Program Overview

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Master of Engineering Science in Food Process Engineering

The Master of Engineering Science in Food Process Engineering is a two-year postgraduate degree offered by Australia's leading engineering faculty. This program allows students to specialize in food processing and food manufacturing.

Overview

The program is designed for students with a four-year accredited engineering degree, broadening their career opportunities through cross-training, re-training, or specialization. Students will learn the latest processing technologies and core principles of food engineering, covering essential areas such as:

• Food engineering
• Product quality
• Food safety and quality assurance
• Food packaging
• Industry best practices in food technology

Why Study at UNSW?

UNSW has been a pioneer in Food Science, Technology, and Nutrition for over 65 years, with a strong focus on developing sustainable solutions in the energy, resources, health, and food sectors. The university is ranked #1 in Australia and #25 globally for Engineering and Technology.

Benefits of Studying with UNSW

• Strong partnerships with industry in education, research, training, and employment
• Learning in new facilities with purpose-built modern laboratories and collaborative learning spaces
• Work-integrated learning elective allowing students to apply what they learn in industry placements as part of their degree
• UNSW is known for its graduate employability, with UNSW awarded the Most Employable students for six years in a row

Program Code and Campus

• Program Code: 8338
• CRICOS Code: A
• Campus: Kensington

Total Units of Credit

The total units of credit for the program are 96.

Entry Requirements

There are two entry points into this Master of Engineering Science specialization, depending on the student's cognate background. Both entry points equate to the same duration of 2 years (96 UOC) and differ only in the order and structure of core foundation courses.

Students with a Cognate Background

Entry into the Master's program requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in a cognate discipline. A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor's degree is mandatory.

Students with a Non-Cognate Background

Students with a non-cognate background can enter the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway. Entry into the pathway requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in any engineering discipline. A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor's degree is mandatory.

Cognate Disciplines

Cognate disciplines include:

• Applied Chemistry
• Biochemical Engineering
• Biochemistry
• Bioengineering
• Biology
• Biomolecular Engineering
• Bioprocessing
• Biosciences
• Biotechnology
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemical Technology
• Chemistry
• Food and Agribusiness
• Food and Agriculture
• Food Engineering
• Food Process Engineering
• Food Processing
• Food Safety
• Food Safety and Quality
• Food Science
• Food Science and Engineering
• Food Science and Human Nutrition
• Food Science and Management
• Food Science and Nutrition
• Food Science and Technology
• Food technology
• Grape Wine Engineering
• Materials Engineering
• Nutritional Sciences
• Polymer Engineering
• Polymer Technology

Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer)

Recognition of Prior Learning is the transfer of credit towards the program from previous study. If students have relevant previous study experience, they may be eligible for credit points that would enable them to complete their Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year or another accelerated option.

English Language Requirements

Students may be asked to provide evidence of their English proficiency to study at UNSW, depending on their educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments, and examinations.

Program Structure

The Master of Engineering Science program includes:

• Foundational courses
• Disciplinary courses
• Advanced disciplinary courses
• Engineering and Technical Management Courses
• Enquiry-based courses (product development or research thesis)

Future Careers

UNSW Food graduates are in high demand due to their high skill level, with excellent employment opportunities in the food and beverage industries, university and CSIRO research, and government regulatory bodies. Graduates of the Master of Engineering Science in Food Processing Engineering can pursue a range of professional opportunities in roles including:

• Food process engineer
• Automation engineer
• Bioprocessing engineer
• Packaging engineer
• Food waste reduction engineer
• Supply chain engineer
• Food safety systems manager
• Validation engineer
• Cold chain specialist
• 3D food printing specialist
• Digital twin engineer
• Precision fermentation engineer

Fees and Scholarships

Commonwealth Supported Place

• 2026 Indicative CSP First Year Fee: $9,500
• 2026 Indicative CSP Fee to Complete Degree: $19,000

Full Fee

• 2026 Indicative First Year Full Fee: $61,000
• 2026 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree: $127,000

The university offers various scholarships, including the UNSW Women in Engineering Research Scholarship, to support students in their studies.