MC133 - Master of Applied Science (Food Science and Technology)
Plan: MC133 - Master of Applied Science (Food Science and Technology)
Campus: City Campus
Overview
Program detailsPurpose of the ProgramArticulation and pathwaysEntrance requirementsExternal accreditation and industry linksStudent expenses and charges in addition to feesLibrary, IT and specialist resourcesProgram details
Award title: Master of Applied Science (Food Science and Technology)
Award abbreviation: MAppSc(FoodSc&Tech)
Total credit points: 144
Career: PGRD
Duration: 3 semesters full time
Location: Onshore, City Campus and Bundoora Campus
Owning school: Science (171H)
Owning school URL: www.rmit.edu.au/about/our-education/academic-schools/science/
ASCED code: 019905
CRICOS code: 043049E
Top of pagePurpose of the Program
This program is designed to provide you with professional training in food science and technology if your background is in science, applied science, engineering, agriculture and other related disciplines. If you have previously undertaken some studies in Food Science and Technology this program will enhance your knowledge in the area.
This program seeks to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills required to operate effectively in the food industry at various professional and management levels. It is designed not only to train recent graduates as food technologists, but also to enable those already employed in the food and associated industries to enhance their professional status.
You will acquire skills and knowledge of food processing, food preservation and the general properties of food materials and so be equipped for a wide range of technical positions within the food industry. These basic requirements are addressed by the core courses in food processing.
It is universally agreed that the most important demand upon the food processing industry is that food produced be safe to consume. You will become able to recognise potential hazards in the processing of food and will be able to apply this knowledge to eliminate or reduce hazards and so ensure the safety of the community's food supply. This requirement has been at the forefront in designing the program. As most of the hazards are of a microbiological nature it has been considered essential that you are knowledgeable in the area of food microbiology and hence the inclusion of core rcourses in food microbiology.
The food industry currently employs graduates in basic sciences such as chemistry and microbiology as well as in Food Science and Technology. Should you be qualified in one of the basic sciences you will be particularly attractive to potential employers because you will be able to offer the specialisation of your initial qualification as well as a broad understanding of the various aspects of Food Science and Technology. Completion of this program will add both value and relevance to the knowledge and skills acquired in your initial degree.
If you are a graduate of a Food Science program you will enhance and expand your knowledge of food microbiology at a post graduate level and also undertake specialized courses such as Food Safety Plans which are not normally included in undergraduate programs because of time or other constraints. Similarly you will undertake advanced courses in food processing technologies including the cutting-edge innovative nonthermal processing technologies, food rehology and texture, and sensory evaluation which will expand your knowledge beyond that normally covered in an undergraduate program.
Top of pageArticulation and pathways
The Graduate Diploma in Food Science and Technology is an intermediate exit point for this program if you have completed the first two semesters. Similarly if you have completed forty eight credit points you may exit with the Graduate Certificate in Food Science and Technology.
Although this program shares courseware with other post graduate programs within the School of Applied Sciences there are no formal pathways or articulation between the programs. Should you be considering changing program you are advised to check with the coordinator of the new program as to what credit you will receive for courses completed in this program.
If you have completed postgraduate programs at other institutions in Australia or overseas you may be given advanced standing.
You may be given an exemption to study particular compulsory courses within the program upon producing documentary evidence of completion similar undergraduate courses with a mark of at least 65%. However, you will not be given exemptions in regards to the total credit points required to complete the program on the basis of undergraduate courses.
Top of pageEntrance requirements
Program entry requirements:
An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Microbiology or Food Safety for acceptance into MC133 (the 18 month Masters (Food Technology).
If you have a degree in a different field or would specifically like a 2yr Masters degree, we recommend that you apply for MC157 Masters of Biotechnology (Food Science and Technology).
International qualifications are assessed according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
English language requirements
A minimum IELTS (Academic module) overall score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0; or equivalent. For equivalents to English entry requirements, see the English equivalents web page.
Credit transfer and recognised prior learning
Some applicants may be eligible for credit. Please refer to the Articulation and Pathways section for further information.
Top of pageExternal accreditation and industry links
The Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) is the only professional body for Food Industry, and staff and students join AIFST for membership. However, this institute does not have a mandate to accredit Food Technology programs offered by Australian Universities. The Program Advisory Committee membership of Food Technology programs are chosen from the food industry leaders that advise program development and outcomes on a regular basis.
All Food Technology students are eligible to apply for student membership of AIFST, and upon completing this program you can upgrade your membership to member and after completing 3 years of professional experience to professional member status.
Top of pageStudent expenses and charges in addition to fees
Once you are enrolled as a student in this program you will need to allow for expenses other than university tuition fees. Additional expenses may relate to the purchase of lecture notes, textbooks, stationery, consumables such as printer paper, fees levied by commercial internet service providers for internet access outside of the university campus, and other relevant costs.
Top of pageLibrary, IT and specialist resources
Library resources and services
As a student enrolled in a program at RMIT University you can access the extensive services, facilities and study space provided by the Library. You can access books, journals and other course related materials, such as DVDs, past exams, newspapers and e-books. Through our document delivery service you can also request items from any library in the world.
Computers for study are available at every Library site, where you can access the Internet, myRMIT (www.rmit.edu.au/myrmit) or Library e-resources. If you have a laptop you can access the RMIT University wireless network in the Library.
Library staff can show you how to find information for your assignments or you can work through web-based tutorials or use our online Ask a Librarian service.
The Library is continually expanding our electronic collections to make it easier for you to get the information you need when you need it. All RMIT University students have unlimited access to quality electronic resources such as, e-books, e-journals and newspapers.
You can find more information on Library resources and services at: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library.
Subject specific information is available from Food Science subject guide at http://rmit.libguides.com/foodscience.
Online learning tools and content
You can access online learning tools and content for your program and associated courses at myRMIT: www.rmit.edu.au/myrmit.
Services available to you as a student at RMIT University
RMIT University provides a wide range of resources and opportunities to assist your learning and wellbeing so you can achieve your study and career goals.
Services are available face to face and online assisting with:
- transition to tertiary study and learning
- study skills, academic skills including literacy, mathematics and basic sciences if relevant
- enabling assistance if you have a disability, long term medical condition or other form of disadvantage which may impact on your learning
- career development and employment
- living and wellbeing (including advice on health, housing and financial matters)
- opportunities for scholarships, leadership and study abroad
- opportunities for participating in arts, sport, recreation, fitness activities as well as student activism and university governance
We also offer a friendly and supportive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
You can find more information at: www.rmit.edu.au/students
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