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  • 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
    • 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

    • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

      Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

      There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.

    • Desirable WACE subjects

      Desirable WACE subjects

      There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

    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

    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 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.

    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: 9 March 2026

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