Master of Food Science and Technology

Master of Food Science and Technology

POSTGRADUATE

Become an effective leader in the burgeoning food industry.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

 

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Bundoora
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$39,360 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Bundoora

Overview

With advanced technical expertise and research skills, graduates of the Master of Food Science and Technology are fully equipped to participate in the rapidly advancing field of food science and technology and apply their expertise in interdisciplinary contexts.

You’ll develop skills and knowledge in food processing and preservation; chemical properties of food materials; food safety, packaging and labelling; and food product and process innovation. You will also undertake subjects to support the wide range of technical positions required by the food industry.

If your background is in science, engineering, agriculture or other related disciplines, the Master of Food Science and Technology is designed to provide professional training in this field. If you have previously completed studies in food science and technology, this degree will enhance and expand your knowledge in the area.

Why study food science and technology at RMIT?

World-class facilities

Learn in our state-of-the-art Food Innovation and Research Centre, developing practical skills in an industry-standard setting.

Put theory into practice

Work on industry-based projects, gaining the practical experience and work-ready skills needed to thrive in this innovative sector.

Industry connected

Engage with expert academics, who have extensive experience, strong industry links and well-developed networks.

Details

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A wide range of learning environments is available to students, including lectures, tutorials, laboratory and pilot plant practicals, factory visits, online delivery and individual and/or group presentations.

Importantly, a high proportion of time is spent in industry-standard facilities, such as the Food Innovation and Research Centre. This experience provides a practical element to your learning, encouraging you to develop teamwork and time management skills.

Several subjects in this degree touch on the foundation knowledge in business management and regulation to ensure you are a productive member of a food industry team.

This degree has strong links to industry that are demonstrated through two work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences. With input from industry partners, you’ll create new products, develop manufacturing processes, or design a food quality assurance plan.

During the final semester you’ll apply your skills and advanced knowledge to an industry-focused research project. Students are encouraged to complete the research project in industry, when possible.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

There is an active Industry Program Advisory Committee (PAC) for food technology programs. Membership is chosen from food industry leaders.

The IAC advises on course development and reviews course outcomes on a regular basis. In addition, many subjects have industry practitioners who assist with the teaching.

This degree incorporates work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences where you will develop new products and/or manufacturing processes with the input of industry partners.

You'll also develop a food quality assurance plan with the guidance of industry experts.

This degree requires on campus attendance at the City and Bundoora campuses, and all practical sessions requiring the Food Innovation and Research Centre are based in Bundoora.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

The Master of Food Science and Technology consists of 192 credit points. After completing 96 credit points of study approved by the program manager, you may exit with a graduate diploma.

Year 1

Complete the following subjects:

  • Food Microbiology
  • Advanced Food Processing Technologies
  • Food Manufacturing: Plant Products
  • Food Manufacturing: Animal Products
  • Food Chemistry, or Rheology and Food Biophysics
  • Nutrition Principles, or Nutrition, Health and Disease
  • Food Product and Process Innovation
  • Food Safety Plans.

Year 2

The second year of your degree focuses on research skills, with a choice of subjects including Research Methods, Advanced Food Research Project, Work Experience Practicum and Food Research Project. You’ll also complete a selection of Science Option subjects that were not already completed.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Food Science and Technology
Program code: MC237
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Food Science and Technology
City Campus
4 semesters full time
MC237
094062G
Location
City Campus
Duration
4 semesters full time
Plan code
MC237
CRICOS
094062G
View plan
Master of Food Science and Technology
City Campus
4 semesters full time
MC237
094062G
Location
City Campus
Duration
4 semesters full time
Plan code
MC237
CRICOS
094062G
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Qualified food scientists and technologists are in high demand for research or industry-based careers in Australia and overseas.

Graduates may work in the fields of product or process innovation, product development, ingredient application, quality assurance, quality control, food safety and nutritional documentation. They may also work in manufacturing for a range of commodities including the dairy, meat, fish or poultry industries, plant-based commodities, fats and oils, confectionery and chocolate manufacturing as well as beverage industry and horticultural-based processes.

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While there is no professional body in Australia that accredits food science and technology programs, the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) is the professional body for the Australian Food Industry. RMIT staff are members of AIFST.

All Food Technology students are eligible to apply for student membership of AIFST, and upon completing this program you can upgrade your membership to Member. After completing three years of professional experience, you may apply to the AIFST to upgrade to Professional Member status.

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed:

  • An Australian bachelor degree (or overseas equivalent) in science, engineering, agriculture, nutrition, veterinary science, medical or biomedical sciences with a GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4.0 

AND

  • at least the equivalent of 12 RMIT credit points (0.125 EFTSL) in Chemistry or Biochemistry studied at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

AND

  • at least the equivalent of 12 RMIT credit points (0.125 EFTSL) in Nutrition or Microbiology studied at undergraduate or postgraduate level. 

International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in science, engineering, agriculture, nutrition, veterinary science. medical or biomedical science that includes courses/ units in chemistry or biochemistry and nutrition or microbiology with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (out of 4.0).

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

You can gain entry to this masters degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Masters advanced standing

If you have completed the RMIT Bachelor of Science (Food Technology and Nutrition) or equivalent, you may be granted credit toward particular courses within the Master of Food Science and Technology program upon producing documentary evidence of completion of similar undergraduate courses. See the table below for credit point exemption details.

If you have completed:

You will get credit for:

Course title

Credit points

Course code

Course title

Credit points

Course code

Food Chemistry

12

CHEM1083

Food Chemistry

12

CHEM1226

CHEM1287

Rheology and Biophysics

12

ONPS2435

Rheology and Biophysics

12

ONPS2448

ONPS2521

Product Development

12

ONPS1113

Food Product and Process Innovation

12

ONPS2550

Nutrition Health and Disease

12

OHTH2068

OHTH2172

Nutrition Health and Disease

12

OHTH2080

OHTH217

If you successfully complete this master's program, including the 36 credit points of research project, you may be considered for admission to a PhD program, subject to availability of a supervisor.

When you successfully complete the following programs and achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 and complete the prerequisite courses, you are guaranteed entry into the Master of Food Science and Technology with one semester of advanced standing (equivalent to 48 credit points):

Prerequisite courses include:

  • CHEM1083 or CHEM1286 Food Chemistry
  • ONPS2435 or ONPS2510 Rheology and Food Biophysics
  • ONPS1113 or ONPS2496 Product Development
  • OHTH2068 or OHTH2172 Nutrition, Health and Disease

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Master Advanced Standing

If you have completed the RMIT Bachelor of Science (Food Technology and Nutrition) or equivalent, you may be granted credit toward particular courses within the Master of Food Science and Technology program upon producing documentary evidence of completion of similar undergraduate courses. See the table below for credit point exemption details.

If you have completed:

You will get credit for:

Course title

Credit points

Course code

Course title

Credit points

Course code

Food Chemistry

12

CHEM1083

Food Chemistry

12

CHEM1226

CHEM1287

Rheology and Biophysics

12

ONPS2435

Rheology and Biophysics

12

ONPS2448

ONPS2521

Product Development

12

ONPS1113

Food Product and Process Innovation

12

ONPS2550

Nutrition Health and Disease

12

OHTH2068

OHTH2172

Nutrition Health and Disease

12

OHTH2080

OHTH217

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit.

Credits

Applicants with a bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and weightings, and reference to the learning resources.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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Entry for this program is primarily through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs).

Government financial assistance is available to eligible students regardless of the type of place you enrol in.

2024 indicative fees

Commonwealth supported places

  • 2024 Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$4,445 to AU$16,323*. 

Full-fee places

  • AU$34,560 (2024 annual fee)*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$351 maximum fee for 2024*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

  • You may be eligible to apply for a HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
  • For more information and to learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees see postgraduate study fees.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2024. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.

You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2024 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2024
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,445 per standard year
$555 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $8,948 per standard year
$1,118 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $12,720 per standard year
$1,590 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $16,323 per standard year
$2,040 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

If you are offered a full-fee place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2024 is $351.  

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

HECS-HELP Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The annual tuition fee for 2024 is AU$39,360.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$80,640.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information