Studying Food Science in Australia

Introduction to studying a food science degree

Studying food science in Australia will allow students to delve into modules such as food chemistry, microbiology, nutrition, food engineering, and quality assurance. The curriculum is designed to balance theoretical knowledge and practical skills, often incorporating hands-on experiences in laboratories and industrial settings.

Australia is recognized for its high food safety and quality standards, making it an ideal location for studying Food Science. Renowned Australian universities often collaborate with the food industry, offering students opportunities for internships, research projects, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies. The curriculum also emphasizes sustainability and the global aspects of the food industry, preparing students for careers in an international context.

Types of Food Science Courses in Australia

Diploma in Food Science

A diploma in food science is a short degree course that teaches you how to make food healthier, tastier, and safer for consumers. The course comprises lectures and practical work where you are exposed to the food manufacturing industry and gain insights into its challenges and opportunities. 

The diploma degree in food science is divided into two parts: Stages I and II, where you will be performing food processing operations, monitoring WHS policies, implementing and monitoring sustainable work practices, conducting sensory analysis, and applying food microbiological techniques and analysis. After completing the degree, you can get into careers as a quality assurance manager, nutrition therapist, and research scientist. 

• Course duration: one year
• Course fees: $17,600
• Entry requirements: excellent academic record with English proficiency test qualifications

Bachelor’s of Food Science

This undergraduate course will teach you about food chemistry and analysis, food processing, product development, and food safety. You will also develop an understanding of the effects of food components on human nutrition and health. The curriculum is a blend of theoretical courses and practical learning. You will put your learning into practice in the final year by attending different fieldwork and doing a work placement within the industry. 

Undergraduate food science in Australia involves topics such as sustainable food products, their manufacturing, molecules, cells, and genes, an in-depth understanding of food chemistry, physics, and computing, and completing a Product Design Project Thesis at the end of the course. 

• Course duration: four years
• Course fees: $54,500
• Entry requirements: must have completed senior secondary level education or equivalent with IELTS/TOEFL scores of at least 6.5

Master’s of Food Science

The Master of Food Science in Australia will teach you advanced technical expertise and research skills and fully equip you for the food manufacturing industry. You will develop knowledge and skills in food preservation, processing, chemical properties of food, food safety and packaging, and process innovation. 

A postgraduate program will also give you an in-depth understanding of the technical methods required in the food science industry. During the course, you will engage with experts with solid industry connections and gain practical experience essential for the food sector. Some prominent careers include food scientists, quality assurance managers, nutrition experts, food technologists, and more. 

• Course duration: two years
• Course fees: $80,640
• Entry requirements: bachelor’s degree in food science with IELTS/TOEFL scores of at least 6.5

Graduate Diploma in Food Science

The Graduate Diploma in Food Science is a course designed for students from related disciplines who want to advance their knowledge and skills in food science. It gives you a deeper understanding of the agrifood business, meets or maintains professional accreditation standards, and further develops career opportunities. 

In the Graduate Certificate in Food Science, you will study subjects like food products and ingredients technology, advanced food engineering, food processing principles, food microbiology, and nutrition. After completing this course, you can enter career paths such as food safety, nutritionist, and product design. 

• Course duration: 1.7 years
• Course fees: $84,000
• Entry requirements: undergraduate degree with a minimum of 65% in a relevant field or equivalent and English language proficiency test qualifications. 

Scholarships

Australian universities offer scholarships to international students to provide financial assistance. Some scholarships are offered based on academic merit.

Jobs and Careers

Food Science graduates may work in food process innovation, product development, ingredient application, quality assurance, quality control, food safety, and nutritional documentation. They can also pursue a master’s or conduct research in the food industry. Graduates can also work in manufacturing for various products and commodities, such as meat, fish, dairy, plant-based, and beverage manufacturing industries. 

Careers in food science demand incredibly high cleanliness and safety standards, as well as excellent critical thinking, problem-solving skills, the ability to work as a team, and creativity. Some prominent career paths include nutritional therapist, quality assurance manager, marketing manager, toxicologist, and research scientist. 

Salary

The average salary for food science graduates is around $70,000 to $85,000 annually. The entry-level positions start at $65,000 annually, and the experienced-level jobs in food science degree in Australia are around $102,978 annually. Some popular food companies that hire food scientists are Premier Foods, Tesco, and Nestle. 

Top Universities for Food Science in Australia

To learn more about the best food science universities in Australia, find details on the top ranking Food Science programs in the EduRank Guide 2024 below:

Study Food Science in Australia

If you want to study a food science course at an Australian university, arrange your free consultation with SI-Australia today.

FAQ

What types of food science courses are available in Australia?

The food science courses are available in diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, and graduate diploma programs, and research in various specialisations, such as food chemistry, microbiology, food engineering, and nutrition science. 

How can I choose the right food science course and institution in Australia?

If you have a passion for food science, want to learn about the techniques used to develop, produce, store, package and transport food products, and understand how to transform agricultural products into goods sold in the markets and stores, then studying food science can be the perfect career for you. To choose the right food science course and institution in Australia, you must look for the global ranking universities offering internships and placements during the academic year. 

What career opportunities are available after completing a food science course in Australia?

Many career opportunities are available after completing a food science course in Australia. Some highly demanding jobs and careers include food scientists, nutritional therapists, and quality assurance managers. 

How long does it take to complete a food science course in Australia?

The course duration for each food science degree in Australia is different. A bachelor’s degree takes around three to four years to complete, a master’s degree takes around two years, and a diploma degree takes one year to complete.