About FST Programme
What is Food Science and Technology?
The undergraduate degree in Food Science and Technology covers the full educational spectrum of food science and food technology, with a focus on four themes: food quality and safety, new food product innovation, food processing, and nutrition. Food Science is the discipline in which biology, physical sciences, and engineering are used to study the nature of foods, the causes of their deterioration, and the principles underlying food processing. Food Technology is the application of food science to the selection, preservation, processing, packaging, distribution, and use of safe, nutritious and wholesome food.
How is FST in NUS different from other local and overseas universities that are offering the same or similar degree?
FST in NUS has obtained international accreditation from IUFoST (International Union of Food Science and Technology) which certifies that the NUS FST courses meet international standards and guidelines for outcome-based academic programmes. The accreditation also facilitates mutual recognition of qualifications among the IUFoST accredited courses globally.
FST in NUS has over 20 years of experience in running the programme and has established partnerships with local and multinational food companies, shown through their support in terms of research collaboration, scholarships and awards. Our programme is also backed strongly by our alumni who are now in the workforce. For more comprehensive comparison, students are encouraged to look at the curriculum offered by different universities.
In addition to the international accreditation and our established track record, NUS FST offers flexible curriculum where you may customise your learning pathways to suit your preferences. We offer a primary major in FST, and second major in Food Science. Other universities may offer FST as a second major only. Our primary major curriculum offered is much more comprehensive, and our students can venture into a wider variety of niche areas in food science as they advance in the course. In addition, our lecturers are actively engaged in leading-edge research, and our students benefit by working under the close supervision of senior researchers including research fellows and PhD students.
What will I learn in FST?
FST is a multidisciplinary subject which covers area in Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Nutrition, Microbiology, etc. FST is not meant to enhance your culinary skills. Students will acquire knowledge of the science and technology of food, across the whole value chain. This spans upstream agricultural science and urban farming technology, to food science and manufacturing technology, food safety and sensory science, to downstream nutritional science and food waste valorisation.
Part of the FST primary major curriculum from AY2021/2022 onwards will expose students to a variety of food-specific topics such as post-harvest processing, flavour science, sensory & consumer science, microbiology, food nutrition, food quality assurance and control, food packaging, food engineering, food safety, food processing, etc. Final year FST primary major students are also required to embark on a food product innovation project where students will work together, alongside industry partners and companies, to develop interesting and relevant food products to address food trends and market needs. Our programme also provides opportunities for student to work alongside professors, post-graduate seniors and other industrial partners to gain experience in research through Honours projects and UROPS projects.
What degree will I get at the end of my studies?
FST graduates will receive B.Sc.(Hons) degree.
What are the differences between a Primary Major in FST and a Second Major in Food Science?
The main difference in course structure lies in the Engineering courses which are covered as part of the primary major in FST. In addition, the course structure for a primary major in FST includes experience in food product development during Year 4 which simulates the Food Product Development process in the food industry. You may refer to the detailed course structures here.
Are there Nutrition Major or Minor available?
Yes, we offer Second Major in Nutrition and Minor in Nutrition for Cohort AY2021/2022 onwards.
Is the major/minor in Nutrition a preclusion for primary major in FST/second major in Food Science?
Minor in Nutrition programme is offered to all students under CHS, including students reading FST as the primary major or second major.
Existing students from cohort AY2020/2021 and earlier are not eligible to read the minor in Nutrition.
Can non-FST major students take FST courses?
You can take FST1101B as this is not a restricted course.
However, you will not be able to take higher level FST courses (i.e. courses coded with FST2000, 3000, 4000, 5000) if you are not in any of our programmes except for Nutrition courses with code FST2201, FST3202 and FST4202.
When was the Department of Food Science and Technology (FST) established?
Food Science and Technology major was originally a programme attached to the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science from 1999 to 2019. On 1st January 2020, FST became an independent department. It is the first FST department and currently the only one in Singapore’s university sector. NUS FST has over 20 years of experience producing graduates to support the manpower needs of this sector.
What are the job prospects for Food Science & Technology graduates?
Graduates can look forward to broad-based and specialised management and operational careers in food product development, production and processing, quality assurance, and food safety regulation, as well as in the food industry or manufacturing companies in the public, corporate or government sectors. Under the National Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2020 initiative, there are various opportunities in sustainable urban food production, future food and food safety science to support the newly announced target of producing 30% of Singapore’s nutritional needs by 2030.
Specific roles related to FST may include Food Quality Assurance/Quality Control, Food Application Technologist, Food Product Developer, Food Manufacturing Engineer, Food Process Engineer, Food Analytical Chemist, Nutrition Scientist, Research Scientist, Food Regulatory Specialist, Microbiologist, Technical Sales and Marketing, Project/Product Management, Food Safety Specialist, Food Regulatory Specialist, Supply Chain Management, Packaging Scientist, Flavour Scientist, Consumer Sensory Insights Management, Sensory Scientist, Nutrition Advisor, Food Law Enforcement, Teacher, Journalist among others.
The list is non-exhaustive. You can also start your own food business. Most of these jobs are in demand and provided in food and allied industries, government and non-government organizations, and in education. FST graduates have been able to find jobs locally or abroad.
What is the role of Food Scientist or Food Technologist in the Industry?
Food Scientists and Technologists are usually working in the relevant companies in the industry, government agencies or research establishments. Examples of responsibilities include:
- Design and operate quality assurance systems to ensure that quality and safety of food and/or food ingredients are maintained throughout the food supply chain.
- Research and discover new food/ingredient sources and alternatives, analyzing food content or searching for substitutes for harmful or undesirable additives.
- Develop and innovate new ways to produce, process, preserve, package, or store food according to industry and government regulations.
- Enforce government regulations, inspecting food processing areas and ensuring that sanitation, safety, quality, and waste management standards are met.
Will there be opportunities to go abroad in the FST programme?
There are many opportunities to go abroad. You can take up a Student Exchange Programme (SEP), NUS overseas college (NOC) or apply for an industrial attachment opportunity overseas. There are also other overseas programmes organised by the University or student organisations. In the last few years, our students had the opportunity to join summer programmes in Japan, Costa Rica, China, Europe and Indonesia. We strongly encourage our students to participate in such activities to broaden your cultural and intellectual horizons.
If admitted to the programme, can I still participate in other programmes in the Faculty or University?
Many FST undergraduates participate in various other programmes in the University, e.g. University Scholars Programme (USP), Student Exchange Programme (SEP), Special Programme in Science (SPS), Summer Exchange Programme, Double Degree Programmes, Joint Minor Programmes, NUS Overseas Colleges, etc. Students may also consider major(s) or minor(s) in other area to value-add to their degree.
Are there any scholarships or awards specifically for FST students?
Awards are given based on merit to the most deserving students every year. Students may apply for scholarships when they are opened for application. The date will be announced through emails to FST students. Some awards and scholarships specifically for FST students are listed here: Nestle Scholarship, F&N Scholarship, Ingredion Scholarship, PJ Barlow Book Prize, Givaudan Food Excellence Prize, KH Roberts Student Award, Firmenich Best Honours Student Award, SIFST Best Student Award, NUS Science-Seagift Merit Scholarship, etc.
Is FST a direct honours programme?
Yes, FST is a 4-year direct honours programme. Students who complete the FST major programme will be conferred an Honours degree and Honours classification will be determined by the Grade Point Average (GPA). Kindly refer here for more detailed information on the degree classifications.
What are the professional organisations that recognise a degree in FST?
Within Singapore, the degree is recognized by professional organisations such as the Singapore Institute of Food Science and Technology (SIFST) and Singapore National Institute of Chemistry (SNIC) as well as the food industry. NUS FST Programme has also obtained certification from the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST). IUFoST is the global scientific organization for Food Science and Technology supporting programmes and projects to increase the safety and security of the world’s food supply.
What are the Graduate / Post-Graduate Programmes in FST?
The postgraduate programme in NUS FST include Ph. D. by research, M. Sc. by research and M. Sc. by coursework. Candidates must have at least B. Sc. (Hons) with GPA higher than 4.0 before one can be considered for admission to the Ph. D. programme. For M. Sc. by research, the criteria for admission will be slightly less stringent. Further information on application can be found on the FST website under Postgraduate Programmes. Historically, our graduates have secured entry to graduate programmes in a variety of areas in addition to food related areas such as medicinal sciences, material sciences, life sciences, chemistry, engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, etc.
What is the FST Society?
The NUS FST Society is a student body that is run by FST students and supported by the FST department. They are actively involved in organising get-togethers for the FST family such as our annual ICMB Fundraising, Freshmen Orientation Camps, FST Outreach Programmes, CNY Celebration and many more.
Entry Requirements and Application Procedure
What is the application procedure for the Food Science & Technology course in NUS?
Please refer to Admission Information for the details on application into Primary Major in FST, 2nd Major in Food Science, Minor in Nutrition.
Can I change my mind or am I allowed to change the major after admission?
Admission to FST is direct during the University Admission Exercise. To change major after admission, students have to submit an application for transfer via the NUS Office of Admissions. For more information, please refer here.
It is not encouraged that students change their major late into their candidature as they may face difficulties in catching up with courses required by the new major.
When and how will I know whether I have been selected?
Applicants will be informed of the offer by the Office of Admissions directly.
What is the minimum entry requirement for high school/polytechnic graduates?
To be admitted to the degree course majoring in FST, candidates should satisfy the following criteria:
- Any two H2 pass or equivalent in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics/Further Mathematics or Computing.
- Students without H2 (or equivalent) in Chemistry and/or Biology will be required to read the bridging courses in Chemistry and/or Biology (i.e. CM1417/CM1417X and/or LSM1301)
- Polytechnic graduates with good results in an appropriate Diploma may also be admitted through NUS Office of Admissions
However, having met the minimum requirement does not guarantee one a place in FST since the cut-off point for admission differs from year to year. You may be able to obtain the cut-off point for any major in Faculty of Science for the intake of previous academic year via Indicative Grade Profile.
Those without the above qualifications may be accepted but only after an interview and discussion with the admissions advisor.
Which major(s) in polytechnics can be considered to be admitted to FST? What courses can be exempted?
For admission to FST, local polytechnic graduates will be considered for admission if their Diplomas are relevant and accredited to the NUS FST course. Please refer to the information on the list of acceptable Diplomas here. No exemptions will be given for food-related courses. However, Polytechnic Diploma holders admitted to the Faculty will be automatically granted 20 units of advanced placement credits (APCs) of Unrestricted Elective courses (UE). Please refer to the information at NUS’ Office of Admissions.
What is the minimum entry requirement for Second Major in Food Science?
The entry requirement for second major in Food Science is the same as that for primary major in Food Science and Technology, i.e. any two H2 passes (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Computing or Mathematics/Further Mathematics. Those without H2 passes in Chemistry and/or Biology will be required to take the corresponding bridging course(s).
All CHS students from Cohort AY2025/2026 onwards (excluding FST primary major students) can apply for this restricted second major (Second Major in Food Science) from AY2025/2026 onwards. Students from Cohort AY2024/2025 and before must take Chemistry as primary major.
Second major in Food Science is not offered together with the primary major in FST, i.e. you are not allowed to enroll in both majors concurrently.
Are the numbers of students admitted to FST limited? If so, how do I know the chances of admission?
The intake for the FST major varies from year to year, and the chances of admission depends on the quality of the applicant pool and the quota for that year. In AY2020/2021, FST has up to 60* vacancies in the primary major programme and up to 20* vacancies for second major programme.
*This number is subject to change in the future. The chances of being admitted is dependent on the number of applications we receive. As long as you are able to meet the minimum requirement, you may apply. Most importantly, you must have passion in the subject.
Do I have to attend an interview for the admission the FST programme?
Certain applicants may be called in for an interview only when necessary, depending on the shortlisting criteria for that year. However, it is not a concern if you did not receive any interview.
I do not have H2 Biology (or equivalent). Can I still take FST as my 1st/2nd major?
H2 Biology is not required for admission to FST programme. However, successful applicants without H2 Biology (or equivalent) must take the bridging course, LSM1301 General Biology in Semester 1.
If you are a Chemistry 1st major who wants to take a 2nd major in Food Science and have not taken H2 Biology before, you will need to take the bridging course LSM1301 in Semester 1 such that you will fulfil the prerequisites for FST1101B in Semester 2.
If you missed the bridging course LSM1301 in Semester 1, you may take it in Semester 2 and take FST1101B in the subsequent academic year. You will be conferred 2nd major in Food Science as long as you complete the course requirements before graduation.
What if I did not receive a direct admission offer into Primary Major in FST?
You may try to reapply via the following methods:
- Submit an appeal for your application via NUS Office of Admission or
- If you are accepted into CHS, you may apply into Primary Major in FST via CHS Mid-Stream Application. However, do take note that there are limited vacancies available for students enrolled in CHS. All applications will be subjected to approval. You will have to also read FST1101B in Year 1. You may refer to the procedure for mid-stream application here.