Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading centres in Food Science and Technology in Europe and the world. The history of the Food Technology programme at the university goes back more than 50 years; it is considered to be one of the best and most innovative programmes in its field in Europe.
Wageningen (the Netherlands, 40.000 inhabitants, 10.000 students) is one of the leading areas for Food Technology and Nutrition in the world. Besides the many groups within Wageningen University & Research working on Food Science and Nutrition, there are also numerous companies and research institutes in Wageningen.
On the Programme of Food Technology page you can find the general outline of the programme and more detailed information about courses, theses and internships.
Within the master's programme you can choose one of the following Specialisations to meet your personal interests.
Graduates of the Food Technology programme generally find a job in either one of the food industries, the government, universities or institutes. Around 10% of the graduates will pursue a PhD degree. Below you can find several stories of graduates Food Technology about their job. Read more about career perspectives and opportunities after finishing the programme.
Related programmes:
Enhance your career in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world
With a Master of Food Technology, you can become a research and development champion in in the food industry.
Food is an important part of our everyday life. The focus on health and wellbeing through food consumption is increasing. The world’s economies are looking for new ways to add value to raw produce.
All this adds up to excellent salaries and an increasing demand for people with the research and technical skills you will learn during this qualification.
The Massey Master of Food Technology is held in high regard around the world and has been producing graduates for the New Zealand and international food industries for more than 50 years. You’ll gain the research and technical skills to apply your knowledge in the commercial world. Your lecturers are actively researching, with many having worked in the New Zealand and international food industries.
Massey University is ranked as one of the top 50 universities worldwide for Food Science & Technology (out of 300), according to ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
Massey’s Master of Food Technology provides teaching of practical skills needed to undertake independent research in the food industry. You will then undertake your own large independent research project that focuses on real food industry problems and solutions.
At Massey you’ll have access to real equipment to do research that’s applied and practical to the food industry including:
Massey has research expertise in meat and fish technology, dairy technology, fruit and vegetables, carbohydrates and food additives and ingredients.
Our facilities will help you to develop new and innovative ideas, develop prototypes, work with consumers to test those and commercial scale production.
Postgraduate study is hard work but hugely rewarding and empowering. The Master of Food Technology will push you to produce your best creative, strategic and theoretical ideas. Our experts are there to guide but you will find that postgraduate study demands more in-depth and independent study that will prepare you for a PhD or a senior technical role in the food industry
Postgraduate study is not just ‘more of the same’ undergraduate study. It takes you to a new level in knowledge and expertise especially in planning and undertaking research.
The Master of Science (Technology) (MSc(Tech)) degree will provide you with advanced technical abilities relevant to your area of specialisation. It will give you a great depth and breadth of knowledge of science and technology, particularly relating to technological issues in the industrial sector of the New Zealand economy.
Study an MSc(Tech) at Waikato University and you will enjoy more lab and field work, more one-on-one time with top academics and access to world-class research equipment. Our great industry contacts will also mean exciting collaborations with local, national and international companies and organisations.
The University of Waikato’s School of Science is home to a suite of well-equipped, world-class laboratories. You will have the opportunity to use complex research equipment and facilities such as NMR spectroscopy, DNA sequencing and the University of Waikato Herbarium (WAIK).
Students enrolling in an MSc(Tech) can study Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Electronics, Materials and Processing or Physics.
You will spend more time putting theory into practice in the laboratories and out in the field. Smaller class sizes in taught papers mean more one-on-one time with renowned academics.
The University of Waikato also boasts excellent industry collaborations with organisations such as NIWA, AgResearch, Plant and Food Research and Landcare Research. These strong relationships generate numerous research projects for MSc(Tech) students, who are able to work on real issues with a real client.
Graduates of this degree are well-prepared for a job in industry due to the combination of science and management papers studied. You can find employment in a wide range of science-related industries.
This programme is designed for preparation of wide profile food science specialists both for food industry and the companies performing research of food products and development of new products enriched by advanced natural antioxidants, antimicrobial substances, rheological characteristics and texture of various components. The first and most modern in Lithuania Food Science and Technology Competence Centre facilitates students’ research and applied competences using four unique semi-industrial lines of food technologies (bread, beer, meat, fish, dairy products).
The Master+ model offers either to masterpiece in the chosen discipline by choosing the Field Expert track or to strengthen the interdisciplinary skills by choosing the Interdisciplinary Expert track emphasising managerial skills or a choice of a different competence to compliment the chosen discipline and achieve a competitive advantage in one’s career.
Internationally known research
KTU research in food science has been recognised internationally driven by the leading professors G. Juodeikienė, R. Ventskutonis and D. Leskauskaitė.
The first Food Science and Technology Competence Centre in Lithuania
The first and most modern Food Science and Technology Competence Centre in Lithuania is active at KTU since 2010; four unique semi-industrial lines of food technologies (bread, beer, meat, fish, dairy products) are installed at the centre.
Master+
Master+ model offers either to masterpiece in the specialisation or to strengthen managerial/interdisciplinary skills by choosing individual set of competencies required for career.
Master+ is a unique model within a chosen MSc programme
The Master+ model offers either to masterpiece in the chosen discipline by choosing the Field Expert track or to strengthen the interdisciplinary skills in addition to the main discipline by choosing the Interdisciplinary Expert track providing a choice of a different competence to compliment the chosen discipline and achieve a competitive advantage in one’s career.
Students of these study programmes can choose between the path of Field Expert and Interdisciplinary Expert. Selection is made in the academic information system. Each path (competence) consists of three subjects (18 credits) allocated as follows: 1 year 1 semester (autumn) – first subject (6 credits), 1 year 2 semester (spring) – second subject (6 credits), 2 year 3 semester – third subject (6 credits). A student, who chooses a path of the Field Expert, deepens knowledge and strengthens skills in the main field of studies. The one, who chooses a path of the Interdisciplinary Expert, acquires knowledge and skills in a different area or field of studies. Competence provides a choice of alternative additional subjects.
Acquisition of the competence is certified by the issue of KTU certificate and entry in the appendix to the Master’s diploma. In addition, students can acquire an international certificate (details are provided next to each competence).
Competences are implemented by KTU lecturers – experts in their area – and high level business and public sector organizations; their employees deliver lectures, submit topics for the student’s theses, placement-oriented tasks for the projects, etc.
Student’s competences:
– Development of new food products and technologies: healthy food, food additives and supplements, impact of food products on health, biotechnologies, organisation of production of food and catering products, innovative technological processes, their management, optimisation and improvement
– Food safety and quality: control systems and legislation, chemical and microbiological hazard, analysis, control and traceability of risk factors, establishment and assurance of quality standards
– Scientific research: analytical, modelling and experimental research while solving modern problems of food science and safety, analysis and interpretation of results, development and research of innovative food products corresponding to the needs of consumers and latest nutrition science recommendations
Student’s skills:
– Able to plan, organise and perform scientific and applied research in the areas of food science and safety, apply modern methods and equipment of instrumental analysis , analyse, critically assess and summarise research results, provide conclusions on quality and safety of food products, biological, chemical and other hazards in food and procedures for their elimination
– Able to develop, install and manage innovative food processing technologies, solve tasks of development, research and control of new products based on the latest achievements in food science and safety
– Able to install food safety and quality control systems, execute control of quality and safety of raw materials and products, and production, provide consultations, coordinate new projects for improvement of quality and safety of food products, create and develop original ideas and methods while solving the issues of impact of food products on human health
– Able to work effectively as a member or leader of inter-field and interdisciplinary teams, present work results orally and in writing, make innovative technological, engineering and economic solutions considering their impact on the public and environment
The Master of Science (MSc) normally takes 12-18 months of full-time study to complete. The degree requires 180 points, which is made up of 90 points in taught papers and a 90-point thesis (research project). This balance of theses to taught papers may be changed subject to permission from the graduate co-ordinator in your chosen discipline.
Study a MSc at Waikato University and you will enjoy more lab and field work, more one-on-one time with top academics and access to world-class research equipment. Our great industry contacts will also mean exciting collaborations with local, national and international companies and organisations.
This is an ideal degree for students wanting to improve their career opportunities, and seeking a qualification that is potentially not so research-heavy.
This qualification is taught at a level significantly in advance of undergraduate study, providing you with the challenges and knowledge needed to prepare for a successful career.
The University of Waikato’s School of Science is home to a suite of well-equipped, world-class laboratories. You will have the opportunity to use complex research equipment and facilities such as NMR spectroscopy, DNA sequencing and the University of Waikato Herbarium (WAIK).
The computing facilities at the University of Waikato are among the best in New Zealand, ranging from phones and tablets for mobile application development to cluster computers for massively parallel processing. Students majoring in Computer Science, Mathematics or Statistics will have 24 hour access to computer labs equipped with all the latest computer software.
Students enrolling in an MSc via the Faculty of Science & Engineering can study Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Electronics, Materials and Processing, Physics, Psychology, and Science, Technology and Environmental Education.
Students taking Computer Science, Mathematics or Statistics will enrol through the Faculty of Computing & Mathematical Sciences.
An MSc is normally completed over 12-18 consecutive months, although it may be possible to study for the degree on a part-time basis. Each full-time student will normally enrol in the first year of the Masters programme in a minimum of 90 points’ worth of taught papers in addition to 30 points towards their thesis. These taught papers may be assessed exclusively on coursework, examination, or a mixture of both. In the second year each student will normally enrol in the remaining research and taught papers required to complete the degree. The degree may be awarded with First Class Honours, or Second Class Honours (first division), or Second Class Honours (second division), or without Honours.
You will spend more time putting theory into practice in the laboratories and out in the field. Smaller class sizes in taught papers mean more one-on-one time with renowned academics.
The University of Waikato also boasts excellent industry collaborations with organisations such as NIWA, AgResearch, Plant and Food Research and Landcare Research. These strong relationships generate numerous research projects for MSc students, who are able to work on real issues with a real client.
Depending on the major completed and your particular interests, graduates of this degree may find employment in a range of science-related industries.
Career opportunities
Enhance your career in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world
With a Master of Food Technology, you can become a research and development champion in in the food industry.
Food is an important part of our everyday life. The focus on health and wellbeing through food consumption is increasing. The world’s economies are looking for new ways to add value to raw produce.
All this adds up to excellent salaries and an increasing demand for people with the research and technical skills you will learn during this qualification.
The Massey Master of Food Technology is held in high regard around the world and has been producing graduates for the New Zealand and international food industries for more than 50 years. You’ll gain the research and technical skills to apply your knowledge in the commercial world. Your lecturers are actively researching, with many having worked in the New Zealand and international food industries.
Massey University is ranked as one of the top 50 universities worldwide for Food Science & Technology (out of 300), according to ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
Massey’s Master of Food Technology provides teaching of practical skills needed to undertake independent research in the food industry. You will then undertake your own large independent research project that focuses on real food industry problems and solutions.
At Massey you’ll have access to real equipment to do research that’s applied and practical to the food industry including:
Massey has research expertise in meat and fish technology, dairy technology, fruit and vegetables, carbohydrates and food additives and ingredients.
Our facilities will help you to develop new and innovative ideas, develop prototypes, work with consumers to test those and commercial scale production.
Postgraduate study is hard work but hugely rewarding and empowering. The Master of Food Technology will push you to produce your best creative, strategic and theoretical ideas. Our experts are there to guide but you will find that postgraduate study demands more in-depth and independent study that will prepare you for a PhD or a senior technical role in the food industry
Postgraduate study is not just ‘more of the same’ undergraduate study. It takes you to a new level in knowledge and expertise especially in planning and undertaking research.
Graduates of Massey’s Master of Food Technology are highly sought-after by employers. They are known for their ability to co-ordinate product development, process development, quality management and production management.
The Interuniversity Programme in Food Technology (IUPFOOD) focuses on two technological dimensions of prime and crucial importance in food processing and preservation:
These two concerns are directly translated in the focus points of the IUPFOOD programme.
The InterUniversity Programme in Food Technology (IUPFOOD) is jointly organised by KU Leuven and Ghent University (UGent). The programme builds on KU Leuven’s and UGent’s combined expertise in research and education in the field of food technology.
The Master of Science in Food Technology (120 ECTS) consists of four major segments:
In the first year of the Master's programme, students will spend the first semester in Ghent and the second semester in Leuven. The second stage courses of the majors 'Postharvest and Food Preservation Engineering' and 'Food Science and Technology' are taught respectively at KU Leuven and UGent; at both universities, optional courses and thesis research topics are offered.
1. Has profound and detailed scientific knowledge and understanding of the (bio)chemical processes in biological raw materials during postharvest storage and their transformation into food products.
2. Has profound and detailed scientific knowledge and understanding of engineering principles of unit operations and their use in the transformation of raw materials into food products as a basis for qualitative and quantitative design, evaluation and optimization of food process and preservation unit operations.
3. Has profound and detailed scientific knowledge and understanding of ecology, physiology, detection, use and combat microorganisms in food systems.
4. Has profound and detailed scientific knowledge and understanding of (bio)-chemical, physical and microbiological methods for analysis of raw materials and foods including the skills to identify and use such methods in the context of research, process and product design and optimization and food control.
5. Has profound and detailed scientific knowledge in different fields of product technology such as vegetable products, dairy products, meat products, fish products, cereal derived products and fermented products including aspects of product development in relation to consumer behavior.
6. Can critically evaluate the functionality and safety of foods in the context of human health including the relation with raw materials and their processing into foods based on analytical data and scientific literature data.
7. Masters the skills and has acquired the problem solving capacity to analyze problems of food quality and safety along the food chain and to elaborate interdisciplinary and integrated qualitative and quantitative approaches and solutions (including implementation) appreciating the complexity of food systems and the processes used while taking into account technical limitations and socio-economic aspects such as feasibility, risks, and sustainability.
8. Has acquired a broad perspective to problems of food security, related to postharvest and food processing, in low income developing countries.
9. Can investigate and understand interaction with other relevant science domains and integrate them within the context of more advanced ideas and practical applications and problem solving.
10. Can demonstrate critical consideration of and reflection on known and new theories, models or interpretation within the broad field of food technology.
11. Can identify and apply appropriate research methods and techniques to design, plan and execute targeted experiments or simulations independently and critically evaluate and interpret the collected data.
12. Can develop and execute independently original scientific research and/or apply innovative ideas within research environments to create new and/or improved insights and/or solutions for complex (multi)disciplinary research questions respecting the results of other researchers.
13. Can convincingly and professionally communicate personal research, thoughts, ideas, and opinions of proposals, both written and oral, to different actors and stakeholders from peers to a general public.
14. Has acquired project management skills to act independently and in a multidisciplinary team as team member or team leader in international and intercultural settings.
IUPFOOD's objective is to offer a programme that takes the specific needs and approaches of developing countries into account. The IUPFOOD programme prepares graduates for various tasks, including teaching and research. IUPFOOD alumni are mainly active in the following sectors:
As a Master of Engineering (ME) graduate you will have the opportunity to either seek employment as a professional engineer, or start a research career.
The ME normally takes 12 months to complete full-time. It builds on prior study at undergraduate level, such as the four-year BE(Hons) or BSc(Tech). The degree requires 120 points, which can either be made up of 30 points in taught papers and a 90-point dissertation (research project), or one 120-point thesis.
If you enrol in an ME via the Faculty of Science & Engineering you can major in Engineering, and your thesis topic may come from our wide range of study areas such as biological engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, materials engineering, environmental engineering and electronic engineering.
The Faculty of Science & Engineering fosters collaborative relationships between science, engineering, industry and management. The Faculty has developed a very strong research base to support its aims of providing you with in-depth knowledge, analytical skills, innovative ideas, and techniques to translate science into technology in the real world.
You will have the opportunity to undertake research with staff who are leaders in their field and will have the use of world-class laboratory facilities. Past ME students have worked on projects such as a ‘snake robot’ for disaster rescue and a brain-controlled electro-mechanical prosthetic hand.
The University of Waikato School of Engineering’s specialised laboratories includes the Large Scale Lab complex that features a suite of workshops and laboratories dedicated to engineering teaching and research. These include 3D printing, a mechanical workshop and computer labs with engineering design software.
The computing facilities at the University of Waikato are among the best in New Zealand, ranging from phones and tablets for mobile application development to cluster computers for massively parallel processing. Software engineering students will have 24 hour access to computer labs equipped with all the latest computer software.
Depending on the thesis topic studied, graduates of this degree may find employment in the research and development department in a range of engineering industries, including energy companies, environmental agencies, government departments, biomedical/pharmaceutical industries, private research companies, universities, food and dairy industries, electronics, agriculture, forestry and more. The ME can also be a stepping stone to doctoral studies.
Career opportunities
