Undergraduate study in Food Science and Nutrition
What can you study in Food Science and Nutrition?
You can study Food Science and Nutrition as a specialisation in the Bachelor of Science (BSc). This specialisation offers two distinct pathways: the Food Science pathway and the Nutrition pathway.
If you follow the Food Science pathway, you’ll study areas such as:
- Manufacturing, processing and production in food-related industries
- Food components, their properties and ways in which they interact in food products
- Nutrigenomics
- Emerging technologies and their benefits
- Food safety
- Product development
If you follow the Nutrition pathway, you’ll study areas such as:
- Human nutrition
- Maintenance of good health
- Wellbeing of populations
- Environmental, social, economic and cultural determinants of eating behaviours
Structuring your programme
If you began your degree prior to 2019 we recommend you seek advice to make sure you are taking the correct courses.
Visit your online help and support centre, AskAuckland.
Preparing for your Food Science and Nutrition specialisation
Some students will feel more prepared for our Food Science and Nutrition courses if they have already studied some science subjects in high school.
Find out which school subjects will help you feel prepared by reading our Subject guide for school students.
Entry requirements for Food Science and Nutrition
Entry to the Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Nutrition is limited. Selection into this programme will require a higher standard than some other programmes.
| Secondary school qualification | Rank score required |
|---|---|
| NCEA | 200 |
| CIE | 200 |
| IB | 28 |
What if you don’t meet the entry requirements?
If you meet the entry requirements for other majors in the Bachelor of Science (such as Biological Sciences, Chemistry or Physiology), then you should apply for one of these majors.
Where can undergraduate study in Food Science and Nutrition take you?
Food Science graduates may find work in the food industry, research institutes and government departments, in areas such as:
- Food analysis
- Food and ingredient manufacturing
- Food safety
- Product development
- Research
- Sensory evaluation
- Waste management
Nutrition graduates may find work in private practices, the food industry, research institutes, non-governmental organisations and government departments, in areas such as:
- Health policy
- Health programme planning
- Health promotion
- Nutritional consulting
- Nutrition information services
- Research
Further study options
Further study options for the Food Science pathway:
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Food Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
- Master of Science (MSc)
- Master of Engineering Studies (MEngSt) in Food Process Engineering
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Further study options for the Nutrition pathway:
Scholarships and awards
Each year we award scholarships and prizes to thousands of students.
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for, search available scholarships or begin an application by visiting Scholarships and awards.
Help and advice
Student Hubs
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