Master of Food Science and Agribusiness
Are you passionate about creating a better world with a focus on how food is created and managed?
Course introduction
Monash University will be offering one of the first Master's degrees of its kind on food, in 2020. We are facing enormous world-wide challenges in coming decades, including a rapidly growing population, and one that is ageing quickly. The challenge is to achieve adequate supply of food under sustainable conditions. In fact, one of the major United Nations Sustainable Development Goals is 'zero hunger'. The United Nations has called for a rethink on our how we produce, process and consume food.
The application of existing and new technology by trained professionals will inform how these challenges are faced. The food industry will require greater global capability to address many challenges and opportunities, including:
- Certain, sustainable and equitable supply of food
- Nutrition that promotes health and longevity
- Transformational and disruptive science and technology
- Personalised consumer demand
If you are passionate about creating a better world with a focus on how food is created and managed, this course is for you.
Unlike many food science programs, the Monash offering is unique because it is the only 'post-farm gate'-focused Masters in food in Australia. That is, the course covers all aspects of food science, supply chain and marketing, including the future of food production and supply. The course addresses the value-addition that occurs along the supply chain, new technologies and trends that impact the business of food marketing, and the all-important interface with consumers.
Students are also guaranteed a head start in the work place by accessing industry internship placement, as supported by Monash Food Innovation, with its network of Australian and International industry linkages.
Career outcomes
Master of Food Science and Agribusiness graduates can expect excellent career opportunities upon graduating from this course.
Industry analysts have predicted a strong growth in the demand for food science and agribusiness graduates in the next decade, needed to manage the expanding industrial production of high quality food for a growing population that meets consumer preferences.
- Typical career paths include:
- Regulatory officer
- Food technologist
- Product/process development scientist
- Food microbiologist
- Food chemist
- Food product or ingredient development specialist
- Food plant production supervisor/ manager
- Researcher
- Food policy officer
- Academia
- Entrepreneur and business owner
Course structure
At a glance
- 2 years full time or 4 years part time
- On-campus at Clayton: however, some business units require travel to the Caulfield campus
- Qualification: Master in Food Science and Agribusiness
- Download course flyer
YEAR 1
Semester 1
Study area
Food science foundation studies
Subject
Food chemistry and biochemistry
Food process and packaging engineering
Food microbiology and safety
Food nutrition and health
YEAR 1
Semester 2
Study area
Food agribusiness studies
Subject
Customer focused innovation
Challenges in global agribusiness
Challenges in future food supply
Food science in practice
YEAR 2
Semester 1
Study area
Advanced food science and agribusiness studies
Subject
Advanced food science and agribusiness studies and approved electives (24 points from list)
YEAR 2
Semester 2
Study area
Advanced practice
Subject
Food science and agribusiness research project (24 points) OR
Food industry internship (24 points)
Entry requirements
Entry level 1
96 points to complete
An undergraduate degree (equivalent to an Australian undergraduate degree) with at least first year of Chemistry* and at least 60% (credit) average overall, or qualification/experience that meets criteria of equivalence by the Science faculty. Limited credit for previous studies will be available in 2020. Please contact the Faculty for more information.
*Knowledge of topics in composition and nomenclature of matter; physical, chemical, electrochemical properties of matter; drivers of molecular interactions and stability; quantifying chemical reactions; principles of chemical analysis.
Mid-year applications
If you're applying for mid-year entry to our Master of Food Science and Agribusiness please contact the Course Director Louise Bennett on the following email: louise.bennett1@monash.edu, for your course mapping consultation.
During your one-on-one consultation, you will gain course mapping advice to tailor the program to your goals. You can also have your questions answered.
Still have questions?
Please get in touch!
Future student enquiries:
Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens
T: 1800 MONASH (666 274)
E: future@monash.edu
monash.edu/study/contact
International students Australia freecall
T: 1800 181 838
T: +61 3 9903 4788 (outside Australia)
E: study@monash.edu
monash.edu/study/contact/international