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Research Masters - MSc

Apply for the Master of Science (MSc)

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Master of Science degrees at Otago are research-based and are designed to equip you either to move into employment well prepared with advanced knowledge and strong research skills, or to advance seamlessly to a doctoral study programme.

Two year MSc - by Papers and Thesis

The two-year Research Masters, which includes a papers and a thesis year, is for those who have completed a bachelors degree in Food Science,  or in Consumer Food Science, or in a food science related discipline such as food  engineering, food technology or food safety.  Entry criteria apply.

Programme requirements

Master of Science (MSc) in Consumer Food Science

Papers and Thesis

  • FOSC 495  Master's Thesis Preparation

  • Four further papers from FOSC 421, FOSC 422, FOSC 423, FOSC 424, FOSC 425, Topics in Advanced Consumer Food Science 1-5 approved by the Head of the Department of Food Science

    Note: With approval from the Head of the Department of Food Science, FOSC 460 or one 400-level paper from another relevant subject may be substituted for one elective 400-level FOSC paper.

  • Thesis: FOSC 5

Master of Science (MSc) in Food Science

Papers and Thesis

  • FOSC 495  Master's Thesis Preparation

  • Four of FOSC 401, FOSC 402, FOSC 403, FOSC 404, FOSC 405 Topics in Advanced Food Science 1-5, approved by the Head of the Department of Food Science.

    Note: With approval from the Head of the Department of Food Science FOSC 460 or one 400-level paper from another relevant subject may be substituted for one elective 400-level FOSc paper.

  • Thesis: FOSC 5

    Note: The papers are normally taken before undertaking the thesis.

One year MSc in Food Science or Consumer Food Science - by Thesis only

This one-year research only Masters is for those who hold a Postgraduate Diploma in a Food Science related discipline or for International students who hold a 4 year Honours degree with a clear significant research project component.

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Before you apply

Finding a supervisor

As a potential research student, you need to be well-prepared, and show initiative and aptitude.

Prior to application, you need to find a supervisor and confirm a project or area of study with them. To do this you must:

  1. Find an area you are interested in on the Department Research Themes page or follow the links to the staff members individual profile pages to view their specific areas of expertise.
  2. First contact should be made with the Postgraduate Administrator at foodscience.office@otago.ac.nz. Explaining your area of interest and staff members that you may want as Supervisors. Please include your C.V, educational transcripts and contact details of two academic referees.
  3. Once the Postgraduate Administrator has assessed your initial email and information sent, only then will your details be passed on to the relevant academics and they will contact you for further information if they wish to proceed further or the Postgraduate Administrator will inform you that your enquiry has been unsuccessful.

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Making a formal application

Apply online following the Otago University Application process unless you are an International student.

International applicants who are new to the University of Otago should refer to the International section of the website before making an online application.

Should you need advice or have any questions about our department courses then please contact us.

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