Bachelor of Arts and Science - Consumer Food Science

The University of Otago

Consumers are becoming increasingly demanding in what they choose to eat: low-carb, vitamin-enriched, fat-free, organic, sustainably-produced, isotonic, carbon-neutral, fortified, genetically-modified, healthy... and then there’s flavour, safety and affordability. Finding out what people in different markets around the world want, and how to produce it and get it there in top condition is a real challenge for food producers.Consumer Food Science encompasses many different subjects and applications, and that’s reflected in the breadth of job opportunities. Our graduates frequently find employment before they have even completed their final year at university. You could end up working for a national or international food company specialising in dairy, confectionery, brewing, fruit and vegetables, seafood or any other foodstuff.Graduates go into research institutes, for example, Plant and Food Research, or government agencies such as the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). There are exciting career options in food quality management, food promotion, sensory analysis, teaching, marketing, consumer research and the hospitality industry.