Postgraduate study in Food Engineering

What can you study in Food Engineering?

Our Master of Engineering Studies in Food Engineering covers both the theoretical and practical sides of the industry. In addition to lectures, this programme includes visits to local food processing plants. Also the syllabus prompts you to complete common industry tasks, such as preparing reports, ensuring that you’ll be ready to take on the real world upon graduation. We cover topics that are essential to the field, including:

  • Engineering principles in food process engineering
  • Food safety technologies, and operational methodologies, including mathematical models and systems
  • Product and process design
  • Nutritional composition
  • Preservation and packaging
  • Health and safety practices
  • Technical and regulatory standards  

Important requirements for international students

  • All international applicants should ensure that they meet all the programme’s entry requirements. You should only proceed with your application if your GPA matches or exceeds the requirements for your country listed in the engineering programme of your choice. Please do not apply if your GPA is below the minimum entry requirements, but consider the alternative study options that may be offered as a pathway into your preferred programme.
  • You are strongly advised to consider visa application times. Please be aware of the student visa processing times in your home economy and submit the documentation needed well ahead of the Faculty of Engineering's programme application deadlines. For processing times, contact the New Zealand High Commission/Embassy or your education agent.
  • Applicants applying for their second masters degree need to be aware that additional assessment requirements will take extra time. The Faculty of Engineering is required to assess your previous masters degree courses to ensure that they do not overlap with your selected courses in the University of Auckland programme that you have expressed interest in. You must therefore allow more time for your application to be processed, and be aware that further documentations may be required. Submit your application well in advance of the deadline if this is your situation, as you may also need to take into account visa application times.

Structuring your Master of Engineering Studies in Food Engineering

The MEngSt in Food Engineering is offered as either a research or taught masters. The former involves the completion of two courses and a research portfolio, while the latter is more coursework-focused, requiring you to take four courses and a research project.

Master of Engineering Studies Research (120 points)

The following are compulsory courses needed to complete a 120-point, research-based programme:

90 points from one of the following:

Semesters One and Two

  • CHEMMAT 776 A&B Research Portfolio (90 points) 2 semesters
  • CHEMMAT 777 A&B Research Portfolio (90 points) 2 semesters

30 points from:

Semester One

  • CHEMMAT 772 Advanced Food Process Engineering (15 points)

Semester Two

  • CHEMMAT 773 Food Process Systems Engineering (15 points)

Master of Engineering Studies Research (180 points)

The following are compulsory courses needed to complete a 180-point, research-based programme:

90 points from one of the following:

Semesters One and Two

  • CHEMMAT 776 A&B Research Portfolio (90 points) 2 semesters
  • CHEMMAT 777 A&B Research Portfolio (90 points) 2 semesters

Up to 75 points from the following:

Semester One

  • BIOSCI 741 Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (15 points)
  • CHEMMAT 752 Process Dynamics and Control (15 points)
  • CHEMMAT 756 Food Process Engineering
  • CHEMMAT 760 Advanced Microbial Technology in Bioprocess Engineering (15 points)
  • CHEMMAT 763 Waste Reduction and Recycling Technology
  • ENGGEN 732 Systems Thinking and Project Business Case (15 points) Auckland Online
  • ENGGEN 769 Research Methods for Engineers (15 points) Auckland Online
  • FOODSCI 706 Food Safety (15 points)
  • FOODSCI 707 Food Science (15 points)
  • FOODSCI 740 Food Analysis (15 points)

Semester Two

  • CHEMMAT 757 Engineering Biotechnology (15 points)
  • CHEMMAT 759 Industry 4.0 for Chemical Engineering
  • ENGGEN 769 Research Methods for Engineers (15 points) On-campus
  • FOODSCI 708 Advanced Food Science (15 points)

Or other 600 or 700 level courses offered at this University approved by Head of Department

Master of Engineering Studies (120 or 180 points, taught)

The following are compulsory courses needed to complete the taught programme:

Semester One and Two

  • CHEMMAT 779 A&B Food Engineering Research Project (30 points) 2 semesters

At least 15 points from the following:

Semester One

  • CHEMMAT 772 Advanced Food Process Engineering (15 points)

Semester Two

  • CHEMMAT 758 Resource Recovery Technologies (15 points)
  • CHEMMAT 773 Food Process Systems Engineering (15 points)
  • CHEMMAT 778 Dairy Process Engineering (15 points)

For the 120-point programme, up to 75 points from the following:
For the 180-point programme, up to 135 points from the following:

Semester One

  • BIOSCI 741 Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (15 points)
  • CHEMMAT 752 Process Dynamics and Control (15 points)
  • CHEMMAT 756 Food Process Engineering
  • CHEMMAT 760 Advanced Microbial Technology in Bioprocess Engineering (15 points)
  • CHEMMAT 763 Waste Reduction and Recycling Technology
  • ENGGEN 732 Systems Thinking and Project Business Case (15 points) Auckland Online
  • ENGGEN 769 Research Methods for Engineers (15 points) Auckland Online
  • FOODSCI 706 Food Safety (15 points)
  • FOODSCI 707 Food Science (15 points)
  • FOODSCI 740 Food Analysis (15 points)

Semester Two

  • CHEMMAT 757 Engineering Biotechnology (15 points)
  • CHEMMAT 759 Industry 4.0 for Chemical Engineering
  • ENGGEN 769 Research Methods for Engineers (15 points) On-campus
  • FOODSCI 708 Advanced Food Science (15 points)

Or other approved 600 or 700 level courses offered at this University, subject to approval by the Head of Department.

Help and advice

For course descriptions, refer to the University of Auckland Calendar.

For general student enquiries, please contact the Student Hubs. If you would like further academic information, you can contact a postgraduate adviser.