Bachelor of Food Science (Honours)

Australia's #1 Engineering & Technology Faculty

International

You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.

In this degree, you’ll have the opportunity to apply yourself to food product design and enquiry projects, professional food practice, food systems management and more. Choose to specialise in Technology or Nutrition.

Commencing Terms: Term 1, 2 & 3
Duration: 4 Year(s)
Delivery Mode: Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus: Kensington
Codes: UAC code 425600; Program code 3061; CRICOS code 001881J

ATAR/2025 lowest selection rank: 85.0
2025 Indicative first year full fee: $8,500*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $38,000*
2025 Indicative first year full fee: $58,500*
2025 Indicative first year full fee: $251,000*

Four-year program
Choose your discipline
Industry recognised

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Overview

Food scientists study the properties of food and ingredients to ensure their safe use and consumption. The Food Science (Honours) degree is designed to provide you with a solid background in mathematics, natural and applied sciences to equip you for a career in a variety of professions.

You'll have the opportunity to apply yourself to food product design and enquiry projects, professional food practice, food systems management, research towards your thesis project.

The four-year Food Science degree is offered in two disciplines: Food Science and Technology and Food Science and Nutrition.

Program Code

3061

CRICOS Code

001881J

Campus

Kensington

UAC Code

425600

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

192

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Entry requirements

2024 Lowest Selection Rank

85.0

2024 A levels

11.0

2024 IB Diploma

32.0

2024 Lowest ATAR

80.7

The 2024 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024.

The 2024 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.

The 2024 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024. It is to be used as a guide only.

The 2024 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.

To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.

We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.

See more

Assumed knowledge

Mathematics (2 unit), Chemistry

Recommended knowledge: Biology, Physics

Adjustment Factors

We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.

HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.

Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission pathways

This degree is eligible for admission through our Portfolio Entry Early Conditional Offer Scheme. Complete a submission to demonstrate your passion and performance in relevant subjects. Successful applicants will receive an early conditional offer with an adjusted ATAR entry requirement.

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.

International direct entry

I studied in:

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.

Please contact us for direct entry requirements.

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:

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

Program structure

Degree structures can vary depending on your specialisation of choice, the number of courses you choose and timetabling, to give you an indication you can consider the below.

When studying the Bachelor of Food Science (Honours) you’ll be able to specialise in either:

Food Science and Technology
Food Science and Nutrition

In your first year you’ll study various introductory courses which will equip you with the skills required for the rest of your Food Science degree, these courses include:

An Introduction to Food Science (including courses in Sustainable Food Product Manufacturing and Molecules, Cells and Genes)
An Introduction to Engineering Chemistry
An Introduction to Computing for Engineers
An Introduction to Physics
An Introduction to Mathematics

In your second and third year you’ll undertake courses from your selected specialisation, depending on your specialisation your studies may include courses in:

Biochemistry
Food Chemistry
Food Microbiology
Analytical Chemistry
Physiology
Epidemiology
Food Technology
Food Nutrition

In your fourth year you’ll study advanced courses related to your specialisation and complete a Product Design Project Thesis.

During your degree you’ll be required to complete two General Education electives. These courses help you broaden your education by completing two courses from outside the engineering faculty strengthening your cross-disciplinary thinking, developing a flexible approach and enhancing your critical analysis skills. 

You can also take part in a Vertically Integrated Project (VIP) within UNSW Engineering’s exciting ChallENG program. VIP projects engage students in long-term, multidisciplinary project teams that are led by UNSW researchers.

Go to the handbook

Download sample program

How to apply

Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.

On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.

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For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.

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Fees & Scholarships

2025 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$8,500*

2025 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree

$38,000*

Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2

*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.

The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.

2025 Indicative First Year Fee

$58,500*

2025 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$251,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships

At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.

Featured scholarships

Women in Engineering Scholarships

UNSW provides a wide range of Women in Engineering scholarships to support high-achieving female students throughout their degree.

Apply here and search for ‘Engineering’ in the keywords.

Engineering Rural Scholarship

The Faculty of Engineering Rural Scholarships Program aims to assist high achieving high school students from rural or isolated areas to study in the Faculty of Engineering at UNSW.

Apply here and search for ‘Engineering’ in the keywords.