A food scientist in a lab coat inspecting samples.
MJRU-FODSC

Food Science and Technology

Undergraduate major

Study for a career in the diverse areas of food science, technology and security.

Course outline
  • ATAR

    ATAR

    Minimum ATAR 70
  • Qualification
    Food Science and Technology Major (BSc Science)
  • Credit

    Credit

    200
Course outline

You can study this course as part of the following degrees

Visit your preferred degree page for information on admission criteria, course fees and study locations.

Course outline
Food Science and Technology

Overview

Overview

Food scientists and technologists develop and improve ways to process raw ingredients – including grains, meats, milk, fruit and vegetables – into safe, nutritious and tasty foods.

Food science and technology is a multidisciplinary discipline that requires knowledge of biology, chemistry, nutrition, microbiology and engineering. It also includes the latest research in the handling, processing and packaging of foods, from the farm to the consumer's plate. As such, careers in food science and technology can be highly diverse – your role may range from developing new food products to providing solutions to technical issues in processing.

What jobs can the Food Science and Technology course lead to?

Across industry and government agencies, there is a demand for expertise in product development, quality assurance, food manufacturing and sustainable technologies.

Careers

  • Food scientist and technologist
  • Food microbiologist
  • Food product developer
  • Food quality-control technologist

Industries

  • Food manufacturing and supply
  • Food research and development
  • Agriculture
  • Wine and viticulture
  • Food retail
  • Food marketing
  • Hospitality
  • Transport and travel
  • Hospital and health
  • Education

What you'll learn

  • have demonstrated knowledge and understanding food science that is typically at a level that, whilst supported by advanced textbooks, includes some aspects that will be informed by knowledge of the forefront of food science, GC1
  • can apply their knowledge and understanding in a manner that indicates a professional approach to food science, and have competencies typically demonstrated through devising and sustaining arguments (to both specialist and non-specialist audiences) and solving problems within food science, GC2
  • understand the constructs of the scientific method and apply these principles in food science using digital technologies, GC3
  • can gather and interpret relevant data within food science to inform judgements that include reflection on relevant social, scientific, or ethical issues, including being aware of the diversity of international perspectives associated with food science, and how these impact upon the practice of food science, GC4
  • understand and appreciate cultural diversity and how it impacts on the practice of food science, GC5
  • display a high standard of professional behaviour, including effective time management, both independently and as a team member, GC6

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

  • Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
  • Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 70

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Applications ATAR

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Chemistry ATAR

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

StepUp Entry

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

  • UniReady

    If you don’t meet our minimum admission criteria, the UniReady Enabling Program can help you qualify for entry into a range of undergraduate courses.

  • Certificate IV + English Competency

    The certificate IV is the minimum requirement for university entry. It qualifies you for entry to Curtin courses with a 70 ATAR. You must also meet English language proficiency and check that you meet any extra subject prerequisites (where applicable).

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    STAT is not accepted as an entry pathway, but may be used to demonstrate English language proficiency.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

How others gained admission

View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

How we define ‘experience’

‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

Pathways

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    STAT is not accepted as an entry pathway, but may be used to demonstrate English language proficiency.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

Pathways

  • TAFE entry

    To meet the entry criteria with VET studies you need to have:

    1. AQF Certificate IV – Separate evidence of English language proficiency is required
      or

      AQF Diploma
      or

      AQF Advanced Diploma
    2. Met the Mathematics Applications ATAR prerequisite (or equivalent)

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    STAT is not accepted as an entry pathway, but may be used to demonstrate English language proficiency.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Curtin course switcher criteria

Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to those who are switching courses at Curtin.
Please check our general admission criteria.

In addition, you need to have:

  1. Met the Mathematics Applications ATAR prerequisite (or equivalent).

Prerequisite Information
The Mathematics Applications ATAR can be met with one of the following Curtin units:
MATH1013 Introductory Mathematics
MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus
MATH1015 Linear Algebra

Higher education course switcher criteria

Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to those who are switching courses from another higher education course provider.
Please check our general admission criteria.

In addition, you need to have:

  1. Met the Mathematics Applications ATAR prerequisite (or equivalent)

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Unsure what option suits you?

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool
Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and scholarships

Please view the Bachelor of Science (Science) degree for indicative fees.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Apply now
  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

    View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: MJRU-FODSC
  • Last updated on: 28 November 2025

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