Master of Science Specialising in Global Food and Nutrition Science

What you will study

To earn the Master of Science specialising in Global Food and Nutrition Science, you must complete 96 units.

Specialisation courses

• Research Methods and Data Analysis

Electives

Complete zero to 24 units comprising:

• zero to 24 units from University-wide electives

Work Integrated Learning

Complete 24 units comprising:

24 units from Work-integrated learning

• Global Food and Nutrition Science Capstone Project A (12 units)
• Global Food and Nutrition Science Capstone Project B (12 units)

Specialisation electives

Complete 48 units comprising:

48 units from Specialisation selectives

• Food Chemistry
• Global Food and Agricultural Markets
• Globalisation and Agriculture in Emerging Economies
• Food Engineering
• Food Processing and Safety
• Sensory and Flavour Science
• Advances in Food and Nutrition
• Nutrition Metabolism
• Sensory Evaluations of Food
• Food Production in a Future Climate
• Food Microbiology
• Food Quality and Regulation
• Innovations in Food Processing
• Lifespan Nutrition Physiology
• Human Nutrition
• Public Health and Community Nutrition

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's (AQF level 7) or bachelor's honours (AQF level 8) degree in a discipline aligned with the selected specialisation from a recognised higher education institution.
• 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.

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.
• Sustainable Georesources - 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, with guidance on eligibility provided to prospective students in a clear, transparent and publicly available credit framework.

Credit determinations will be:

• Evidence-based, equitable and transparent.
• Academically sound.
• Applied consistently, fairly and subject to review.

Credit will be granted for prior learning that is relevant and equivalent to the learning required for the courses for which credit is sought.

Credit will only be granted if it:

• Maintains the credibility and integrity of the program for which credit is sought.
• Does not contravene the conditions of the program’s professional accreditation.
• Does not disadvantage the student’s ability to achieve the expected course or program learning outcomes.

For more information, contact the university or visit its website.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

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. I would like you to 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, as well as the influence that external factors play. Learn how climate change, changes in biodiversity and socioeconomic disparity contribute to global inequalities.

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

Career outcomes

Roles you may like to pursue include: 

• Entrepreneur
• Flavour Chemist
• Food Engineer
• Food Scientist
• Food Technologist
• Food Standards Officer
• Food Marketer.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative annual fee in 2026: $44,700 (domestic full-fee paying place).

Fee-paying programs require the full tuition fees for your study, which can be deferred partly or in full to a FEE-HELP loan. Where the duration of the program is less than one year, the total cost of the program is displayed.

A student’s fee may vary depending on:

• The number of courses studied per term.
• The choice of major or specialisation.
• Choice of courses.
• Credit from previous study or work experience.
• Eligibility for government-funded loans.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.