University of Queensland
Graduate Certificate in Food Science and Technology
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Develop your knowledge of food science and technology across food processing, food chemistry, microbiology, product development, food safety and quality.
Course overview
The University of Queensland's Graduate Certificate in Food Science and Technology is designed for professionals seeking to develop advanced knowledge and skills across food science and technology. The course explores scientific and technological approaches to food production while addressing areas relevant to food quality, safety, nutrition and sustainability.
You'll develop your understanding across areas such as food processing, food chemistry, microbiology, product development and the physical and sensory properties of food. Through lectures, tutorials and laboratory work, you'll build theoretical and practical skills while developing your ability to analyse information, evaluate complex problems and communicate findings to different audiences.
You'll have opportunities to tailor your studies through a selection of courses and develop practical laboratory skills, with access to UQ's Food Science Innovation Precinct. Delivered at UQ's St Lucia campus, the course can be completed in six months of full-time study or part-time equivalent and may support career directions across food science, product development, quality control and related fields.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
26th July, 2027
What you will study
At UQ, a unit represents the value of individual courses that contribute to the total unit requirements of a program. Most UQ courses have a value of two units, though some may vary depending on the program or course structure.
To earn the Graduate Certificate in Food Science and Technology, you must complete 8 units or four courses as detailed below. Unless otherwise noted, each course is worth two units.
Foundational units
You may complete up to four units from the following foundational courses:
- Food Safety & Quality Management
- Principles of Food Preservation
- Food Chemistry
- Food Microbiology I
Flexible core units
You must complete between four and eight units from the following flexible core courses:
- Advanced Food Materials Science
- Food Sensory & Physical Assessment
- Food Product Development
- Food Processing Technology
- Advanced Functional Foods
- Food Process Engineering I
- Food Microbiology & Biotechnology
- Nutrition and Health
Students who choose to complete all eight units from the flexible core courses are strongly recommended to contact the program coordinator to discuss their course selection.
Entry requirements
To be eligible for entry, you'll need one of the following:
- A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, with first-year, university-level chemistry or biology or;
- Two years full-time equivalent, relevant work experience in food science, food technology or food engineering.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Your previous studies can be credited towards your postgraduate studies, provided they meet the relevant course requirements.
If you receive an offer of enrolment and you’ve undertaken prior learning, you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. The procedure is governed by the university's Recognition of Prior Learning policy. Contact the university for more details.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Food Technologist
- Food Chemist
- Food Microbiologist
- Laboratory Supervisor
- Process and Product Development Manager
- Quality Control Manager
- Nutritionist
- Agribusiness Consultant
- Food Security Adviser
- Sustainable Food Production Specialist
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $4,765 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of eight units (normally four courses) per semester or year.
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- 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.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the course you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.