MFoodSci - Master of Food Science

Overview
Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates
Regulations
Schedule
Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

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.

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

The programme will be delivered through 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.

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.

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

PhD - Doctor of Philosophy

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

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

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements.

University of Auckland 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.

Taught (180 point) - 4.0 Grade Point Average

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

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

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

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

You must have either:

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.
completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University, or have equivalent prior study and passed 60 points towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, and a specialisation in Food Science, provided that the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded

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

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.

Year Fees Applicable

Domestic Student Annual Fees

International Student Annual Fees

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. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

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

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.

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

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.

Semester	Application Closing Date	Semester Start Date	Semester End Date
2026 Semester One	08 December 2025	02 March 2026	29 June 2026
2027 Semester One		01 March 2027

1 - 2

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

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, and a relevant major or specialisation, or have equivalent prior study

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II, and a relevant major or specialisation

c (i) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) passed 60 points towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, and a specialisation in Food Science, provided that the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

2 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

3 In exceptional circumstances, the requirement in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Notes:

(i) Relevant majors or specialisations may include biology, biotechnology, chemistry, food process engineering, food science or pharmacology.

(ii) This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Science.

4 A student enrolled for this degree must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

5 The total enrolment for this degree must not exceed 220 points.

6 A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Food Science Schedule.

7 A student must achieve a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points prior to enrolment in FOODSCI 791. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, a student must enrol in FOODSCI 790.

8 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

9 a The dissertation or research project is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Academic Head.

b The dissertation or research project must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment in FOODSCI 790 or 791.

c The dissertation or research project is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

10 A student may apply to reassign courses passed to the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Food Science.

11 This degree may be awarded with Honours in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

12 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

13 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Complete 180 points comprising:

Either:
180 points for Research Project Option, or
180 points for Dissertation Option, and
1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Selected courses must include exactly 180 points at level 700.

Research Project Option

Complete 180 points comprising:

90 points for all Compulsory Courses, and
At least 30 points from Food Science Elective Courses, and
0 to 30 points from UOFAK - University of Auckland Other 700 Level Courses, and
Either:
30 points for all Research Project - 1 Semester, or
30 points for all Research Project - 2 Semesters