| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-05-01 | - |
| 2025-07-01 | - |
| 2026-02-01 | - |
| 2026-04-01 | - |
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)
Curtin University
Overview:
Curtin University is a public research university located in Perth, Western Australia. It is known for its strong focus on research and innovation, particularly in the fields of mining, engineering, and health sciences. Curtin offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as professional development courses. The university has a global presence with campuses in Dubai, Malaysia, Mauritius, and Singapore.
Services Offered:
Curtin University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Learning Support:
Disability planning, industry placements, global study opportunities, and access to learning and study spaces.Campus Life:
Accommodation options, information about living in Perth, food and retail services, regional study opportunities, sports and social clubs, health and wellbeing resources, and campus events.International Student Support:
Assistance with moving to Australia, application procedures, English language programs, and opportunities to meet with university representatives in their home countries.Financial Assistance:
Information on fees and charges, financial assistance programs, and scholarships.Career Support:
Access to career advisors and resources to help students with their career planning.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Curtin University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:
Sports and Recreation:
Joining sports teams, participating in recreational activities, and attending campus events.Social Clubs:
Joining student clubs and societies based on their interests.Campus Events:
Attending lectures, workshops, and social events organized by the university.Global Study Opportunities:
Studying abroad at one of Curtin's international campuses or participating in exchange programs.Key Reasons to Study There:
High Graduate Employment Rate:
Curtin University has the highest rate of graduates finding full-time employment among Western Australia's public universities.Research Excellence:
Curtin's research is rated at or above world standard, with a strong focus on innovation.Global Recognition:
Curtin is ranked second in the world for mineral and mining engineering.Diverse and Inclusive Campus:
Curtin celebrates diversity and aims to create a welcoming environment for all students.Strong Industry Partnerships:
Curtin collaborates with industry, government, and First Nations people to create meaningful change and solve real-world problems.Academic Programs:
Curtin University offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Agriculture, Environment and Sustainability
Architecture and Construction
Arts and Creative Industries
Business, Innovation, Management and Law
Culture, Society and Indigenous
Education
Engineering, Mining and Surveying
Health
Information Technology
Physical Sciences, Geoscience and Mathematics
Other:
Curtin University is committed to sustainability and has a strong focus on addressing the UN's global sustainable development goals. The university also has a strong commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement and aims to embed their voices and perspectives in its decision-making.
