Program Overview

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Master of Food Science MFoodSci

The MFoodSci provides students with the opportunity to gain specialist knowledge and skills in the key aspects of Food Science, including food chemistry, food safety, and food process engineering.

Programme Overview

The MFoodSci programme includes a mix of taught courses and a research project conducted under the supervision of a food science academic. The programme provides a bridge for students with an undergraduate degree in food science-related disciplines to move into the food science area. Postgraduate students in food science have a good record of employability in industry.

Programme Structure

The MFoodSci is an 18-month, 180-point programme, starting in Semester One. It's completed over three semesters full-time, with part-time options available. The programme will be delivered through lectures, seminars, laboratory work, fieldwork, and research supervision. The degree will include 90 points of compulsory taught courses (which includes a 15-point research proposal) and a research project of either 30 points or 60 points.

Sample Programme Structure

Semester 1 (60 points)

• Code: FOODSCI 703 Name: Food Processing Type: Compulsory core course Points: 15 pts
• Code: FOODSCI 707 Name: Food Science Type: Compulsory core course Points: 15 pts
• Code: FOODSCI 740 Name: Food Analysis Type: Elective course Points: 15 pts
• Code: FOODSCI 750 Name: Advanced topics in Food Science 1 Type: Elective course Points: 15 pts

Semester 2 (60 points)

• Code: FOODSCI 708 Name: Advanced Food Science Type: Compulsory core course Points: 15 pts
• Code: FOODSCI 751 Name: Advanced topics in Food Science 2 Type: Elective course Points: 15 pts
• Code: CHEMMAT 757 Name: Engineering Biotechnology Type: Compulsory core course Points: 15 pts
• Code: FOODSCI 752 Name: Research Proposal Type: Compulsory core course Points: 15 pts

Semester 3 (60 points)

• Code: FOODSCI 790 Name: Research Project Type: Elective course Points: 30 pts
• Code: FOODSCI 715 Name: Food Allergens and Intolerants Type: Elective course Points: 15 pts
• Code: FOODSCI 706 Name: Food Safety Type: Compulsory core course Points: 15 pts

Subjects Available in this Programme

• Food Science

Entry Requirements

Minimum Programme Requirements

• Study option: Taught 180 points
• Grade required: GPA 4.0
• Qualification: An undergraduate degree in Food Science or another relevant subject
• English language requirements: IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no bands below 6.0

Further Programme Requirements

• A Bachelors degree majoring in Food Science, or an equivalent subject
• Relevant subjects may include biology, biotechnology, chemistry, food process engineering, food science, and pharmacology

Tuition Fees

2026 Fees

• Domestic students: NZ$11,708.85
• International students: NZ$55,485
• Student Services Fee: $9.44 per point, estimated at $1,699.20 for full-time study (180 points)

Key Dates

Application Closing Dates

• Semester One 2026: 8 December 2025

Start Dates

• Semester One 2026: 2 March 2026
• Semester One 2027: 1 March 2027

Career Opportunities

MFoodSci graduates will receive training in food science and substantive research experience in this field. On completion of the degree, students will be equipped to apply their skills and understanding in careers in the food industry or in food science. This programme also provides a pathway to PhD studies.

Jobs Related to this Programme

• Food analysis
• Quality control and quality assurance
• Product development
• Sensory & Consumer testing
• Food manufacturing
• Technical sales
• Regulating authorities
• Academic and industry research