Graduate Certificate in Food and Nutrition Science

Taste-test a career in food science

Sustaining and improving food systems requires skilled workers who’re fascinated by chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, and engineering. In a field with huge potential for influencing how we survive and thrive—problem solving capabilities are also a must.

What will you do?

Delivered over six months full-time, our Graduate Certificate in Food and Nutrition Science will introduce you to the specialist skills and knowledge required to work in this exciting space. You will:

  • learn the importance of developing a sustainable, nutritious and healthy food supply
  • formulate and package foods with specific functional and nutritional properties
  • develop your understanding of microbiology
  • explore sensory and flavour science
  • study public health nutrition and food policies
  • build peer relationships in your own learning space, within the University’s dedicated Food Innovation Laboratory.

Where could it take you?

You might want to support established scientists in the lab or give yourself a competitive edge in food business. You could promote innovative composting solutions or help health-seekers eat for wellbeing. Perhaps you’ll go on to complete a master’s and become a leader in food sustainability!


  • Brand new food science labs and kitchen facilities
  • ranked globally in top 200 for Food Science and Technology*
  • Producing scientific research 'well above world standard'

*Academic Ranking of World Universities by Subject, 2022

Entry Requirements

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Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

SATAC Code 3GC116
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake July
Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study Relevant Bachelor degree or equivalent in a Science related field including (but not restricted to) Agriculture, Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Plant and General Science and Engineering, with a minimum GPA of 4.5. Please note: If you have a relevant Bachelor's degree or equivalent, in the fields of food science, food technology, food engineering and nutrition, with a minimum GPA of 4.5 then please consider applying to the Graduate Certificate in Global Food and Nutrition Science instead.

Fees and Scholarships

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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Australian Full-fee place: $21,250

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

FEE-HELP
This is an Australian full-fee program. As a domestic student you may be eligible to:

  • receive a zero interest government assistance package to cover your course fees and
  • use over $100,000 in HELP assistance over your lifetime
Check your eligibility today at Study Assist

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Degree Structure

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

The Graduate Certificate in Food and Nutrition Science is designed to begin the development of specialist skills and knowledge in nutrition, food science and technology. Students will learn the importance of developing a sustainable, nutritious and healthy food supply and be introduced to the design, processing and packaging of every-day and specialty foods with specific functional and nutritional properties.

The Graduate Certificate of Food and Nutrition Science is an AQF Level 8 qualification with a standard full-time duration of 6 months.

Example Study Plan

To qualify for the degree of Graduate Certificate in Food and Nutrition Science, the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 12 units. 

All courses are 3 units unless stated otherwise.

Core Course, choice of

Students must complete one of the following:

FOOD SC 7001WT Foundations in Food & Nutrition

FOOD SC 7305WT Public Health Nutrition

FOOD SC 7510WT Nutrition and Health Across Life-Stages

Core Course, choice of

Students must choose 9 units from the following:

FOOD SC 7028WT Sensory Food Science

FOOD SC 7031WT Innovations in Food Processing

FOOD SC 7205WT Food Quality and Regulation

FOOD SC 7502WT Food Microbiology PG

FOOD SC 7540WT Food Chemistry and Analysis

Assessment

Assessment can include examinations, group work, project work, online assessment, peer assessment, attendance and participation.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Thursday, 12 Sep 2024