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University of New South Wales (UNSW)

  • 34% international / 66% domestic

Master of Engineering Science (Food Process Engineering)

  • Masters (Coursework)

The Master of Engineering Science in Food Process Engineering is a two-year postgraduate degree where you'll be able to specialise in food processing and food manufacturing at Australia's leading engineering faculty.

This degree will teach you the latest processing...

Key details

Degree Type
Masters (Coursework)
Duration
1 - 2 years full-time
Study Mode
In person
Domestic Fees
$9,000 per year / $112,500 total

About this course

Overview

The Master of Engineering Science in Food Process Engineering is a two-year postgraduate degree where you'll be able to specialise in food processing and food manufacturing at Australia's leading engineering faculty.

This degree will teach you the latest processing technologies and the fundamentals of food engineering. It's designed for students who already have a four-year accredited engineering degree and want to broaden their job prospects through cross training, re-training or specialisation.

Your postgraduate study will cover process control, product quality, food safety, food packaging and food technology best practices. Our flexible study options in Food Science and Technology provide students with a deeper understanding of the agrifood business. Our experts in the field of food process engineering will teach you the strategies and tools to increase efficiency and performance in the manufacturing and processing of food products.

The Master of Engineering Science program promotes flexible learning as a keystone of the program. In this postgraduate degree you'll dive deeper into processing technology, the physical properties and engineering of different foods, shelf-life, thermal processing and the life cycle of plants.

*Source: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

Why study this degree at UNSW?

UNSW has been teaching Food Science for over 65 years and is a pioneer in the field of food science and nutrition. The UNSW School of Chemical Engineering is ranked as one of the top chemical engineering schools in Australia. The school has a major focus on working nationally and internationally to develop sustainable solutions in the energy, resources, health and food sectors.

You'll study in world class facilities alongside leading researchers who are also teachers and mentors. We were ranked five-stars in Food Sciences, the highest possible rating, by the ERA Research Excellence in 2019. The school has been delivering the best in research and teaching for over 65 years.

Benefits of studying with us:

  • Strong partnerships with industry such as Sunrice in education, research, training and employment
  • Learn in new facilities with purpose built modern laboratories and collaborative learning spaces
  • Work integrated learning electives allow you to include what you learn in industry placements as part of your degree

Program Code
8338
CRICOS Code
084282A
Campus
Kensington
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
96
Indicative Enrolments
2,383
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Entry requirements

Entry requirements

There are two entry points into this Master of Engineering Science specialisation depending on your cognate background. This provides a structured and supportive option for students with a non-cognate background, while enabling students with cognate backgrounds earlier flexibility in their course selection. Both entry points equate to the same duration of 2 years (96 UOC), and differ only in the order and structure of core foundation courses.

Students with a cognate background:

Entry into the Master's program requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in a cognate discipline. A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor's degree is mandatory.*

Students with a non-cognate background:

Students with a non-cognate background can enter the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway.

Entry into the pathway requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in any engineering discipline.

A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor's degree is mandatory.*

Successful applicants will be offered entry to the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway. Students can transition to the Master of Engineering Science after passing 18 UOC of foundational courses. The total study duration is the same as the entry point for students with a cognate background (2 years/ 96 UOC). There is no separate application required for this pathway. Applicants with non-cognate backgrounds must apply for the Master of Engineering Science to be considered for this entry.

*Qualifications from non-211 Chinese Universities will require a 70% average

Cognate Discipline
  • Applied Chemistry
  • Biochemical Engineering
  • Biochemistry
  • Bioengineering
  • Biology
  • Biomolecular Engineering
  • Bioprocessing
  • Biosciences
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemical Technology
  • Chemistry
  • Food and Agribusiness
  • Food and Agriculture
  • Food Engineering
  • Food Process Engineering
  • Food Processing
  • Food Safety
  • Food Safety and Quality
  • Food Science
  • Food Science and Engineering
  • Food Science and Human Nutrition
  • Food Science and Management
  • Food Science and Nutrition
  • Food Science and Technology
  • Food Technology
  • Grape Wine Engineering
  • Materials Engineering
  • Nutritional Sciences
  • Polymer Engineering
  • Polymer Technology

Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer)

UNSW recognises that many students have professional experience or relevant previous studies. If you have worked in a relevant industry or have relevant previous study experience, you may be eligible for credit points that would enable you to complete your Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year, or another accelerated option listed below dependent on your previous study and experience.

  • A 4 year Bachelor Degree with honours (AQF Level 8 equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.

    Cognate disciplines

    • Biochemical Engineering
    • Bioengineering
    • Biomolecular Engineering
    • Bioprocessing
    • Biotechnology
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Food Engineering
    • Food Process Engineering
    • Food Processing
    • Food Science and Engineering
    • Food Science and Technology
    • Food Technology

  • A 3 year Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7 equivalent) from any institution in a Cognate discipline.

    Cognate disciplines

    • Applied Chemistry
    • Biochemical Engineering
    • Biochemistry
    • Bioengineering
    • Biology
    • Biomolecular Engineering
    • Bioprocessing
    • Biosciences
    • Biotechnology
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Chemical Technology
    • Chemistry
    • Food and Agribusiness
    • Food and Agriculture
    • Food Engineering
    • Food Process Engineering
    • Food Processing
    • Food Safety
    • Food Safety and Quality
    • Food Science
    • Food Science and Engineering
    • Food Science and Human Nutrition
    • Food Science and Management
    • Food Science and Nutrition
    • Food Science and Technology
    • Food Technology
    • Grape Wine Engineering
    • Materials Engineering
    • Nutritional Sciences
    • Polymer Engineering
    • Polymer Technology

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you're completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • English language tests and university English courses
  • Prior study in the medium of English
  • Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

There are two entry points into this Master of Engineering Science specialisation depending on your cognate background. This provides a structured and supportive option for students with a non-cognate background, while enabling students with cognate backgrounds earlier flexibility in their course selection. Both entry points equate to the same duration of 2 years (96 UOC), and differ only in the order and structure of core foundation courses.

Students with a cognate background:

Entry into the Master's program requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in a cognate discipline. A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor's degree is mandatory.*

Students with a non-cognate background:

Students with a non-cognate background can enter the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway.

Entry into the pathway requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in any engineering discipline.

A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor's degree is mandatory.*

Successful applicants will be offered entry to the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway. Students can transition to the Master of Engineering Science after passing 18 UOC of foundational courses. The total study duration is the same as the entry point for students with a cognate background (2 years/ 96 UOC). There is no separate application required for this pathway. Applicants with non-cognate backgrounds must apply for the Master of Engineering Science to be considered for this entry.

*Qualifications from non-211 Chinese Universities will require a 70% average

Cognate Discipline
  • Applied Chemistry
  • Biochemical Engineering
  • Biochemistry
  • Bioengineering
  • Biology
  • Biomolecular Engineering
  • Bioprocessing
  • Biosciences
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemical Technology
  • Chemistry
  • Food and Agribusiness
  • Food and Agriculture
  • Food Engineering
  • Food Process Engineering
  • Food Processing
  • Food Safety
  • Food Safety and Quality
  • Food Science
  • Food Science and Engineering
  • Food Science and Human Nutrition
  • Food Science and Management
  • Food Science and Nutrition
  • Food Science and Technology
  • Food Technology
  • Grape Wine Engineering
  • Materials Engineering
  • Nutritional Sciences
  • Polymer Engineering
  • Polymer Technology
Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer)

UNSW recognises that many students have professional experience or relevant previous studies. If you have worked in a relevant industry or have relevant previous study experience, you may be eligible for credit points that would enable you to complete your Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year, or another accelerated option listed below dependent on your previous study and experience.

  • A 4 year Bachelor Degree with honours (AQF Level 8 equivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.

    Cognate disciplines

    • Biochemical Engineering
    • Bioengineering
    • Biomolecular Engineering
    • Bioprocessing
    • Biotechnology
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Food Engineering
    • Food Process Engineering
    • Food Processing
    • Food Science and Engineering
    • Food Science and Technology
    • Food Technology

  • A 3 year Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7 equivalent) from any institution in a Cognate discipline.

    Cognate disciplines

    • Applied Chemistry
    • Biochemical Engineering
    • Biochemistry
    • Bioengineering
    • Biology
    • Biomolecular Engineering
    • Bioprocessing
    • Biosciences
    • Biotechnology
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Chemical Technology
    • Chemistry
    • Food and Agribusiness
    • Food and Agriculture
    • Food Engineering
    • Food Process Engineering
    • Food Processing
    • Food Safety
    • Food Safety and Quality
    • Food Science
    • Food Science and Engineering
    • Food Science and Human Nutrition
    • Food Science and Management
    • Food Science and Nutrition
    • Food Science and Technology
    • Food Technology
    • Grape Wine Engineering
    • Materials Engineering
    • Nutritional Sciences
    • Polymer Engineering
    • Polymer Technology

Admission pathways


If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • English language tests and university English courses
  • Prior study in the medium of English
  • Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Select from the options below *
Which applies to you? *

Study locations

Kensington

Career pathways

Future careers

UNSW Food graduates are in high demand due to their high skill level, with excellent employment opportunities in the food and beverage industries, university and CSIRO research, and government regulatory bodies such as FSANZ. Graduates of the Master of Engineering Science in Food Processing Engineering can pursue a range of professional opportunities in roles including:

  • Food engineering
  • Food microbiology
  • Food chemistry
  • Food allergy and food safety
  • Food packaging
  • Food biotechnology
  • Product development

UNSW Engineering graduates are some of the most sought-after professional engineers in Australia and abroad thanks to the reputation of our research and teaching.