Masters Degrees in Food & Beverage Science, Ireland

Food is necessary for human survival, is an important source of pleasure, and plays an enormous role in the global economy. Microbes play an essential role in food preservation and safety, food for health and food biotechnology. These are growing areas in all global economies. UCC Microbiology has established a global reputation in food microbiology, based on its research profile and the impact of its graduates in the food industry.

This course covers the breadth of classical and modern food microbiology, including food safety and spoilage; food fermentation; food biotechnology; hygienic production of food; the impact of diet on health; the molecular mechanisms of infectious microbes and the role of the gut microbiota in human health. Students may also wish to take advantage of the limited number of optional industry placements which are available on this course for the research dissertation.

Visit the website: http://www.ucc.ie/en/ckr19/

Course Details

The MSc in Food Microbiology is a structured one-year full-time course which includes a six-month lab-based research dissertation. The aim of this course is to educate you to an MSc level in food microbiology, emphasising areas in which UCC engages actively in research, e.g. food biotechnology, food fermentations, food safety, food for health.

The course will give you the knowledge and skills to contribute to Irish and international food industries. Modules will be chosen with the approval of the Programme Board depending on your background.

After completing this course you will have:

- advanced theoretical education and practical training in the area of food microbiology
- greater knowledge and understanding of current issues in food microbiology
- laboratory research practice in food microbiology
- knowledge from different aspects of food microbiology and formulation of appropriate judgements on scientific research
- ability to survey scientific literature at a professional level
- knowledge, understanding and problem-solving skills to address practical issues in the food industry and work there at management level.

Further details on the content and modules are available on the Postgraduate College Calendar - http://www.ucc.ie/calendar/postgraduate/Masters/food/page06c.html

Format

Lectures and workshops are conducted between 9am and 6pm (Monday to Friday). Up to 138 lecture hours with approximately 70 additional directed study/reading hours can be expected. There are 38 hours of laboratory practicals/workshops, which may be carried out as half-day or full-day workshops. Students also complete a six-month lab-based research dissertation on a topic in the area of food microbiology, performed under the supervision of a member of staff and in some cases co-supervised by collaborating research centres. The project aims to enhance your laboratory skills and critical abilities in identifying, analysing and solving problems in scientific research and to develop your skills in communicating your results.

Placement and Study Abroad

Some placement opportunities exist for research projects to be carried out in collaboration with industry partners or at the Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark in Fermoy.

Assessment

The course uses a variety of assessment methods. Most modules are assessed by in-term continuous assessment and/or end-of-year examinations. In-term exams can be either multiple choice type questions (MCQs) or written papers (normally 1.5h duration). Most modules include assignments, dissertation and reports as part of the assessment methodology. Modules that contain workshop/practical components are also assessed using written reports/assignments. The laboratory research project is assessed by a combination of laboratory performance, written report and oral presentation. The research project (MB6007) is written up in the form of a dissertation and approved by an external examiner.

Careers

The MSc in Food Microbiology is designed to equip graduates to work in a range of management, research and innovation roles within the Irish and international food, beverage and associated industries. Graduates will be in a position to support new product development, innovation and quality assurance functions in the dairy, meat, consumer foods, soft and alcoholic beverages and food ingredients sectors. Graduates will also be equipped to work in a range of other areas such as contract food-testing laboratories, the regulatory and consumer protection sectors. Graduates also have the option of proceeding to further studies at PhD level.

How to apply: http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/how/

Funding and Scholarships

Information regarding funding and available scholarships can be found here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/cblgradschool/current/fundingandfinance/fundingscholarships/

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The Higher Diploma in Food Science and Technology will provide you with an excellent education in various aspects of food science, food technology and food microbiology.

Subjects that you will cover during the course include:

- food proteins
- food fats
- food macromolecules
- sensory science
- food packaging
- food processing and preservation
- food microbiology

UCC has a 100-year history of teaching and research in the food sciences and is currently one of Europe’s largest multidisciplinary education and research institutions. You will be taught by world-class academics who work in all aspects of food science.

Our first-rate facilities include extensive and well-equipped laboratories and a large pilot plant with excellent dairy, meat and bakery facilities, in addition to a unique pilot-scale brewery.

Visit the website: http://www.ucc.ie/en/cko06/

Course Details

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

- apply the principles of food chemistry and technology and food microbiology to food systems
- demonstrate an ability to perform selected techniques in food analysis
- develop the capacity to undertake lifelong learning
- communicate effectively with the food industry and with society at large.

Format

The course is one year full time, or two years part time.

Students take taught modules to the value of 60 credits as follows:
FS3002 Chemistry of Food Proteins (5 credits)
FS3003 Chemistry and Technology of Oils and Fats (5 credits)
FS3004 Sensory Analysis, Flavour and Colour (5 credits)
FS3005 Macromolecules and Rheology (5 credits)
FS3006 Food Processing and Preservation (10 credits)
FS3007 Dairy Product Technology (5 credits)
FS3008 Fundamentals of Food Packaging (5 credits)
FS3012 Library Project (10 credits)
MB3003 Food and Industrial Microbiology I (5 credits)
MB3014 Food and Industrial Microbiology II (5 credits)

Assessment

Assessment is principally by end-of-semester written examinations. There are also some elements of continuous assessment.

Careers

On successful completion of this course, you will have a solid foundation in food science. You will also understand the principles and practical application of the processing and preservation technologies used in the food industry. You can use your knowledge as a basis for further study or for employment in food-related industries.

How to apply: http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/how/

Funding and Scholarships

Information regarding funding and available scholarships can be found here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/cblgradschool/current/fundingandfinance/fundingscholarships/

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UCC has a history of nearly a century of teaching and research in the food sciences and is amongst Europe’s largest multidisciplinary education and research institutions with world-class academics working in all aspects of the food area. Our first-rate facilities include extensive and well-equipped laboratories and a large pilot plant with excellent dairy, meat and bakery facilities in addition to a modern pilot-scale brewery.

Course Details

The MSc (Food Science) is a full-time taught postgraduate programme running for 12 months from the date of first registration.

Format

Modules will be chosen with the approval of the Programme Board depending on the student's background.

Part 1 - Taught modules

Students take 60 credits as follows:

- Core Modules -

Students take 15 credits:

PG6001 STEPS - Scientific Training for Enhanced Postgraduate Studies (5 credits)
FS6101 Library Project in Food Science (10 credits)

- Elective Modules -

Student take 45 credits from the following:

FE6101 Food Business: Markets and Policy (5 credits)
FS6105 Material Science for Food Systems (5 credits)
FS6106 Advanced Topics in Dairy Biochemistry (5 credits)
FS6107 Advances in the Science of Muscle Foods (5 credits)
FS6108 Advances in Food Formulation Science and Technology (5 credits)
FS6103 Novel Processing Technologies and Ingredients (5 credits)
FS6120 Cheese and Fermented Dairy Products (5 credits)
FS6121 Meat Science and Technology (5 credits)
MB6114 Hygienic Production of Food (5 credits)
NT6102 Human Nutrition and Health (5 credits)
NT6108 Sensory Analysis in Nutrition Research (5 credits)

Depending on background of the student, the Programme Board may decide to replace some of the above modules to a maximum of 15 credits from:

FS3602 Chemistry of Food Proteins (5 credits)
FS3605 Macromolecules and Rheology (5 credits)
FS4603 Advanced Analytical Methods (5 credits)
FS4606 Cereals and Related Beverages (5 credits)
FS4014 Food Product Development and Innovation (5 credits)
MB4611 Microbial Food Safety (5 credits)

Students who pass Part 1 and achieve a minimum aggregate of 55% are eligible to progress to Part 2. Students who pass Part 1 but who fail to meet the minimum progression standards, or who choose to exit the programme, will be conferred with the Postgraduate Diploma in Food Science.

Part 2

FS6102 Dissertation in Food Science (30 credits)

Assessment

The taught modules of this course are assessed by examination in Winter, Spring and Summer. The research aspect is assessed on the quality of a substantial written dissertation.

Careers

On completing this course, you will be able to:

- conduct original research in food science
- demonstrate an understanding of scientific literature
- apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in food science
- explain the techniques used in food research, in both principle and practice
- communicate effectively with the food industry and with society at large
- show a comprehensive understanding of current food consumer and food industry trends

How to apply: http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/how/

Funding and Scholarships

Information regarding funding and available scholarships can be found here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/cblgradschool/current/fundingandfinance/fundingscholarships/

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The PG Dip Nutritional Sciences is a full-time programme running for 9 months from the date of first registration for the programme. UCC has a long history of teaching and research in food and nutritional sciences and now is amongst Europe’s largest multidisciplinary education and research institutions with world-class academics working in all aspects of the food and nutritional sciences.

Visit the website: http://www.ucc.ie/en/ckp13/

Course Details

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

- Conduct a comprehensive literature search using all available resources of seminal and recent research in a specified topic
- Analyse, synthesise and summarise information critically, including published research or reports, and write a well-constructed and concise scientific report.0
- Explain the principles of, and apply in practice, techniques used in nutritional sciences research;
- Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between nutrition and the development of disease and disorders;
- Demonstrate the importance of nutrition to facilitate optimum physical and mental development and maintenance of health throughout life;
- Apply critical thinking skills to solve problems in nutrition;
- Communicate effectively on nutrition-related issues with different stakeholders;
- Demonstrate the capacity to undertake lifelong learning.

Format

The course content of the PG Dip Nutritional Science is adjusted to each individual students needs therefore it is impossible to quantify contact hours precisely. This PG Dip programme is a challenging course and is intended to be full time. Students are expected to attend lectures or be engaged in their research from 9 am to 5 pm each working day from September to May.

Modules will be chosen with the approval of the Programme Board depending on the student's background. Students take 60 credits.

Core Modules

NT6104Library Project in Nutritional Sciences (10 credits)
NT6106 Current Topics in Public Health Nutrition (10 credits)
NT6107 Integration and Regulation of Nutrient Metabolism (5 credits)
NT6108 Sensory Analysis in Nutrition Research (5 credits)
NT6109 Minerals in Health and Disease (5 credits)
NT6110 Food Security and Implications for Human Nutrition (5 credits)
NT6111 Advances in Vitamins and Other Dietary Bioactives (5 credits)
NT4005 Selected Topics in Nutrition (5 credits)

Elective Modules

Students select 10 credits from the following:
NT3001 Clinical Nutrition (5 credits)
NT3002 Food Toxicology (5 credits)
NT3009 Determinants of Food Choice and Eating Behaviour (5 credits)
NT3014 Assessment of Nutritional Status (5 credits)

Assessment

Assessment is by End of Year Written Examination, Continuous Assessment, In-class presentation, In-class tests, laboratory write-ups and Library Projects.

Careers

On successful completion of this programme, students will demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between nutrition and the development of disease and disorders; demonstrate the importance of nutrition to facilitate optimum physical and mental development and maintenance of health throughout life; apply critical thinking skills to solve problems in nutrition; communicate effectively on nutrition-related issues with different stakeholders; demonstrate the capacity to undertake lifelong learning.

How to apply: http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/how/

Funding and Scholarships

Information regarding funding and available scholarships can be found here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/cblgradschool/current/fundingandfinance/fundingscholarships/

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University College Cork (UCC), in association with Teagasc, has developed a part-time, blended-learning Postgraduate Certificate in Dairy Technology and Innovation. This level 9 qualification is part-time and is tailored to dairy industry needs and delivered online and by block-release to suit the seasonal nature of the dairy industry. The programme runs from September - December and January-March.

Visit the website: http://www.ucc.ie/en/ckp16/

Course detail

Applicants will be BSc graduates with a food science, nutritional sciences or biological/life sciences background, ideally who are currently working in the dairy industry, or dairy industry personnel with UCC’s Level 7 Diploma in Food Science and Technology.

All students must have access to a high-speed broadband internet connection and basic computing skills, including access to and some proficiency in Microsoft Excel. This is an intensive Level 9 programme and considerable commitment from students is expected.

Format

The Postgraduate Certificate in Dairy Technology and Innovation is a blended-learning part-time programme running for one academic year.

Students take modules to the value of 30 credits as follows:

FS6201 Milk production and quality (5 credits)
FS6202 Dairy chemistry (5 credits)
FE6502 Trends and dynamics across dairy markets (5 credits)
FS6203 Dairy processing technology (5 credits)
MB6201 Dairy microbiology (5 credits)
FE6501 Business processes across the supply chain (5 credits)

Assessment

In addition to formal end-of-semester exams, students will be assessed on a continuous basis throughout the year through in-class tests and various assignments

Careers

In line with the development of a knowledge economy this qualification will enable and empower dairy industry personnel and those wishing to join the industry to implement best practice, embrace new technological developments in dairy processing.

Jobs include: production, quality control, quality assurance, R&D.

How to apply: http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/how/

Funding and Scholarships

Information regarding funding and available scholarships can be found here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/cblgradschool/current/fundingandfinance/fundingscholarships/

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PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION

This MSc course prepares students for a career in dynamic food businesses to play a lead role in the analysis of key sectorial issues and strategic management of the food industry. The balance of modules on this programme reflects the global nature of the food industry. Students will expand their knowledge of food, the food consumer, innovation in food and the decision-making processes in companies that develop, brand, distribute, and sell food products. Through practical application, this programme will equip graduates with analytical, communication, business and presentation skills, which are required and highly valued by the industry. Graduates from the MSc in Food Business and Innovation course pursue employment opportunities in the food sector (international corporations, SMEs, start-ups and food agencies) and non-food sector (banks, market research firms and higher education) as the skills acquired are highly transferable.

The MSc in Food Business and Innovation is delivered over 12 months and includes a Food Industry Centered Research Project. 

UNIQUE ASPECTS OF THE PROGRAMME

A central part of the MSc in Food Business and Innovation is a Food Industry Centred Research Project with the opportunity to work in a food firm, food agency, university, bank or related establishment, where students gain valuable work experience and apply the theoretical skills developed through lectures and capstone style seminars. Additional unique features of the MSc in Food Business and Innovation programme include: an in-depth introduction to the national and international food sectors; a unique blend of relevant courses that are relevant to both established food firms and start-ups; and an introduction to leading edge food research issues, innovative teaching methods (including boot-camps) and exposure to digital marketing methods.

SKILLS AND CAREERS INFORMATION

The Programme provides the graduate with the expert skills to analyse the key issues impacting on food chains: changing consumer demands and demographics; food supply chain management and structural changes at retail level; food safety and consumer behaviour; consumer acceptance of novel foods; new food product development opportunities; the evolution of functional foods and the marketing of health-enhancing foods. The course is ideally suited to graduates who seek employment opportunities in Market Research, Consumer Research, Food Business Management, Product Marketing and Brand Management, New Product Development, Food Retail Organisations, the Financial Sector as Food Analysts, Research Institutions and Policy Organisations, and organisations that support food firms nationally and internationally. 

What can I do after I graduate with a MSc in Food Business and Innovation?

Problem solving, creative thinking, communications, strategic thinking, entrepreneurship skills

Occupations associated with MSc in Food Business and Innovation

Food Sector: Market Research, Consumer Research, Food Business Management, Product Marketing and Brand Management, New Product Development.

What are our Graduates Doing?

Graduates on sister programmes have secured employment in international food and non-food firms (Glanbia, Ornua, Kerry, Britvic, Danone, Aldi, Dawn, AIB, LinkedIn), banks, food agencies (Bord Bia, UK Home-Grown Cereals Authority, Teagasc), brand management and marketing departments (Kerry Foods, Musgrave Group, Nestle), non-food agencies (Enterprise Ireland, IBEC, Bord Bia), market research firms (AC Nielsen, Spark Market Research, Dunhumby) and in Higher Education (CIT, WIT, University of Lancaster).

PLACEMENT AND STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES

Participants can complete their placement either in Ireland or abroad, depending on their interests

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of the MSc in Food Business and Innovation, students should be able to:

• Communicate and work effectively to a high professional standard;
• Demonstrate advanced analytical and problem solving skills associated with effective practice;
• Engage in the application of advanced frameworks and techniques in organisational settings;
• Demonstrate advanced analytical skills associated with the key challenges and decisions facing those along the food supply chain;
• Demonstrate research and professional proficiency through the completion of an independent industry centred research project.

 

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PRACTICALITIES & ASSESSMENT

PRACTICALITIES

The MSc in Food Business and Innovation is a full-time 12 month programme. In Part I, you will need to be available to attend classes and seminars from Monday to Friday (inclusive). During Part II of the programme, you will complete a full-time Applied Food Industry Centred Research Project under the guidance of an academic and industry mentor.

The MSc in Food Business and Innovation programme is taught by academic staff of the Department of Food Business and Development and Management and Marketing. In addition, invited guest lecturers, adjunct professors and experts with a broad range of national and international experience will also contribute to the programme.

ASSESSMENT

You will be assessed by examinations, continuous assessment and a Food Industry Centred Research Project report.

WHO TEACHES THIS COURSE

The MSc in Food Business and Innovation programme is taught by academic staff of the Department of Food Business and Development and Management and Marketing. In addition, invited guest lecturers, adjunct professors and experts with a broad range of national and international experience will also contribute to the programme.

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