Get ready for a unique and exciting career designing new and better ways to feed the world with the Master of Food Science from Australia’s number 1 university. You’ll be equipped to work in growing industries like product research and development, food safety and regulation, nutrition assessment and quality assurance.

The Master of Food Science was developed for science or engineering graduates seeking the specialist skills and knowledge required to excel in the food industry. It combines a strong core in food chemistry, processing, sensory science, food safety and microbiology, with career-focused electives and the opportunity to conduct an original research project.

Prepare yourself for a career in food

With this advanced, specialist degree, you will become an industry-ready practitioner ready to become a leader in an exciting range of careers.

As a food scientist, your work could involve:

Finding the best balance of ingredients to improve flavour in food formulation
Discovering healthy new foods through research
Investigating the effects of bioactive food components like prebiotics and antioxidants on health
Helping to ensure foods are safely processed and produced
Maintaining quality in food manufacturing
Making foods stay safe and stable for longer.

Wherever you choose to take your degree, you will have the scientific knowledge and experience to contribute to a healthier world.

Gain valuable research experience

In the Master of Food Science, you will plan and execute an independent piece of research and communicate the impact of this work.

You will apply your knowledge to a real research topic under the guidance of one of our world-class food science researchers, meeting regularly to discuss research planning, progress and challenges. You will learn how to conduct research, present your findings effectively and report your work in a thesis or report – important skills for your career.

If you achieve high grades and meet other requirements, you may be eligible to progress to a Master of Philosophy or PhD in Food Science.

Boost your career with industry-relevant electives

Modern scientific workplaces require workers with a range of skills and capabilities beyond the lab. You can broaden your knowledge and career possibilities by selecting electives that will prepare you for the workplace.

Learn essential skills in:

Financial and project management
Economics
Food policy and politics
Nutrition
Sustainability.

You can also take the Industry Internship elective to get hands-on experience in the food industry – the ideal way to boost your career.

Flexible options to suit your needs

As well as the Master of Food Science, we also offer shorter Graduate Diploma (1 year full time) and Graduate Certificate (6 months full time) courses. These allow you to complete some core subjects of the Master of Food Science alongside elective subjects. You can gain a qualification while exploring food science, and you can progress on to the Master of Food Science later if you wish to.

Get a taste of food science and watch Associate Professor in Food Chemistry Dr Kate Howell discuss the science behind sourdough.

¹Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022

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Master of Food Science

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Entry requirements

Entry requirements for the Master of Food Science

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