Bachelor of Science (Food Technology and Nutrition)
RMIT - Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
Key Information
Campus location
Melbourne, Australia
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
AUD 6,566 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958*.
Introduction
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At RMIT we don’t want our students to miss out on a semester or a year of study if we can help it. We have updated hundreds of courses with online enabled learning options while not compromising on the quality of education and student outcomes. Find out how we’re helping you continue to go to uni during COVID-19 with our online enabled study.
Your career as a food scientist
With a food science degree, you can pursue a range of career paths within the industry in areas such as processing, manufacturing, packaging, marketing, research, quality assurance, product development and education.
Graduate ready for a career in the world's largest industry.
RMIT University is one of Australia’s leading food science education and research institutes. Studying the Bachelor of Science (Food Technology and Nutrition) will give you:
- Access to world-class facilities
The Food Innovation and Research Centre is a state-of-the-art teaching and research facility where you will develop practical, hands-on skills. You’ll have access to a modern pilot plant that simulates industrial production, as well as a comprehensive range of the latest food preparation and processing equipment. - In-demand knowledge and skills
From production to the plate, the food industry is the largest in the world. There is a constant demand for graduates who can apply the relevant science and technology knowledge and skills. This degree covers the full range of food technology and nutrition science, preparing you for a number of career paths in the food industry. - Industry-relevant experience
You will have opportunities to engage with industry during your studies, including work placements and industry-based projects. Our teachers are experienced practitioners and we collaborate closely with industry to ensure graduates have access to the latest technologies and training making them work-ready at graduation.
What you will study
In this program, you’ll learn the full range of theoretical and practical aspects of food science, technology and nutrition.
You’ll also be able to develop novel, healthy and functional food products that meet consumer demands and comply with government and industry’s strict safety and health guidelines.
Program majors
- Food technology
- Nutrition
How you will learn in this program
You’ll spend a high proportion of time in the laboratory and at the Bundoora-based pilot plant, undertaking production trials and development projects.
The program culminates in capstone experiences which include work-integrated learning activities, where you’ll apply your learning in a workplace context.
A leader in food science and technology
Our $15 million Food Research and Innovation Centre is a world-class facility that brings together multidisciplinary research and development capabilities in all areas related to post-farm gate food production.
Students have access to the latest technologies, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in product development, food safety and quality assurance.
Together with our broad industry network and links with leading institutions globally, students have access to insight and experiences that make them highly sought after as graduates.
Details
The food technology and nutrition program is about the science of large-scale food manufacturing and making it safe and nutritious to meet consumers’ needs.
In this program, you’ll learn the full range of theoretical and practical aspects of food science, technology and nutrition.
You’ll also be able to develop novel, healthy and functional food products that meet consumer demands and comply with government and industry’s strict safety and health guidelines.
In the first three semesters, you will take foundation courses such as chemistry and microbiology, and will be introduced to food processing and nutrition. Later your studies will focus more on courses related to your major.
The nutrition major focuses on human health and nutrition. The food technology major deals with traditional and novel technologies employed in the manufacture of food products, as well as sensory evaluation of foods, product development and quality assurance.
At our Bundoora campus, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities to apply your knowledge and develop technical skills. These include:
- Food pilot plant
- Product development laboratory
- Fully-equipped, computerised sensory and consumer testing suite
- Food and nutrition research laboratory
- Food analysis and characterisation laboratory microbiology laboratory
- Temperature-controlled rooms
- Dry goods storage
- Dry and wet preparation areas
How you will learn
You’ll spend a high proportion of time in the laboratory and at the Bundoora-based Food Innovation and Research Centre undertaking production trials and development projects.
The program culminates in capstone experiences which include work-integrated learning activities, where you’ll apply your learning in a workplace context.
Industry connections
You will have the opportunity to work on projects linked to the industry. Past projects have involved working in research and development to design new processes or create new food products, and a labelling project that promotes a product's nutritional profile.
The industry is involved with our quality assurance course, with projects designed and assessed by representatives of the industry.
International opportunities
RMIT partners with over 200 organisations around the world to provide you with global work and study opportunities.
Recent graduates have spent time studying food science and technology programs in England, Ireland, Germany and other European countries.
Multiple campuses
Courses in this program are taught face to face on the City campus (first three semesters) and Bundoora campus (last three semesters).
Electives and program structure
Years 1 and 2
In the first three semesters, you will study basic science courses such as chemistry, microbiology and mathematics, as well as courses that introduce you to the food industry and nutrition.
In the second half of your second year, streaming into major areas begins. There are two majors available in this degree: food technology and nutrition.
You’ll develop skills in these areas through courses that cover nutrition, health and how these are affected by processing.
Advanced science courses will provide a thorough background in your chosen major. These are conducted in modern laboratories and a pilot plant facility that reflects industry environments.
Year 3
In the food technology stream, you will learn how to develop and manage the production of safe, healthy, nutritious and convenient foods that meet consumer expectations.
The nutrition stream helps you learn to improve the nutritional quality of our manufactured food supply, creating safe and nutritious foods that taste good and have a balanced nutritional profile.
You'll also have the opportunity to develop different products in a pilot plant setting. Industry visits also provide context to your studies.
A capstone work-integrated learning course will provide you with an opportunity to reverse engineer a food product and/or design your own product to meet a market need.
In both the food technology and nutrition majors, you will undertake a second work-integrated learning course applicable to those disciplines.
Two university electives will give you the opportunity to broaden your interests or pursue courses that may be useful adjuncts to the program.
Career
Food scientists use analytical techniques to test the properties of food including nutritional value, flavour, and levels of various substances. They test foods to provide product information, ensure the safety of food products and ensure that food manufacturing processes meet government and industry standards.
Food scientists explore and develop new products, manufacturing methods and conduct a sensory evaluation of products. They can also investigate and set safety and quality standards for production, packaging and marketing.
Evaluating the nutritional value of foods is a vital aspect of food science. Nutritionists specialise in studying the health aspects of food as well as food composition, consumption and regulation.
Graduates of this program have found jobs with major food companies such as:
- Nestlé
- Cadbury
- Simplot
- Heinz
- Mondelez
Graduates of the food technology stream find jobs with large food processing companies in research and development, marketing or quality assurance roles.
Graduates of the nutrition stream work for food companies in areas such as product development, marketing and regulatory affairs.
Many graduates have progressed to managerial roles in food companies, while some have taken up roles in government departments or with regulatory bodies.
Globally, food production is the world’s largest industry and is still growing and employment prospects for food scientists in Australia are excellent.
Nationally, the sector constitutes 30 per cent of Australian manufacturing, employs more than 220,000 people and generates more than $55 billion in exports annually.
Melbourne's food industry is set to double over the next 10 years as part of a government plan to make the city's northern region a major food industry hub with the assistance of RMIT University and other partners.
The Australian Government’s National Food Plan aims to increase the value of food-related exports from Australia by 45 per cent and to increase food productivity by 30 per cent by 2025.
Admissions
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments).
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options.
RMIT admits students from a range of educational pathways, including Year 12 results, previous higher education or vocational education study, work experience, and for some programs - interviews, auditions or portfolios.
To get a better understanding of admissions at RMIT, view our ATAR information.
Entry requirements
The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., ATAR or GPA (including any adjustments).
Applicants with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent in 2016, 2017 or 2018. If applicable, this includes equity access schemes and any other adjustment factors.
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary access and participation of eligible students from SNAP partner schools.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training study
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Certificate IV or above or equivalent.
Applicants with Higher Education study
Satisfactory completion of at least four courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level or overseas equivalent.
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent more than two years ago.
You must sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Multiple Choice if:
- You have no prior Year 12, VET qualifications, HE results or relevant work experience that meets the minimum entry requirements for the program; and
- You are 19 years of age or over (as of 1 Jan 2019) and have not enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years.
The STAT Multiple Choice will satisfy Year 12 English and Year 11 Mathematics prerequisites. Applicants must meet all other prerequisites or equivalents.
Prerequisites
VCE Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL; Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics
Additional information
Form: Non-Year 12 applicants may submit additional information if they would like it to be considered.
- For semester 1 intake, this can be completed through the VTAC Personal Statement online.
- For semester 2 intake, this can be completed through the personal statement in the Apply Direct application.
Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) /RMIT Access
This is a gender underrepresented program and awards bonus points to female applicants. To be eligible you must submit a SEAS/RMIT Access application and complete category 1.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program will support your application into RMIT programs through an informal interview process with support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Your relevant life, work, educational and training experience as preparation for the study, in addition to any formal qualifications, are all considered.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program (REAP) supports elite athletes and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence.
Fees
In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958*.
*Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Additional expenses
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$303 maximum fee for 2019.
Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Scholarships
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognize academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.