Master of Science

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.