Duration
Full-time: 18 months
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2026 Semester One – 2 March
Available locations
City
Points
180
Programme type
Postgraduate
Taught options available

Programme overview

The MFoodSci programme includes a mix of taught courses and a research project conducted under the supervision of a food science academic.

The programme provides a bridge for students with an undergraduate degree in food science related disciplines to move into the food science area.

Postgraduate students in food science have a good record of employability in industry.

Find out what our campus locations and facilities have to offer in these videos.

Programme structure

The MFoodSci is an 18-month, 180-point programme with the option of starting in Semester One or Semester Two, and completed over three semesters full-time, with part-time options available.

The programme will be delivered by lectures, seminars, laboratory work, fieldwork and research supervision.

The degree will include 90 points of compulsory taught courses (which includes a 15-point research proposal) and a research project of either 30 points or 60 points.

The research project or dissertation may be undertaken in collaboration with an industry partner, with the research being conducted on campus or at the industry partner site.

A minimum GPA will be required in order to enrol in the dissertation. Students doing the research project will predominantly be those wanting to enter the workforce. MFoodSci graduates will be eligible to apply for entry to a PhD.

Students must complete:

90 points: 

CHEMMAT 757: Engineering Biotechnology

FOODSCI 703: Food Processing

FOODSCI 706: Food Safety

FOODSCI 707: Food Science

FOODSCI 708: Advanced Food Science

FOODSCI 752

At least 30 points from:

FOODSCI 715: Food Allergens and Intolerants

FOODSCI 740: Food Analysis

FOODSCI 750: Advanced Topics in Food Science 1

FOODSCI 751: Advanced Topics in Food Science 2

Up to 30 points from other 700 level courses offered at this University approved by the Programme Director

30 points:

FOODSCI 790 Research Project

or

90 points:

CHEMMAT 757: Engineering Biotechnology

FOODSCI 703: Food Processing

FOODSCI 706: Food Safety

FOODSCI 707: Food Science

FOODSCI 708: Advanced Food Science

FOODSCI 752

30 points from:

FOODSCI 715: Food Allergens and Intolerants

FOODSCI 740: Food Analysis

FOODSCI 750: Advanced Topics in Food Science 1

FOODSCI 751: Advanced Topics in Food Science 2

60 points:

FOODSCI 791: Dissertation

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Sample programme structure

Semester 1 60 points

  • Code:
    FOODSCI 703
    Name:
    Food Processing
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    FOODSCI 707
    Name:
    Food Science
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    FOODSCI 740
    Name:
    Food Analysis
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    FOODSCI 750
    Name:
    Advanced topics in Food Science 1
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts

Semester 2 60 points

  • Code:
    FOODSCI 708
    Name:
    Advanced Food Science
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    FOODSCI 751
    Name:
    Advanced topics in Food Science 2
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    CHEMMAT 757
    Name:
    Engineering Biotechnology
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    FOODSCI 752
    Name:
    Research Proposal
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts

Semester 1 60 points

  • Code:
    FOODSCI 790
    Name:
    Research Project
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    FOODSCI 715
    Name:
    Food Allergens and Intolerants
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    FOODSCI 706
    Name:
    Food Safety
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts

Subjects available in this programme

  • Food Science
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

2025 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 4.0

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Taught 180 points

A Bachelor’s degree majoring in Food Science, or an equivalent subject.

Other pathways to study

You must have completed a Bachelor of Science in a relevant subject from this University with a Grade Point Average of at least 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II, or the equivalent.

Relevant subjects may include biology, biotechnology, chemistry, food process engineering, food science, and pharmacology.

If you do not meet the GPA requirement, you can still gain entry by passing 60 points towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Food Science.

In exceptional circumstances, these requirements may be waived by the Associate Dean Academic, or nominee, if it is determined that you have at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience. 

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0

    An undergraduate degree in Food Science, or another relevant subject

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands below 6.0.

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

Taught 180 points

You must have completed a Bachelor of Science in Food Science or another relevant subject, at a recognized university (or similar institution).

You will need a GPE of 4.0.

Relevant subjects may include biology, biotechnology, chemistry, food process engineering, food science, and pharmacology.

If you do not meet the GPA requirement, you can still gain entry by passing 60 points towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Food Science.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Master of Food Science cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$11,046.75*
International students
NZ$52,842*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,663.20 for full-time study (180 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2025
8 December 2024

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

MFoodSci graduates will receive training in food science and substantive research experience in this field. On completion of the degree, students will be equipped to apply their skills and understanding in careers in the food industry or in food science. This programme also provides a pathway to PhD studies.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Food analysis
  • Quality control and quality assurance
  • Product development
  • Sensory & Consumer testing
  • Food manufacturing
  • Technical sales
  • Regulating authorities
  • Academic and industry research

MFoodSci in-depth

Read about the MFoodSci programme in detail and discover whether it's the right study path for you.

Find out more

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

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Experience the University

Meet the programme director

Learn more about the new MFoodSci programme from Professor Siew-Young Quek, in the School of Chemical Sciences.

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