Master of Food Science

Programme Overview

The Master of Food Science at the University of Auckland is an 18-month, 180-point taught programme delivered across three semesters full-time. It is designed to provide students with specialist knowledge and skills in the key aspects of food science, including food chemistry, food safety, food process engineering, and food analysis. The programme combines taught courses with a supervised research project, which may be conducted in collaboration with an industry partner either on campus or at the partner's site.

The MFoodSci serves as a bridge for graduates from food science or related disciplines who wish to deepen their technical expertise and move into specialist food science careers. The programme is delivered through lectures, seminars, laboratory work, fieldwork, and research supervision. Students who complete the degree are eligible to apply for entry to a PhD, providing a clear pathway into academic or advanced industry research.

Postgraduate students in food science at the University of Auckland have a strong record of graduate employability in industry, and graduates leave equipped to contribute directly to food manufacturing, product development, quality assurance, and regulatory roles.

What You'll Study

Compulsory Core Courses – Semester 1

• FOODSCI 703 Food Processing
• FOODSCI 707 Food Science

Compulsory Core Courses – Semester 2

• FOODSCI 708 Advanced Food Science
• CHEMMAT 757 Engineering Biotechnology
• FOODSCI 752 Research Proposal

Compulsory Core Course – Semester 3

• FOODSCI 706 Food Safety

Elective Courses (choose to complete 180 points total)

• FOODSCI 740 Food Analysis
• FOODSCI 750 Advanced Topics in Food Science 1
• FOODSCI 751 Advanced Topics in Food Science 2
• FOODSCI 715 Food Allergens and Intolerances
• FOODSCI 790 Research Project (30 points) — for students entering the workforce
• Dissertation option (60 points) — available to students meeting a minimum GPA threshold, and required for PhD eligibility
  
  Note: Students pursuing the research project (30 points) will predominantly be those seeking direct entry into the workforce. A minimum GPA is required to enrol in the dissertation option.

Why Choose This Programme?

• Industry-Integrated Research: The research project or dissertation may be undertaken in partnership with an industry organisation, with work conducted on campus or at the industry site — giving students real-world experience alongside academic rigour
• Strong Graduate Employability: Food science postgraduates from the University of Auckland have an excellent track record of employment in the food industry across New Zealand and internationally
• Pathway to PhD: Graduates who meet the academic threshold for the dissertation option are eligible to apply directly for a PhD, opening doors to academic and advanced industry research
• Flexible Study Options: Part-time study is available, making the programme accessible to working professionals
• Specialist Faculty: The programme is led by Professor Siew-Young Quek in the School of Chemical Sciences, within the Faculty of Science

Entry Requirements

Academic (Domestic): A Bachelor's degree majoring in Food Science or an equivalent relevant subject (which may include biology, biotechnology, chemistry, food process engineering, or pharmacology) with a GPA of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II. Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement may gain entry by first passing 60 points towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Food Science.

Academic (International): A Bachelor of Science in Food Science or another relevant subject from a recognised university, with a GPE of 4.0 or higher. Relevant subjects include biology, biotechnology, chemistry, food process engineering, food science, and pharmacology. Applicants who do not meet the GPE requirement may gain entry via the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Food Science pathway.

English: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no individual band score lower than 6.0.

Performance: The programme is completed over three semesters full-time (18 months). A minimum GPA is required to enrol in the 60-point dissertation; students who do not meet this threshold complete the 30-point research project instead. Part-time study is available.