Master of Science

This program builds on your professional experience and/or prior degrees to develop advanced expertise and critical understanding in science and in these disciplines.

Master of Science

Duration

Full Time: 2 Years (Available Part Time)*

Next Start Date

04 March 2024

22 July 2024

Closing Date

Campuses
Parramatta South UAC 950703 Hawkesbury UAC 950704
Domestic Student Fees
?

Indicative annual fee from $11,885

Additional Information

Program Code: 3749

CRICOS Code: 098472B

Advance your curiosity for science

This program can be taken in a number of majors: Public Health Nutrition, Food Science, Greenhouse Horticulture, Agriculture, or Sustainable Water Futures. Depending on the major chosen, you may find employment at a senior level in a wide range of destinations, including federal, state and local government bodies, universities, research organisations, food and agriculture industries, private companies, health facilities, science-based industries, or private consultancies.
ad-promo-sciences

Elevate Your Career

With a postgraduate degree from Western you can elevate your career. Expand your knowledge, develop new networks and enhance your career prospects with us. 

Apply now for 2024!

Female student on campus outdoors with a black top

What you can expect to study

The program structure is outlined in our handbook. Here you can view all of the subjects you will be studying.

B Advanced Science

You can choose from the following majors:

The Master of Science majoring in Food Science is designed for graduates interested in furthering a career in food science and technology, working in a variety of settings, such as food manufacturing, research and development, regulatory affairs, technical and senior management. Graduates will develop knowledge and skills to meet future challenges to the food supply including sustainability, food safety, and health and nutrition, applicable to both Australian and global contexts. This major develops essential content knowledge, analytical skills and mastery of laboratory methods and quality assurance through an integrated set of subjects in food processing, quality assurance, food evaluation techniques and new product development. In particular, these subjects are all directed towards solving current and future challenges. Students will be prepared to become professional food scientists with the cognitive, technical and critical thinking skills to analyse issues and articulate appropriate solutions. Students will become familiar with the University’s food pilot plant and commercial kitchen and be able use these facilities to practise their skills and application of knowledge and skills. A capstone subject involving professional research project allows students to integrate their knowledge and skills developed from the whole program and build on research skills that are scaffolded through the curriculum.

Horticulture is one of the fastest growing food producing sectors in Australia. Western Sydney University (WSU) Hawkesbury Campus has been excellent in delivering high-quality research and teaching programs in horticulture. The unique Master of Science (Greenhouse Horticulture), Graduate Diploma in Protected Cropping, and Graduate Certificate in Protected Cropping offer students exciting learning opportunities to extend the students’ knowledge and further develop their expertise in the areas of science, technology and business with a strong focus on intensive horticulture. The highlight for the learning journey is the Masterclass experience, where you will be meeting with industry experts and working on real life industry challenges in a world-class greenhouse facility at the National Vegetable Protected Cropping Centre (NVPCC) of WSU. Themes for the Masterclass include crop and produce management, software and hardware systems, integrated pest management and fertigation systems. In addition, students will have the opportunity to complete protected cropping industry projects by integrating and applying what you have learned. The program will also help students to harness and showcase leadership, communication and business skills. Graduates of these versatile and flexible degrees will be able to apply the latest research findings and practices to the workplace or to explore new career options in the field of horticulture with an elevated perspective and a new skillset. Graduates of the Master of Science (Greenhouse Horticulture) will also have the opportunities to conduct cutting-edge research with an industry partner or at the NVPCC and the Future Food Systems Corporate Centre towards a PhD. 

Increasing the sustainable production of food for a growing population, in an unpredictable and increasingly harsh environment, is a global priority. Agricultural systems that meet these social and environmental goals of sustainable development must be developed to ensure healthy lives. This Postgraduate major is designed for science graduates interested in agricultural careers in technological innovation, research and development, agricultural policy and senior management. It is expected that upon completion of the program students will have the cognitive, technical and critical thinking skills to analyse issues and articulate appropriate solutions in the ever-evolving field of agricultural science. A capstone subject involving either a research or professional industry project will allow students to integrate their knowledge and skills developed throughout the program. 

The Master of Science major in Public Health Nutrition is designed for human nutrition graduates seeking to further their career in public health and health promotion; working in a variety of settings, such as local, state or national health organisations, non-government organisations, population health subjectts, community health centres, and international aid agencies. Roles may include, health promotion officer, research and evaluation officer, monitoring and surveillance officer, and health policy officer. The program draws on and complements the Master of Public Health, providing an attractive postgraduate pathway for students with prior nutrition knowledge. This major build an integrated understanding of relevant aspects of community and public health nutrition and its interrelation with other relevant disciplines including, behavioural sciences and nutrition/health education, social sciences, economics, politics, food and nutrition systems, and public health systems. A capstone subject involving a public health nutrition research project allows students to integrate their knowledge and skills developed from the whole program and build on research skills that are scaffolded through the curriculum. 

The right to safe drinking water and sanitation is an internationally recognized human right and integral to the realization of other human rights. Efficient water management will be key to this in the future as well as providing adequate food, health and well-being, and preserving our natural environments and ecosystems. This specialisation uses a transdisciplinary approach to developing sustainable solutions to current problems with water resourcing and to equip graduates with the tools to tackle future difficulties in water management. It is expected that upon completion of the program students will have the cognitive, technical and critical thinking skills to analyse issues and articulate appropriate solutions in the complex field of water sustainability. A capstone subject involving either a research or professional industry project will allow students to integrate their knowledge and skills developed throughout the program. 

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of this degree, you can look forward to a broad range of exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries. Below are some examples of the possible careers you can pursue with this degree:

  • Health Promotion Officer
  • Research and Evaluation Officer
  • Food Scientist
  • Secondary Teacher in Food Technology
  • Professional Horticulture Scientist
  • Agricultural Researcher
B Psychological and Social Sciences

Entry requirements for domestic students

Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.

You can read more about special requirements here.

B Psychological and Social Sciences

Entry requirements for international students

**Please note, if this course lists a part-time option, this is not available to International Students on a Student Visa.

Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.

You can read more about international academic entry requirements here.

Indicative annual fee

PG Direct

Apply as a Domestic Student

If you are a domestic student, you can apply through our Western Application system which is free of charge.

Domestic students are:

  • Australian Citizens
  • New Zealand Citizens
  • Australian permanent residents
  • Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders

Scholarships

Western Sydney University recognises and rewards students who demonstrate community engagement, outstanding academic ability and superior leadership skills. Donor-funded scholarships are also available, providing support for students based on both academic achievements and equity considerations. There are also scholarships available for specific degrees. 

PG Direct

Apply as an International Student

If you are an international student, you can apply for free through our international student application system or through an agent representative.

International students are:

  • Not an Australian citizen;
  • Not a New Zealand citizen; and
  • Not a permanent resident of Australia.

Admission to Western Sydney University is on the basis of meeting minimum academic and English language requirements. For more information about tuition fees and other costs, visit the Fees and Costs page.

Scholarships

When you apply to Western, you’re automatically assessed for a Scholarship, no additional application required! We’re offering multi-year scholarships (for up to 3 years) valued at $6,000 or $3,000 and even 50% off tuition fees. Scholarships are awarded on academic merit.

Generic PG Dom International

Want to know more?

We're here to provide clarity.

If you're uncertain about your study journey, enquire about our program today and gain the confidence to move forward.

Australian students
1300 897 669

International students
+61 2 9852 5499

Untitled design - 1
Kingswood campus

OTHER STUDY OPTIONS

Master of Forensic Science

Full Time: 1.5 Years (Available Part Time)*

Master of Science (Food Science)

Full Time: 2 Years (Available Part Time)*

Master of Health Science

Full Time: 2 Years

The tuition fees quoted above are the fees for the normal full-time study load of the program (80 credit points) per annum. International students will be subject to a variable fee regime; i.e. enrolled students will be required to pay fees during their program based on the approved fee for each calendar year. Fee changes (if any) will occur at 1 January each calendar year. Students who extend their program past the normal finish date of the program will be required to pay additional fees based on the prevailing fee level. Western Sydney University is a multi-campus institution. The University reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary. Students should be aware of the possibility of change of location for the whole or part of programs for which they enrol and should plan for the need to travel between Western Sydney campuses.