Program Overview

Master of Science (Food Science and Technology)

Overview

The food industry is one of the largest in the world. Its growth, particularly into the export market, requires a high level of technology as well as professionally trained individuals to apply that technology.

Our postgraduate courses in this discipline can offer diverse and challenging careers. The courses provide professional training to those employed in the food industry and those in science fields such as agriculture, nutrition, engineering, environmental health and consumer science.

This course extends the learning of the graduate diploma to incorporate an independent research project under the guidance of an experienced supervisor. To ensure you are ready to undertake this project you will be introduced to scientific research methods and learn to measure, interpret and describe the data effectively.

It is ideal for those wishing to increase their professional status or to diversify their career opportunities.

What you'll learn

• apply and integrate the principles and practices of food sciences and technology to the production, preservation and distribution of safe and healthy food
• apply logical and rational processes to critically analyse issues relevant to food; use appropriate technologies effectively, recognising their advantages and limitations; think creatively to generate innovative solutions
• access, critically evaluate and synthesise information from a wide range of resources using appropriate technologies and use oral and written communication effectively to a variety of audience groups.
• recognise and apply international standards and practices within the discipline and engage in food related issues that occur globally
• value cultural diversity and recognise the impact of culture on food preferences and usage
• engage in self-directed learning and reflective practice, and exhibit professional behaviour and skills, when working independently and collaboratively.

Professional recognition and accreditation

Graduates are eligible to apply for membership to the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology.

Admission criteria

• A bachelor degree or equivalent (and may require relevant work experience), bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate or graduate diploma.

English requirements

• IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)
  • Writing: 6.0
  • Speaking: 6.0
  • Reading: 6.0
  • Listening: 6.0
  • Overall band score: 6.0

Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

• Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Essential requirements for admission (including fieldwork requirements)

• Communicable diseases
• Criminal record screening and clearance

Fees and scholarships

• Domestic fee paying postgraduate: $27,398 (2025 Fee year, based on a first-year full-time study load of 200 credits)

Location

• Curtin Perth

How to apply

• Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice
• Curtin Perth: Apply now

Duration

• This course is two years full-time or equivalent part-time study.

Credit

• A full-time study load usually consists of 200 credits (approximately eight units) per year, with 100 credits (approximately four units) in each semester.
• Total credit: 400

CRICOS

• The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) Code indicates a registered program offered to international students studying in Australia on student visas.
• CRICOS code: C

Course outline

• Qualification: Master of Science (Food Science and Technology)
• Duration: 2 years full-time
• Credit: 400
• CRICOS: C
• Location: Curtin Perth

Deadlines for applying direct to Curtin

• Semester 1, 2025: Applications now closed!
• Semester 2, 2025: Applications now open!
• Semester 1, 2026: Applications now open!
• Semester 2, 2026: Applications open on 6 April 2026

Course essentials

• Qualification: Master of Science (Food Science and Technology)
• Duration: 2 years full-time
• Credit: 400
• CRICOS: C
• Location: Curtin Perth

Course structure

• View course structure

Specialisations

• Actuarial Financial Mathematics Specialisation
• Advertising Design Specialisation
• Animation and Game Design Specialisation
• Anthropology and Sociology Specialisation
• Asian Studies Specialisation
• Chinese Language Specialisation
• Construction Management Specialisation
• Corporate Screen Production Specialisation
• Creative Writing Specialisation
• Design Thinking and Visual Communication Specialisation
• Designing Fashion Specialisation
• Digital and Social Media Specialisation
• Environmental Management Minor
• Environmental Planning Specialisation
• Fashion Design Specialisation
• Fine Art Specialisation
• Food Science Minor
• Forensic Studies Minor
• Geophysics Minor
• Geospatial Technology Minor
• Go Global – Internship Specialisation 1
• Go Practice – Internship Specialisation 1
• Graphic Design Specialisation
• Graphics Specialisation
• Illustration Specialisation
• Indigenous Australian Cultural Studies Specialisation
• Interior Architecture – Applied Interior Design Specialisation
• Interior Architecture Specialisation
• International Development Specialisation
• Landscape Restoration Minor
• Landscape and Natural Resource Management Specialisation
• Mapping and Land Planning Minor
• Metallurgy Minor
• Mining Minor
• Optimisation Minor
• Photography Specialisation
• Principles of Planning Specialisation
• Screen Production Specialisation
• Social Inclusion and Equity Specialisation
• Social Justice Specialisation
• Strategic Studies Specialisation
• Theatre Arts Specialisation
• Urban Design and Planning Specialisation
• Web Media Specialisation
• Web Presence Specialisation

FAQs

• You might find your answer in our frequently asked questions.

Ask a question

• Submit your question via our online form and we’ll get back to you.

Call us

• 8:30am to 4:30pm weekdays (Tuesday from 9:30am)

Visit us

• You’ll find Curtin Connect in building 102 on the Perth campus.
• 8:30am to 4:30pm weekdays (Tuesday from 9:30am)