Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Master of Dairy Science and Technology (MDairyScTech) is a specialised postgraduate qualification focused on advanced dairy science, dairy processing and technology.
• Students develop knowledge of dairy chemistry, microbiology, process technology and engineering, together with product development, plant/project management, legislation and food safety.
• The programme has a strong practical and industry-linked orientation. Students undertake technical projects connected with the dairy industry's products, processes and structure.
• A substantial research component requires students to conduct an original research project aimed at delivering technical solutions to industry-defined objectives.
• A particularly important feature for international applicants is that the programme requires approved employment in the New Zealand dairy industry. This makes the qualification closely connected with practical dairy-industry experience rather than being a purely classroom-based master's degree.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The MDairyScTech is a fixed 120-credit programme. There are no elective specialisations in the current regulations.

The programme consists of:

1. Dairy Science, Technology and Engineering – 141744 – 15 credits

Topics include:

• Dairy chemistry
• Dairy microbiology
• Process technology
• Dairy engineering
• Project management
• Plant management
• Product evaluation
• Product development
• Process development
• Dairy-industry structure
• Strategy
• Organisation and function
• Legislation
• Safety

The course is practical in nature.

2. Dairy Products Technology – 141746 – 30 credits

This course uses case studies to examine the technology and control of manufacturing dairy ingredients and products, including:

• Cheese
• Butter
• Milk powder
• Casein
• Whey protein

It is also a practical course.

3. Dairy Products Technical Projects – 141751 – 30 credits

Students acquire and apply specialised technical knowledge, research skills and competencies through projects involving:

• Investigation of dairy-industry structures
• Analysis of dairy products
• Analysis of dairy processes
• Critical evaluation
• Technical problem-solving
• Research skills.

4. Dairy Science and Technology Research Project – 141848 – 45 credits

This is an original research project integrating knowledge and practical skills developed throughout the programme. It involves rigorous scientific investigation directed towards technical solutions for industry-defined objectives.

The research project requires approved employment in the New Zealand dairy industry and students must achieve at least 50% in the technical report to complete the course.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Master of Dairy Science and Technology is awarded without a specialisation.

The official regulations explicitly state that the qualification is awarded without a specialisation.

The main academic disciplines covered are:

• Dairy science
• Dairy chemistry
• Dairy microbiology
• Dairy processing technology
• Dairy engineering
• Dairy product development
• Dairy manufacturing
• Plant and project management
• Dairy-industry strategy and organisation
• Food safety and legislation
• Dairy research and technical innovation.

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 9 master's qualification.
• 120-credit programme.
• One year full-time.
• Manawat? campus in Palmerston North.
• Designed specifically around dairy science and technology.
• Practical courses combined with a 45-credit research project.
• Covers dairy chemistry, microbiology, processing, engineering, product development and food safety.
• Includes technical projects linked to the dairy industry.
• Requires approved employment in the New Zealand dairy industry.
• No formal specialisation/major is offered.
• Can be completed with Merit or Distinction where the applicable academic and completion requirements are met.

Career Outcomes

The qualification is particularly relevant to professional and technical careers within dairy processing, dairy manufacturing, food technology and related research.

Potential career areas include:

• Dairy technologist
• Dairy processing technologist
• Dairy product development
• Dairy manufacturing
• Food technology
• Process engineering
• Dairy quality and safety
• Technical/project management
• Dairy research and development
• Product and process innovation
• Technical roles within dairy-processing organisations.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The most important programme-specific requirement for an international student is approved employment in the New Zealand dairy industry.

This requirement appears both on the current qualification page and in the formal qualification regulations.

Students must have this employment to facilitate:

• 141751 Dairy Products Technical Projects
• 141848 Dairy Science and Technology Research Project.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student physically studying this programme in New Zealand, the relevant visa is generally the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently requires applicants to have:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or an acceptable scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Good health and character, where applicable.
• Genuine intentions to study.
• Evidence that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.