Bachelor of Science (Food Technology and Nutrition)
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 3 years -
Location
Bundoora, Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, July
Entry score
ATAR 63.10
Duration
Full-time 3 years Location
Melbourne city, Bundoora Fees
AU$34,560 (2019 annual)
Next intake
February, July
Overview
Your career as a food scientist
With a food science degree, you can pursue a range of career paths in areas such as processing, manufacturing, packaging, marketing, research, quality assurance, product development and education.
How you will learn in this program
You’ll spend a high proportion of time in the laboratory and at the Bundoora-based pilot plant, undertaking production trials and development projects.
The course culminates in capstone experiences which include work integrated learning activities, where you’ll apply your learning in a workplace context.
The practical work and hands-on time in the lab cemented so many concepts. In the final year, industry experts come in to teach, assess and evaluate us. I spent a placement in Tasmania doing research in a state-of-the-art facility that manufactures long shelf life foods. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
- Celia King, Bachelor of Science (Food Technology and Nutrition)
A leader in food science and technology
Our $15 million Food Research and Innovation Centre is a world-class facility that brings together multidisciplinary research and development capabilities in all areas related to post-farm gate food production (i.e. after it leaves the farm)
Students have access to the latest technologies, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in product development, food safety and quality assurance.
Together with our broad industry network and links with leading institutions globally, students have access to insight and experiences that make them highly sought after as graduates.
Details
The food technology and nutrition program is about the science of large-scale food manufacturing, and making it safe and nutritious to meet consumers’ needs.
In this program you’ll learn the full range of theoretical and practical aspects of food science, technology and nutrition.
You’ll also be able to develop novel, healthy and functional food products that meet consumer demands and comply with government and industry’s strict safety and health guidelines.
In the first three semesters you will take foundation courses, such as chemistry and microbiology, and will be introduced to food processing and nutrition. Later your studies will focus more on courses related to your major.
The nutrition major focuses on human health and nutrition. The food technology major deals with traditional and novel technologies employed in the manufacture of food products, as well as sensory evaluation of foods, product development and quality assurance.
At our Bundoora campus you will have access to modern facilities to apply your knowledge and develop technical skills. These include:
- food pilot plant
- product development laboratory
- fully-equipped, computerised sensory and consumer testing suite
- food and nutrition research laboratory
- food analysis and characterisation laboratory microbiology laboratory
- temperature controlled rooms
- dry goods storage
- dry and wet preparation areas
You’ll spend a high proportion of time in the laboratory and at the Bundoora-based Food Innovation and Research Centre undertaking production trials and development projects.
The program culminates in capstone experiences which include work integrated learning activities, where you’ll apply your learning in a workplace context.
Inside the course
Students choose RMIT’s Bachelor of Science (Food Technology and Nutrition) because it gives them the skills and experience to realise their different career ambitions.
You will have the opportunity to work on projects linked to industry. Past projects have involved working in research and development to design new processes or create new food products, and a labelling project that promotes a product's nutritional profile.
Industry is involved with our quality assurance course, with projects designed and assessed by representatives of the industry.
RMIT partners with over 200 organisations around the world to provide you with global work and study opportunities.
Recent graduates have spent time studying food science and technology programs in England, Ireland, Germany and other European countries.
Years 1 and 2
In the first three semesters, you will study basic science courses such as chemistry, microbiology and mathematics, as well as courses that introduce you to the food industry and nutrition.
In the second half of your second year, streaming into major areas begins. There are two majors available in this degree: food technology and nutrition.
You’ll develop skills in these areas through courses that cover nutrition, health and how these are affected by processing.
Advanced science courses will provide a thorough background in your chosen major. These are conducted in modern laboratories and a pilot plant facility that reflect industry environments.
Year 3
In the food technology stream, you will learn how to develop and manage the production of safe, healthy, nutritious and convenient foods that meet consumer expectations.
The nutrition stream helps you learn to improve the nutritional quality of our manufactured food supply, creating safe and nutritious foods that taste good and have a balanced nutritional profile.
You'll also have the opportunity to develop different products in a pilot plant setting. Industry visits also provide context to your studies.
A capstone work-integrated learning course will provide you with an opportunity to reverse engineer a food product and/or design your own product to meet a market need.
In both the food technology and nutrition majors, you will undertake a second work-integrated learning course applicable to those disciplines.
Two university electives will give you the opportunity to broaden your interests or pursue courses that may be useful adjuncts to the program.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science (Food Technology and Nutrition) | City Campus |
3 years full time
|
3 years full time
|
BP199P7 | 048768M |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP199
Career
Food scientists use analytical techniques to test properties of food including nutritional value, flavour, and levels of various substances. They test foods to provide product information, ensure the safety of food products and ensure that food manufacturing processes meet government and industry standards.
Food scientists explore and develop new products, manufacturing methods and conduct sensory evaluation of products. They can also investigate and set safety and quality standards for production, packaging and marketing.
Evaluating the nutritional value of foods is a vital aspect of food science. Nutritionists specialise in studying the health aspects of food as well as food composition, consumption and regulation.
Graduates of this program have found jobs with major food companies such as:
- Nestlé
- Cadbury
- Simplot
- Heinz
- Mondelez
Graduates of the food technology stream find jobs with large food processing companies in research and development, marketing or quality assurance roles.
Graduates of the nutrition stream work for food companies in areas such as product development, marketing and regulatory affairs.
Many graduates have progressed to managerial roles in food companies, while some have taken up roles in government departments or with regulatory bodies.
Globally, food production is the world’s largest industry and is still growing and employment prospects for food scientists in Australia are excellent.
Nationally, the sector constitutes 30 per cent of Australian manufacturing, employs more than 220,000 people and generates more than $55 billion in exports annually.
Melbourne's food industry is set to double over the next 10 years as part of a government plan to make the city's northern region a major food industry hub with the assistance of RMIT University and other partners.
The Australian Government’s National Food Plan aims to increase the value of food related exports from Australia by 45 per cent and to increase food productivity by 30 per cent by 2025.
Graduates of both streams are eligible for Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) membership.
Nutrition stream graduates may also be eligible to apply for registration as a nutritionist with the Nutrition Society of Australia.
Admissions
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options.
RMIT admits students from a range of educational pathways, including Year 12 results, previous higher education or vocational education study, work experience, and for some programs - interviews, auditions or portfolios.
Gain a better understanding of the Admission criteria for this program by viewing RMIT’s Admission information.
The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., ATAR or GPA (including any adjustments).
Applicants with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent in 2016, 2017 or 2018. If applicable, this includes equity access schemes and any other adjustment factors.
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary access and participation of eligible students from SNAP partner schools.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training study
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Certificate IV or above or equivalent.
Applicants with Higher Education study
Satisfactory completion of at least four courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level or overseas equivalent.
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent more then two years ago.
You must sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Multiple Choice if:
- You have no prior Year 12, VET qualifications, HE results or relevant work experience that meet the minimum entry requirements for the program; and
- You are 19 years of age or over (as of 1 Jan 2019) and have not enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years.
The STAT Multiple Choice will satisfy Year 12 English and Year 11 Mathematics prerequisites. Applicants must meet all other prerequisites or equivalents. Learn more about RMIT STAT results.
Form: Non-Year 12 applicants may submit additional information if they would like it to be considered.
- For semester 1 intake, this can be completed through the VTAC Personal Statement online.
- For semester 2 intake, this can be completed through the personal statement in the Apply Direct application.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program will support your application into RMIT programs through an informal interview process with support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Your relevant life, work, educational and training experience as preparation for study, in addition to any formal qualifications, are all considered.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program (REAP) supports elite athlete and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
Mathematics; or
VCE Units 3 and 4 in Mathematics (any), with a study score of at least 20.
To study this program 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 (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- 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 Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Graduates may pursue further study in an area of specialisation.
Students in the nutrition stream can select electives that will allow them to undertake postgraduate studies in dietetics or education.
When you successfully complete the Bachelor of Science (Food Technology and Nutrition) and achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 and complete the pre-requisite courses, you are guaranteed entry into the Master of Food Science and Technology with 1 semester of advanced standing (equivalent to 48 credit points).
Pre-requisite 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
Alternatively you may be eligible for entry to the Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences) (Honours) or other RMIT honours or postgraduate programs.
Fees
In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958*.
* 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.
Additional expenses
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$303 maximum fee for 2019.
Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-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.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. 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 2019
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2019 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,566 per standard year |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,359 per standard year |
|
$10,958 per standard year |
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.
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 and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to the full amount of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will 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.
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 2019 is $303.
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.
The annual tuition fee for 2019 is AU$34,560.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$106,560.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.