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 Duration
Full-time 3 years Location
Melbourne city, Bundoora
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 degree
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 degree is about the science of large-scale food manufacturing, and making it safe and nutritious to meet consumers’ needs.
In this degree 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 degree culminates in capstone experiences which include work integrated learning activities, where you’ll apply your learning in a workplace context.
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 degree.
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 degree 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
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. Find out more about RMIT’s commitment to admissions transparency.
You must meet the minimum academic entry requirements for this program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee you entry due to the competitive nature of this program. Overseas qualifications will be assessed for Australian equivalence.
*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’s selection criteria, outlined below according to your highest completed level of education, will provide you with a better understanding of the minimum admissions requirements needed for this program.
Selection criteria
This information is for applicants who are currently undertaking an Australian Year 12 or equivalent or whose highest qualification is a completed secondary education within the last two years (2017, 2018).
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
ATAR profile
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in 2020.
This information is for applicants who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian certificate IV or above (or equivalent)
- demonstrated proficiency equivalent to Year 12 subject prerequisites of units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education program.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of at least four courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or equivalent)
- demonstrated proficiency equivalent to Year 12 subject prerequisites of units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) more than two years ago, including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
Available only to applicants currently studying Year 12
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
Available only to applicants currently studying Year 12 or whose highest qualification is a completed Year 12.
Subject adjustments
Satisfactory completion in one but no more than three of Biology, Chemistry, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or Physics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 6 points.
Regional adjustments
RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all programs that select primarily on ATAR. Low socio-economic status areas are determined by applying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation.
Available to all applicants
Equity access schemes
Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program supports you through an informal interview process where you will receive support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, higher education study or work or life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
- are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
- have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
The STAT overall score will be competitively ranked for selection.
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English and Year 11 Mathematics prerequisites. You must meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
Personal statement
If you have been excluded from a program due to academic progress you are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining the strategies you will adopt to ensure academic success.
If you are applying to RMIT through VTAC you can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via your online VTAC account.
If you are applying direct to RMIT you can upload your completed personal statement via your online direct application.
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.
Selection criteria
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 (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
This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred course. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree and helping you get the degree you want.
Use our Pathways finder or contact Study@RMIT for more information.
Credit and recognition of prior learning
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience. Find out if you might be eligible.
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
2020 indicative fees
In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$308 maximum fee for 2020.
- 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 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.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155.
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 2020
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2020 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,684 per standard year $835 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,527 per standard year |
|
$11,155 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 2020 is $308.
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 2020 is AU$35,520.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$109,440.
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.