Master of Science specialising in Global Food and Nutrition Science

Postgraduate

Mode

On campus

Start date

February, July Key study dates

Campus

Waite Campus, Adelaide City Campus

Duration

2 year(s) full-time

Program code

MASCI

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$58,900

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6 IELTS Listening 6 IELTS Speaking 6 IELTS Writing 6 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115957B

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

A completed bachelor (AQF level 7) or bachelor honours (AQF level 8) degree in a discipline aligned with the selected specialisation from a recognised higher education institution; OR
A completed graduate certificate (AQF level 8) or higher from a nested program or discipline aligned with the selected specialisation from a recognised higher education institution.

This degree requires a Grade Point Average (GPA) equivalent to an Adelaide University 5.0 on a 7-point scale for entry.

Aligned disciplines for each specialisation include:

Biotechnology - genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology or related;
Environment and Conservation - ecology, environmental chemistry and biology (or related), earth science;
Global Food and Nutrition Science - food and nutrition;
Medical Radiation Physics - science (physics), engineering;
Mineral Geoscience - earth science, geology, geophysics, environmental geoscience, mineral geoscience.

Recognition of prior learning

Adelaide University is committed to recognising the contribution of students’ prior learning towards their program requirements. Credit may be granted for formal, informal, and non-formal learning. Visit the Credit for previous study page for more information.
Answer a few simple questions with our online Credit Assessor to see what credit you could get.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 6.5
IELTS Reading 6
IELTS Listening 6
IELTS Speaking 6
IELTS Writing 6

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

Note:

Additional Enrolment Information – FAQs | Adelaide University

Why Master of Science?

Approximately 783 million people regularly experience hunger (World Vision, 2024). Tackling food insecurity is urgent and will require the expertise of many.

Our Master of Science specialising in Global Food and Nutrition Science will introduce you to new and innovative solutions to ensure food security today and for the future. You’ll learn how to make the supply of nutritious food equitable and diverse around the world. Discover the environmental and societal impacts of food production systems to develop future-focused solutions.

Expand your knowledge in food and nutrition science and become a leader in this important field. Investigate current and emerging techniques in food and distribution development. Get ready to tackle malnutrition, hunger and obesity and advocate for healthy habits globally.

Overview

Adelaide University’s Master of Science specialising in Global Food and Nutrition Science will build on your food and nutrition knowledge and advance your skills in examining production and consumption.

Study the fundamentals of food and nutrition and discover solutions to combat global hunger and food poverty. Discover new food processing methods and innovations that will ensure global food security.

Cover a range of topics like sensory food science, global food and agricultural markets and food microbiology. Define and analyse challenges within a guided research project, using established scientific methodologies to provide new insights.

Emphasise sustainable food production practices and equitable access to food. Promote global healthy eating habits and public health nutrition. Graduate equipped to revolutionise your perspective on global food and nutrition.

Key features

Focus on the role of agriculture in economic development.
Develop innovative techniques in food processing and handling.
Address the environmental and societal impacts of food production systems, including climate change and social disparity.
Expand your knowledge in early life nutrition, healthy ageing and nutrigenomics.
Uncover global nutritional needs and critically evaluate local and international government policies.
Examine approaches to environmental planning and governance in a final year Capstone Project.

What you'll learn

This degree will ensure you develop an advanced understanding of scientific principles and concepts related to public health nutrition. You can choose to focus on the presence, growth and importance of microorganisms in foods. Or study the global food and agriculture markets, understanding the role regulatory bodies play in food quality and safety. Explore how sensory and flavour science guide the development and commercial strategies in the food industry.

Gain the skills required to undertake and design research in food and nutrition in your second year. You’ll critically examine approaches to environmental planning and global governance in a Capstone Project. Prepare for future careers by learning the rational planning model strategies used by governments.

Further your research skills in an industry project, collaborating with industry and academics who are experts in their chosen field. Craft, analyse and present a thesis on a topic aligned with your chosen discipline. Be proficient in research methodology and enhance your capabilities for future professional endeavours.

This unique degree examines the impact of food and nutrition on human health, and the influence external factors play. Learn how climate change, changes in biodiversity and socioeconomic disparity contribute to global inequalities.

This degree offers flexible hybrid delivery, which includes a mix of on-campus and online study. Apply theoretical concepts and conduct experiments in practical classroom settings. Engage with other students in online learning environments, ensuring flexibility in your studies.

Specialisations

The Master of Science is also available with specialisations in the following:

Degree Structure: Master of Science specialising in Global Food and Nutrition Science

Program code: MASCI

Complete 96 units comprising:

78 to 96 units for one Major from Specialisations, and
0 to 18 units for Electives

Enrolment information

Find details about the rules and notes that apply to your program, along with other essential information required for successful enrolment. Supplementary supporting resources may also be provided where applicable.

Some programs include additional enrolment advice. If available for your program, it will be displayed here.

Notes

Free electives can be chosen from across the University and should be at postgraduate level unless approved by the program director. Students can contact the program director for advice on suggested electives relevant to their specialisation.

Courses

Listed here are all the courses that contribute to your program, including elective options that can be chosen. These courses come together to form your study plan. Courses fall into different categories, each of which have specific unit values that need to be met under the program rules.

What courses you'll study

Complete 96 units comprising:

78 to 96 units for one Major from Specialisations, and
0 to 18 units for Electives

Complete exactly 6 units from the following:

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Research Methods and Data Analysis	Course code SCIE4001	Units 6

Electives description

A flexible course choice within your degree.

Complete 0 to 18 units comprising:

0 to 18 units from University-wide electives

A full list of university-wide elective options can be accessed below.

University-wide elective options

Complete exactly 18 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Trends and Issues in the World Food System	Course code ECON5011	Units 6
Course name Global Food and Agricultural Policy Analysis	Course code ECON5018	Units 6
Course name Experiences and Insights in Agri-food Systems	Course code ECON6012	Units 6
Course name Direct Wine and Food Marketing	Course code MARK5008	Units 6
Course name Marketing for Wine and Food Business	Course code MARK5010	Units 6
Course name Global Public Health	Course code PUBH5014	Units 6
Course name Public Health Evaluation and Economics	Course code PUBH5015	Units 6
Course name Promoting Health in Individuals and Populations	Course code PUBH5017	Units 6
Course name Foundations of Wine Science	Course code BUSI5028	Units 6
Course name Legal Aspects in Wine and Food Business	Course code BUSI5030	Units 6

Work Integrated Learning description

WIL courses give you real‑world experience as part of your degree.

Complete 24 units comprising:

24 units from Work integrated learning

Work Integrated Learning description

WIL courses give you real‑world experience as part of your degree.

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Global Food and Nutrition Science Capstone Project A	Course code FOOD6003	Units 12
	Course name Global Food and Nutrition Science Capstone Project B	Course code FOOD6004	Units 12

Complete 48 units comprising:

48 units from Specialisation selectives

	Course code	Units
Course name Food Chemistry	Course code CHEMX200	Units 6
Course name Global Food and Agricultural Markets	Course code ECON5015	Units 6
Course name Globalisation and Agriculture in Emerging Economies	Course code ECON6013	Units 6
Course name Food Engineering	Course code ENGP2006	Units 6
Course name Food Processing and Safety	Course code ENGPX415	Units 6
Course name Sensory and Flavour Science	Course code FOOD5006	Units 6
Course name Sensory Evaluations of Food	Course code FOODX200	Units 6
Course name Food Production in a Future Climate	Course code FOODX300	Units 6
Course name Advances in Food and Nutrition	Course code FOODX400	Units 6
Course name Innovations in Food Processing	Course code FOOD6007	Units 6
Course name Lifespan Nutrition Physiology	Course code NUTR2001	Units 6
Course name Human Nutrition	Course code NUTR2004	Units 6
Course name Public Health and Community Nutrition	Course code NUTR3003	Units 6
Course name Nutrition Metabolism	Course code FOODX403	Units 6
Course name Food Microbiology	Course code FOODX401	Units 6
Course name Food Quality and Regulation	Course code FOODX402	Units 6

Career outcomes

Food and nutrition specialists play a vital role in every aspect of the food supply chain, from agricultural production to consumption, as well as in research and development processes. Learn the critical thinking and problem-solving skills to change the way the world consumes food.

You might become a leader in developing resilient grain products, to tackle the threat of climate change on food supply. Perhaps you’ll develop edible packaging to limit the amount of waste in countries with endangered ecosystems. Maybe you’ll work for a non-profit, strategising ways to effectively deliver nutritious aid packages to countries in conflict.

As a food and nutrition expert, you are open to a wide range of rewarding careers in places such as government, private industries, not-for-profit (NGOs) and charity organisations.

Roles you may like to pursue include:

Entrepreneur
Flavour chemist
Food engineer
Food scientist
Food technologist
Food standards officer
Food marketer.

Industry trends

A World Vision report (2024) states that ‘rising food prices, climbing energy prices, and growing financial constraints have increased hunger risks for one-fifth of the global population - around 1.7 billion people’. Use your knowledge in global food and nutrition practices to devise innovative solutions and strategies to combat the growing number of public health challenges. As populations continue to grow, we expect to see a higher demand for food scientists and nutrition experts.

Ready to apply?

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.

How to apply

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

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Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

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Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Get in touch with us.

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Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: