Bachelor of Food Science and Human Nutrition

Food is an essential part of life

Society continues to face new challenges in food production. Demand for sustainable and healthy choices is growing. As new foods, trends and challenges emerge, we must continue to assess how they impact health. This specialty area of study requires people with a passion for innovative thinking.

You could work with fresh or processed foods, developing new products, or analysing existing ones. Or you could work on ensuring that foods are nutritionally balanced, safe to eat, cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and desirable to buy.

Food and beverage processing is Australia's largest manufacturing industry. This dynamic industry offers great opportunities for food and nutrition scientists to work in different areas. Examples include product development, food regulation, nutrition, quality assurance, food safety and research.

Course overview

You will gain extensive practical experience from our well-equipped laboratories and the industry partners. Our bachelor program covers a wide range of topics, which prepare you for leading roles as a food and nutrition professional and give you a competitive edge in the job market.

Core courses include:

• biology and biochemistry
• biomedical science
• chemistry
• essential nutrients
• food analysis
• food marketing and consumer behaviour
• food product development
• food safety and microbiology
• food technologies
• future food: technologies, issues and trends
• nutrition in health and disease
• plant and animal food products

Eligibility for admission to this program is based on applicants meeting the minimum selection rank, or satisfying the requirements for an approved admission scheme.

The University of Newcastle accepts a range of qualifications to determine eligibility for admission. These include, but are not limited to, Australian or overseas senior secondary qualifications (such as the HSC), prior tertiary studies, prior TAFE/VET studies, and completed enabling programs.

For further information on the pathways that are available to you, please refer to:

• Domestic Applicants
• International Applicants

Overall minimum: 6

Sub test minimum: 6

Graduates of Food Science and Human Nutrition are in high demand. The industry is rapidly growing as society becomes savvier and the thirst for transparency and nutritional information grows.

Technological advances and investment in scientific research also mean there is growing use of food, diet and functional food components to treat and prevent illness and disease.

Graduates can also undertake further study such as Honours or a Higher Degree by Research in Food Science. This program can also provide a pathway into Dietetics with additional study.

Professional Outcomes: