposed topic using the following headings:

a) title / topic b) research questions to be investigated in the context of existing research/literature in the area c) significance and impact of the research d) methodology / research tasks required to undertake the research e) particular needs (e.g. resources, facilities, fieldwork or equipment that are necessary for your proposed research program, if applicable).

Your application will not be considered if you have not discussed your research topic with a proposed senior and associate supervisor or joint senior supervisors. You must provide the names of the academic staff in the school you have applied to and with whom you have discussed your proposed research.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

• IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
• TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit  English language requirements and equivalency information .

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at  RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP) .

You can gain entry to this program from a range of RMIT four-year  Bachelor and Honours degrees  or  Postgraduate  or Masters by Research programs.

Fee summary

Fee information for masters by research and doctorate (PhD) programs.

If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen you may be eligible for a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place where your tuition costs are funded by the Commonwealth Government under the RTS and you have full exemption from tuition fees.

Acceptance in an RTS place is very competitive and places are granted on the condition that you meet annual progress requirements and complete within the allotted time for your program and your status as a part-time or full-time candidate.

This means a maximum of 2 years for a full-time Masters by Research or 4 years for a PhD (or the equivalent part-time).

Contact the School of Graduate Research for more information.

The  student services and amenities fee (SSAF)  is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

In addition to the SSAF there may be  other expenses  associated with your program.

Income tax deductions

Candidates may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to their employment. See the  Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website  for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

International applicants

• Fees information  for international candidates looking to study at RMIT's Melbourne campuses.
• PhD  and  masters by research  fees for international candidates studying offshore. 

Other costs

Important fee information.

Find out more details about  how fees are calculated  and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a  refund  as a continuing international student.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information.

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

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Graduate Research

Doctor of Philosophy - Agricultural Sciences

• Arrow-right #2 in Australia for Agriculture & Forestry
• Course code: DR-PHILAGR

Course overview

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Agricultural Science helps you demonstrate academic leadership, increasing independence, creativity and innovation in your research work.

Make a significant and unique contribution

Write an 80,000 words thesis under academic supervision, which examines a specific problem, issue or topic. You’ll make a significant and original contribution to an existing area of knowledge in your field of study.

Specialise in a key research area

Unearth groundbreaking study in areas including: soil and plant health, animal health, animal production and welfare, food sciences and agribusiness.

Learn more about the specific areas of research

Gain specialist support

While researching for your thesis, you will be able to access specialist support for graduate research degree students, including: lectures and seminars, writing boot camps and workshops.

Related study areas

• Agricultural and veterinary sciences
• Agricultural sciences
• Food science

Contact-support How can we help?

Centre for Animal Science

Leading tropical livestock research and development.

The Centre for Animal Science delivers world-class research to Australia’s animal industries. We aim to increase on-farm productivity and sustainability in the northern Australian beef industry and across the livestock industries, including pigs and poultry.

We have major programs and capability in genetics and genomics; breeding and reproductive capability of northern Australian cattle breeds; welfare and ethics; pest and disease control through improved detection; monitoring and vaccine technologies; nutrition; metabolism and growth.

Research Capabilities:

Animal welfare, pests and diseases, production systems , research project information:, view research project sheets  .

Acting Centre Director Professor Timothy Mahony Tel +61 7 334 66505 [email protected]

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Facts & figures

• 18th in the QS World University Rankings (2025)
• 1st in Australia and 26th globally for Veterinary Science (QS Rankings by Subject 2024)

Animal health and veterinary science

Studying animal health and veterinary science will give you an all-inclusive appreciation of the multidisciplinary sciences involved in the veterinary and allied animal science industries, including companion animals and wildlife.

Your animal health and veterinary science studies will be in the One Health framework, ensuring you understand the linkages between veterinary health, human medicine and the environment at local, national and global levels.

If you choose to study the  Doctor of Veterinary Medicine  in the  Sydney School of Veterinary Science , you can become a practising veterinarian.

You can choose a specialist animal health or veterinary science degree, or choose to undertake animal health or veterinary science related program, major, minor, or electives within one of our other degrees.

Animal health and veterinary science courses

Specialist courses.

• Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience Graduate with an all-inclusive appreciation of the multidisciplinary sciences involved in the veterinary and allied animal science industries.
• Bachelor of Wildlife Conservation (Taronga) Develop your expertise in wildlife conservation, taught by researchers and practitioners the University of Sydney and Taronga Conservation Society Australia.
• Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Study to become a registered veterinary practitioner with this six-year degree, which is globally recognised.

Undergraduate courses

• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies
• Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science

Programs and majors available in these courses:

• Animal Production
• Animal Health, Disease and Welfare
• Wildlife Conservation

Most of these majors are also available as minors.

Postgraduate courses

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Study to become a registered veterinary practitioner in this four year degree.
• Master of Veterinary Studies (coursework) and Master of Veterinary Clinical Studies (research) This combined master by coursework and research degree is for veterinarians who want to enhance their clinical skills and/or seek to become veterinary specialists in a range of areas.

Why study with us?

• We are ranked 1st in Australia and 26th in the world for veterinary sciences by the  QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 . Our courses in animal health and veterinary science include hands-on laboratory, field, industry or clinical experience that’s relevant to your area of study.
• Our Camperdown Campus offers modern lecture theatres, advanced laboratories and a well-equipped clinical teaching hospital. Our Camden campus allows students to work directly with livestock and gain experience with the large-animal industries of sheep, dairy, pigs, cattle and aquaculture.
• You have the chance to access our University Veterinary Teaching Hospitals in Camperdown and Camden,  Taronga Zoo staff, facilities and animals, and do work placements with industry partners.
• If you choose the Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or graduate entry Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees, you will be eligible when you graduate for immediate registration with the Veterinary Practitioners Board in each state and territory in Australia, and is recognised internationally by the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (UK).

Animal health and veterinary science careers

Our graduates can be found in many settings and roles, including:

• animal breeding program manager
• animal health and quarantine manager
• animal nutritionist
• animal production manager
• biosecurity scientist
• biotechnologist
• medical researcher
• microbiologist
• molecular geneticist
• national parks and wildlife services officer
• reproductive technologist
• sustainable agriculturalist
• veterinarian

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Scholarships, related news, animal health careers, what’s the difference between the animal health, biology and conservation degrees.