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:
Gain qualified teacher status (QTS) as a teacher of food technology with experience teaching Key Stages 3 to 5. Through study and teaching placements, you develop the skills, knowledge and enthusiasm needed to teach pupils with a range of abilities in both secondary school and college settings.
This secondary teacher training course leads to qualified teacher status (QTS). It equips you to teach food technology.
On the course you
We help you develop the skills you need to be a successful teacher of pupils of all abilities. By studying with us you build your enthusiasm, confidence, knowledge and ability to teach food technology.
You complete a lot of practical work in our well-equipped facilities to help you learn creative and innovative teaching methods, which you can then transfer to the classroom.
You also gain self-evaluation skills by completing a career preparation profile. This provides evidence that you meet the QTS standards for self-evaluation and personal development.
School placements are central to the course. You complete teaching placements in two 11–16 or 11–18 schools. This allows you to experience the progression from Key Stage 3 to 5. A University-trained mentor supports you when on placement. Your course tutor also visits you to discuss your progress.
We have strong partnerships with secondary schools and colleges in the area and many of our students are offered teaching jobs in their placement schools.
Your placements are complemented by University and Academy based study that includes teaching sessions, seminars, group study, tutorials and assessment.
During the course you can choose to complete either the PGCE or the professional graduate certificate in education (ProfGCE). Both qualifications achieve QTS but the PGCE also gives you 60 masters level credits, which you can use towards a masters degree.
School Direct
Apply for a place through the School Direct scheme for a dedicated route into a job after graduation. During School Direct, the school or partnership of schools that you've applied to will be much more involved in your selection, recruitment and professional development as there is the expectation that you will be employed by them once qualified.
For more information visit our School Direct page
Modules
We have an excellent graduate employment record. Over 96 per cent of our PGCE graduates are teaching or in further study within six months of graduating.
Sample modules:
Please note that all modules are subject to change. Please see our modules disclaimer for more information.
The safety, quality and nutritional properties of the food reaching consumers depends upon an understanding of science and technology.
You will gain the knowledge required to embark on a career within a range of organisations, including multinational food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, major retail chains and smaller companies supplying niche markets. Alternatively, you could go on to study for a PhD.
Recent examples of jobs obtained by our graduates have included: Process Technologist with Pepsico International, Quality Executive with Agro Tech Foods, New Product Developer with Bakkavor, Food Technologist with Tesco and Research and Development Technologist with Kerry Ingredients and Flavours.
Providing nutritious food is a key target for the government, which is keen to encourage industry and academic experts to work together to improve food standards. The politics of food in society, involving manufacturers, retailers, consumers and health professionals, are complex and continually evolving.
Throughout the programme you’ll investigate the scientific aspects of food, nutrition and the wider implications of diet on our health and wellbeing. You’ll balance your studies between the scientific studies on food, nutrition and related health aspects.
The breadth of the programme gives an appreciation of key positions of food and health, as well as in food composition, and the manufacture of foods. At the interface between food and nutrition, graduates will be key in the development of new healthy eating trends.
Throughout the programme you’ll tackle issues such as the nutritional significance of processed foods in the diet, the effects of nutrition labelling and nutrition claims, functional foods; and catering technology and nutritional quality.
Alongside developing current techniques in food analysis, structure and processing you will gain in-depth knowledge of current health topics such as heart disease, and antioxidants and their health benefits. You also gain knowledge and understanding of the functions of food and nutrients and their relationship to health and disease.
Compulsory modules
For more information on typical modules, read Food Science and Nutrition MSc in the course catalogue
Teaching is by lectures, practical classes, tutorials, seminars and supervised research projects. Extensive use is made of IT and a wide range of materials is available to enable you to study at your own pace and in your own time to enhance and extend the material taught formally.
Assessment is by course work and written exams which take place at the end of the semester in which the module is taught.
Postgraduates from the School go into careers in research, in the food industry, into regulatory and public bodies across the world, backed by the confidence and skills gained from studying at one of the leading schools of food science and nutrition internationally.
Our graduates are in big demand and food companies come to Leeds to recruit the best talent. Some of our past graduates hold key positions in the food industry and government agencies.
There are many opportunities open to you within the food industry, from jobs in nutrition and new product development to roles in the supply chain, purchasing, logistics and distribution. You may decide to become a development scientist, working on new foodstuffs and producing food which is safe and nutritious with a consistent flavour, colour and texture. There are roles within this area in industry, but also within government and local authority food inspection departments. Other job roles include industrial buyer, retail buyer, production manager or quality assurance manager.
Read more about typical career paths:
Further study
A Masters in food science will also serve you well in progression to research-led projects. Many of our students go on to undertake PhD research here at the University of Leeds in one of the School’s research groups. Read about postgraduate research in the School of Food Science and Nutrition.
The School of Food Science and Nutrition has its own dedicated Employability Enhancement Officer who can offer quality advice and support with regards to careers, CV and cover letter writing, job applications etc. The Employability Enhancement Officer promotes a range of opportunities available to students to ensure they maximise their capabilities through a process of personal development and career planning.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
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