M.Sc Food Science and Nutrition: Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Fees, Colleges, Careers

M.Sc Food Science and Nutrition is a 2-year postgraduate course that equips the students with advanced information in food chemistry, nutrition, food microbiology, food safety, dietetics, and health science. It teaches the science of humans and a study of human nutrition, processing as well as preservation of foods, food quality assurance and human health. The course will equip professionals with skills to work in the field of creating food products, nutrition planning, quality control, and nutritional therapy.

To pursue M.Sc Food Science and Nutrition candidates must have passed B.Sc in Food Science, Home Science, Nutrition, Dietetics, Biochemistry, Life Science or related disciplines. They have scored at least 50-55% aggregate marks in UG degree from a recognised university. Admission is either based on merit or entrance examination such as ICAR AIEEA PG or CUET PG or other state level or institute specific exams. There are also some institutes, which consider interviews as part of the admission process.

The average fee of studying M.Sc Food Science and Nutrition is between INR 30,000- 2,00,000 based on the type of institution. Some of the best colleges which provide this course are Delhi University, SNDT Women’s University, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Mount Carmel College , Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), and others. The course is more likely to be provided at a reduced fee by government and government aided colleges in comparison to the fee that is charged by private institutes.

M.Sc Food Science and Nutrition graduates can also be employed in various establishments like food manufacturing industries, hospitals, research labs, NGOs, health departments as well as institutions of learning. Examples of career opportunities are as Clinical Nutritionist, Food Safety Officer, Research Scientist, Dietitian, Quality Control Analyst, Food Technologist and a Public Health Specialist. Individuals doing further education such as Ph.D can join academic careers or top research jobs. Entry level professionals are normally within the bracket of INR 3-6 LPA, whereas professionals and consultants who have more experience can earn between INR 8-15 LPA based on skills and trade.

M.Sc Food Science and Nutrition Course Highlights

Given below are the basic key highlights for the M.Sc Food Science and Nutrition:

What is M.Sc Food Science and Nutrition?

M.Sc Food Science and Nutrition 2-year postgraduate course is about the scientific food which deals with the scientific nature of food and its nutritional value, safety and its effects on human health. This course would suit individuals who had an interest in the nutrition-related sciences, food safety or research, working in the areas of public health or clinical dietetics.

The program is a blend of superior studies in the areas of food chemistry, microbiology, human physiology, clinical nutrition, food processing, and diet planning. It also educates students on how to conduct laboratories, quality control, therapeutic, and cook up health-oriented food products. The course also lays a heavy emphasis on research and practice to enhance food systems and consequently develop nutrition in the general populace.

Why Study M.Sc Food Science and Nutrition?

Living in the world where health, sustainable living, and nutrition have become the burning issues, an M.Sc in Food Science and Nutrition is not only topical but also effective. The following are the essential reasons to take an M.Sc in Food Science and Nutrition:

• Understanding of food and health at a deep intellectual level: Within the scope of the program, one will be able to gain extensive knowledge on the interaction of food and the human body at the molecular, cellular, and systemic levels.
• Playing a role in Public Health and Nutrition: Since graduates learn how to lay out health policies and programs on nutrition, they will be able to establish and design higher-level policies to solve health concerns that are becoming common.
• Laboratory and Industrial practicum: This field experience will leave you with no doubts of the skills and confidence that will lead you to succeed in scientific, industrial setups.
• Developing Research and analytical skills: You acquire the knowledge and experience of how to design experiments, interpret data and report results and these are very essential skills irrespective of whether you decide to work in a research career or in an applied career in the food and nutrition industry.

Who Should Study M.Sc in Food Science and Nutrition?

The M.Sc in food science and nutrition is targeted at the science graduate who loves food, health and wellness. It suits perfectly for various candidates, few of the best-fit candidates are mentioned below:

• Aspirants who are already in the B.Sc background (Home Science, Biology, Food Technology, Nutrition, Biochemistry or its ally) and are interested in viewing food in a scientific and nutritional perspective.
• Students of clinical nutrition, dietetics, public health or nutritional therapy with an intention to have a significant contribution to the community health.
• Candidates who like research and working in a lab especially food processing, food safety, microbiology or product development.
• Individuals interested in becoming dietitians, food quality officers, nutritionists, food safety advisers or become policy and regulation analysts in the food sector.
• People who wish to work in medical organizations, food companies, research centers, non-governmental organizations or even in such international healthcare organizations as WHO or UNICEF.
• Applicants, who are keen to make the food systems healthier and safer and more sustainable and food creative and conscious.

M.Sc Food Science and Nutrition Eligibility Criteria

Below is the standard eligibility criteria for admission to the M.Sc Food Science and Nutrition program. Exact requirements may vary across universities:

• The applicants should either have a B.Sc. in Food Science, Nutrition, Home Science, Dietetics, Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology or any related discipline, from a recognized university.
• It is usually required that candidates have at least an aggregate of 50-55% in undergraduate degrees.
• Admissions are generally based on merit, however, few institutes grant admission based on entrance exams like ICAR AIEEA PG or CUET PG, or may conduct their own admission test.

M.Sc Food Science and Nutrition Entrance Exams 2025

Admission to M.Sc Food Science and Nutrition usually involves entrance exams conducted by universities or at the national level.

M.Sc Food Science and Nutrition Colleges in India

M.Sc Food Science and Nutrition colleges in India offer specialized postgraduate programs focusing on nutrition, dietetics, food technology, and health sciences. There are numerous institutions nationwide, including government, private, and semi-government colleges. Some of the best colleges offering M.Sc Food Science and Nutrition with approximate fee details are given below:

Students with interests in technology can check M.Sc in Food Technology

M.Sc Food Science and Nutrition Admission Process 2025

The Admission to M.Sc Food Science and Nutrition is normally done through entrance tests or merit based selection. For reference, the admission procedure at Delhi University is given below:

Step 1: Admission window should be followed by checking eligibility and filling the online application form in Delhi University.

Step 2: Post the important documents such as 10+2 and graduation mark sheets and deposit application fee.

Step 3: Show up to the DU Postgraduate entrance test if you have not appeared for CUET UG or hang tight until the posting of merit lists on the basis of Bachelor degree scores.

Step 4: In case of shortlisting, join counselling and verification of documents.

Step 5: Make the payment of the admission fees according to the instructions of the university and reserve your seat.

Required Documents:

• Graduation mark sheets and degree certificate
• 10th and 12th mark sheets
• Transfer Certificate (TC)
• Character Certificate
• Proof of identity (Aadhaar card, Passport, etc.)
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Passport-sized photographs

M.Sc Food Science and Nutrition Syllabus

M.Sc Food Science and Nutrition is a 2-year postgraduate program divided into 4 semesters emphasizing food science, nutrition, and research. The subjects taught are similar in all the institutes, while the electives may vary, the core subjects remain similar in all. FFor reference, the syllabus offered by SNDT Women's University is given below:

You can also check MSc in Food and Nutrition

M.Sc Food Science & Nutrition vs. M.Sc Food Science & Technology

M.Sc Food Science & Nutrition and M.Sc Food Science & Technology are related postgraduate courses but differ in focus and application. Food Science & Nutrition emphasizes the study of food in relation to human health, diet, and nutrition, whereas Food Science & Technology concentrates on the industrial and technological aspects of food production, preservation, and safety. The difference between them have been mentioned in table below:

M.Sc Food Science and Nutrition Job Opportunities in India

After completing the M.Sc Food Science and Nutrition program, students can pursue various Job Profiles. Given below are some of the famous Job Roles you can pursue after completing the course. Along with the top recruiters and Average Pay. Postgraduates can work in research, healthcare, food industry, and public health sectors.

M.Sc Food Science and Nutrition FAQs