Masters Degrees in Food & Beverage Production, United Kingdom

Food manufacture is one of the world's largest industries. The MSc degree in Food Production Management is an exciting and challenging degree that equips science and engineering graduates for a career in production or technical management in this industry. This course, featuring a blend of front-line food sciences and management, is designed to educate the food industry managers of tomorrow.

The course will:
•Enable students to acquire a basic knowledge of the special factors associated with food processing and food quality assurance.
•Equip the student with management skills, which allow him/her to make a contribution to this industry in both the developed and developing worlds.

A feature of the course is the strong interaction with the food industry. There will be an opportunity to visit a number of food factories and speakers from industry will make a significant contribution to the course. Many of the research projects undertaken by students will involve links with industry.

The course is co-ordinated by the Division of Food Sciences, which contains the highest rated University Food Sciences Research Group in the UK, based at the Sutton Bonington Campus. Management aspects of the course are taught in the Division of Operations Management in the University's Business School, based at the Jubilee Campus.











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• Critical training in applied economics, marketing, and quantitative and qualitative research techniques
• Develop an understanding of economic and marketing aspects of food, including consumers’ decisions, globalisation in food retailing and manufacturing, and policy issues
• Acquire the professional skills to work for world organisations such as the EU and FAO, NGOs, international food companies and consulting companies

What will you study?

Sample modules:

• Advertising and branding
• Advanced marketing
• Consumer behaviour and food marketing
• Food policy
• Marketing research methods

Please note that all modules are subject to change. Please see our modules disclaimer for more information.

What career can you have?

Our programmes are excellent preparation for careers in international and rural development, agricultural economics, and marketing within the food chain and policy. Some 96% of our graduates are in work or further study six months after graduating.

Engagement with a wide variety of visiting speakers and field trips provides many opportunities for networking. In addition, competitive internships and placements, and research dissertations are an opportunity to showcase your skills, undertake overseas field research or link with organisations in the development sector. For examples of organisations our graduates go on to, please visit: http://www.reading.ac.uk/giidae" target="_blank">http://www.reading.ac.uk/giidae

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• Develop knowledge of the application of science and technology to the provision of safe and quality food
• Gain the ability to apply and maintain quality systems that meet international expectations
• Join a Department with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching and research
• Benefit from a well-equipped building and training opportunities for further research on graduation

What will you study?

Sample modules:

• Food control management
• Food safety and microbiology
• Food processing
• Risk analysis in the food chain
• Sensory properties of foods

Please note that all modules are subject to change. Please see our modules disclaimer for more information.

What career can you have?

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.

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Overview

This programme (See http://www.postgraduate.hw.ac.uk/prog/msc-brewing-and-distilling/ ) prepares candidates for entry into the malting, brewing or distilling industries, or to conduct research.

For more information also visit http://www.icbd.hw.ac.uk/

Programme duration

MSc programmes last for one year (September to August inclusive) and include a substantial research project.

The Diploma covers the same classes as the MSc and includes a short project but lasts for just 9 months (September to May inclusive). Students admitted to the Diploma programme and who perform well in the taught courses may be invited to transfer to the appropriate MSc programme.

Professional recognition

The Postgraduate Diploma/MSc programme is accredited by the Institute of Brewing & Distilling.

Core Courses

- Cereals, Malting and Mashing
- Wort Boiling, Fermentation and Beer Maturation
- Project Studies
- Distillation and Whisky Maturation
- Filtration and Packaging
- Production Management

English language requirements

If your first language is not English, or your first degree was not taught in English, we’ll need to see evidence of your English language ability. The minimum requirement for English language is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. We offer a range of English language courses (See http://www.hw.ac.uk/study/english.htm ) to help you meet the English language requirement prior to starting your masters programme:
- 14 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with no more than one skill at 4.5);
- 10 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with minimum of 5.0 in all skills);
- 6 weeks English (for IELTS 5.5 with minimum of 5.5 in reading & writing and minimum of 5.0 in speaking & listening)

Postgraduate Taught Funded places

This programme has been selected to support the skills demand in Scotland's key economic growth areas. A number of full fee bursaries are available to applicants permanently resident in Scotland. Download an application form (http://www.hw.ac.uk/student-life/scholarships/postgraduate-funded-places.htm ) and submit to [email protected].

Find information on Fees and Scholarships here http://www.postgraduate.hw.ac.uk/prog/msc-brewing-and-distilling/

Contacts
Dr Hill A E
+44(0)131 451 3458
+44 (0)131 451 3009
[email protected]
http://www.icbd.hw.ac.uk

Dr Bryce J H
+44(0) 131 451 3453
+44(0) 131 451 3009
[email protected]

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Cranfield's Food Chain Systems MSc has been developed as a result of extensive industry-led research. It represents a unique offering within the UK and Europe in that it examines the whole of the food chain from pre-harvest to market through the integration of science, technology and management. The holistic approach of the MSc responds to the increasingly integrated food supply chain ('farm to fork') and will equip you with the relevant knowledge, skills and practical experience needed to pursue a wide variety of career opportunities in today's food industry.

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• Rigorous training in research methods for applied economics and marketing prepares students for doctoral studies
• Excellent preparation for research careers in academia or industry and policy research in governments or international organisations
• Application of techniques to a diverse range of farm, food and rural development issues in both developed and developing country contexts

What will you study?

Sample modules:

• Consumer and producer theory
• Econometrics
• Quantitative methods
• Qualitative research methods
• Market research methods

Please note that all modules are subject to change. Please see our modules disclaimer for more information.

What career can you have?

Our programmes are excellent preparation for careers in international and rural development, agricultural economics, and marketing within the food chain and policy. Some 96% of our graduates are in work or further study six months after graduating.

Engagement with a wide variety of visiting speakers and field trips provides many opportunities for networking. In addition, competitive internships and placements, and research dissertations are an opportunity to showcase your skills, undertake overseas field research or link with organisations in the development sector. For examples of organisations our graduates go on to, please visit: http://www.reading.ac.uk/giidae" target="_blank">http://www.reading.ac.uk/giidae

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About the course

This course is particularly suitable for people who work for regulatory bodies, whether in legal departments or as field or enforcement officers, environmental consultants, planners, solicitors, barristers, those who work in regulated industries, such as waste or water, and academics.
•This course is delivered in partnership with Informa Professional Academy, an organisation dedicated to working with leading academic bodies to provide high-calibre and well respected distance learning postgraduate courses
•Develop your own personal pathway on this course which combines one core module with a diverse range of optional modules
•Study at your own pace through flexible distance learning, with the option to exit at one of several points with a postgraduate award
•Boost your career prospects and differentiate yourself in a competitive job market, while remaining in full-time employment
•Engage in a wide variety of fascinating modules that look behind the key issues regarding food law

Food Law modules:

Food Law in the UK and EU – provides a foundation for further modules. You will gain an overview of the legal concepts relevant to the control and administration of the food industry, the statutory control of trading conduct and trade practices through the use of criminal law, as well as how food law is enforced. You will gain an understanding of the purposes and background of food law, both domestic and EU.

You will also select elective modules which might include:
•Food Consumer Protection Law
•Food Marketing Law
•Food Safety Law
•Food Souces Protection Law
•Negotiated Study

Dissertation
You must also undertake a dissertation, providing an invaluable opportunity to work in depth on a particular aspect of the law. You will need to enhance your technical knowledge and critical awareness in a subject of your choice. In order to obtain the LLM in Food Law it is necessary to write a dissertation with a food law theme.

Note: All modules are subject to change in order to keep content current.

Graduate Careers

This course equips you to enter legal and other work relating to food issues.

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This course will provide you with an in-depth specialisation in organic farming and food production systems and it is currently the only specialised MSc in organic and ecological farming in England. You will learn and test the latest approaches in the integrated delivery of soil, crop and livestock, and food supply chain management.

Through a combination of lectures, field trips, seminars, practical classes and research projects you will develop advanced knowledge and skills in:

-Managing organic farming and food production units or businesses in different macroclimatic, agronomic and market contexts

-Agronomic approaches used in organic/biological/ecological/sustainable food production systems

-Underlying principles and standards of organic/biological/ecological/sustainable food production, processing and retailing/marketing systems

-Applied and strategic research underpinning the development of organic and other sustainable farming and food production systems

-A wide range of analytical laboratory methods

You will have the opportunity to attend a 10-day field trip as part of the module on Mediterranean perennial crop production systems in Crete, Greece. The trip is organised in collaboration with ecological farming experts from the Greek National Science Foundation (NAGREF).

As part of your studies you will also undertake a major project, similar to one you might experience in the workplace. You will be supported through training in designing and delivering a laboratory project or field-based investigation. You will collect, analyse and interpret data to produce a thesis reporting your investigation and results in a critical manner.

This research project and thesis may be undertaken at the University, in industry, in Crete as part of existing Nafferton Ecological Farming Group research and development projects, or in another country.

Our staff

You will benefit from being taught by lecturers who are industry experienced and research active. Our research in integrated agricultural production focuses on soil science, plant science and ecology, spanning a range of scales from: pot – plot – farm – landscape.

Strategic research embraces work on:

-Soil quality

-Rhizosphere function

-Plant-soil feedback

-Soil-carbon dynamics

-Nutrient cycling

Applied research addresses issues of:

-Climate change mitigation (including biofuels)

-Ecological (organic) farming systems

-Low-input crop systems

-Agriculture-environment interactions

Professor Carlo Leifert is the Degree Programme Director for MSc in Organic Farming and Food Production Systems. Carlo is a member of the Food Security Network in the Newcastle Institute for Research on Sustainability (NIReS) and is part of the Nafferton Ecological Farming Group (NEFG). He currently manages EU and DEFRA funded projects focused on improving resource efficiency, productivity and food quality and safety in organic and 'low input' crop and livestock production systems.

Delivery

The course is taught in a block format with a six-week block and then two-week teaching blocks.

You will be taught through:

-Lectures

-Seminars

-Practical and field classes

-Tutorials

-Case studies

-Small group discussions

You will be expected to undertake independent study outside of these structured sessions. Your knowledge and understanding will be assessed through written examinations, coursework, presentations and your final major project.

You can also study through the Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS). This allows us to award postgraduate level qualifications using credit-bearing stand-alone modules as 'building blocks' towards a qualification. This means that the credits from modules undertaken within a five-year period can be 'banked' towards the award of a qualification.

Facilities

Farms

Our multi-purpose farms provide demonstration facilities for teaching purposes and land-based research facilities (especially in the area of organic production). They are both viable farming businesses.

Cockle Park Farm

Cockle Park Farm is a 262ha mixed farm facility that includes the Palace Leas Plots hay meadow experiment and a new anaerobic digestion plant that will generate heat, electricity and digestate - an organic fertiliser - from pig and cattle manure.

Nafferton Farm

Nafferton Farm is a 300ha farm with two main farm units covering conventional and organic farming systems. The two systems are primarily focussed upon dairying and arable cropping.

Both also operate beef production enterprises as a by-product of their dairy enterprises, although the organic system is unique in maintaining a small-scale potato and vegetable production enterprise.

Laboratories

Our modern laboratories provide important teaching and research environments and are equipped with analytical equipment such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLCs), GCs, CNS analyser (Carbon and Nitrogen analysis), centrifuges, spectrophotometers and molecular biology equipment. Our specialist research facilities include:

• tissue culture laboratory
• plant growth rooms
• class II laboratory for safe handling of human biological samples
• taste panel facilities and test kitchen
• thin section facility for soils analysis

We operate closely with other schools, institutes and the University's central scientific facilities for access to more specialist analytical services.

For work with human subjects we use a purpose built Clinical Research Facility which is situated in the Royal Victoria Infirmary teaching hospital and is managed jointly by us and the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

nu-food Food and Consumer Research Facility

The NU-Food Food and Consumer Research Facility has undergone a £700,000 refurbishment and now boasts a culinary training suite, a sensory laboratory and food handling facility, all supported by multi-functional rooms and a reception.

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In this century, food security and the need to develop sustainable agriculture will become dominant issues affecting the whole world. The global population is projected to increase dramatically from 7 to 9 billion in the next 30 years, causing an unprecedented demand for food and increased pressure on land. The aim of this Food Security Degree is to provide you with knowledge and skills relating to the broad topic of food security, incorporating socio-economic, animal and crop aspects.

Why this programme

◾This exciting Food Security MSc is taught through collaboration between academics with world class expertise in diverse aspects of food security.
◾It discusses the demographic, social and economic issues, the challenges of achieving sustainable agriculture and presents the factors affecting food production from crops and animal sources.
◾The programme will include guest lectures on a range of topics and site visits.
◾Students will acquire knowledge of technology transfer and commercialisation.
◾Students will gain practical laboratory skills in molecular biology and in genetic modification.
◾Students will undertake a project that will develop their investigative skills and their ability to critically appraise and integrate information from different sources.
◾A key feature of this Food Security Degree is that it provides a very broad perspective on Food Security.

Programme structure

We welcome students from diverse educational backgrounds and we anticipate that many will be unfamiliar with all the topics in this Programme. We have therefore designed the Programme so that it provides you with both a broad understanding of the major issues in food security and the opportunity to selectively focus on aspects of particular interest.

The Programme is made up of courses totaling 180 credits. The Programme starts with 3 compulsory courses (total 60 credits) that introduce fundamental issues in food security. You then choose from a range of optional courses (usually 10-credit) that expand on key topics, including production of food from animal sources and crop improvement. Some courses provide practical skills and there is an opportunity to learn about commercial issues relating to food production. Finally, you will undertake a 60-credit investigative project, which will allow you to focus on a selected topic.

The Programme comprises the following courses:

Compulsory courses (total 60 credits):
◾Introduction to Food Security
◾Food Security Fundamentals: food of animal origin
◾Food Security Fundamentals: crops

Optional courses (total 60 credits*) selected from:
◾Role of Insects in Food Security
◾Global Animal Production
◾Hygienic Production of Food (subject to approval)
◾Animal Ethics
◾Policies for Sustainability and Development
◾Technology Transfer and Commercialisation
◾Plant Genetic Engineering
◾Crop Biotechnology Applications
◾Molecular Lab Skills
◾Omic Technologies
◾Quantitative Methods

*Most of the optional courses are 10-credit courses

Food Security Project (60 credits)

Teaching Methods

Most courses are taught through lectures and tutorials, in which there will be discussion of key concepts, and training in the critical appraisal of published information. In addition, some courses include guest lectures and site visits. The course on Technology Transfer and Commercialisation of Bioscience Research will include workshop sessions. Two courses provide training in laboratory skills: Molecular Lab Skills and Plant Genetic Engineering. The project will involve an independent investigation of a selected topic in food security under supervision from an expert in the field.

Career prospects

Food security is a major challenge of this century and hence there will be opportunities to develop careers in several areas. Career prospects includeworking in Agri-industry, research institutes, government advisory, international advisory, media and research positions.

The breadth of knowledge, understanding and skills you will acquire in this Masters Programme will help you obtain employment or undertake research in the food security sector.

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The international food supply industry requires high calibre graduates with an understanding of how food can be preserved throughout the distribution chain to ensure the supply of safe, wholesome food. Research has identified that food business priorities focus on increasing marketing, developing new products and investing in new machinery. This course prepares you for a career within the food sector, specialising in food product development, food consumer marketing or retailing roles.

The course is designed to ensure you graduate ready to help food businesses develop. As the food industry grows worldwide, so does the need for staff who demonstrate functional knowledge and skills in combination with managerial and leadership capability. Food organisations need well qualified managers to develop, commercialise and deliver their products to the marketplace efficiently and effectively. This course gives you the skills and experience to meet this need.

You build your knowledge of food processing and safety, product development, marketing and the food chain. You also have opportunities to develop managerial skills, practical skills and behaviour change theories relevant to the food sector.

The work-related learning module gives you a valuable insight into the roles of process or product development technologists, or product account technologists, and the importance of continuing professional development. It also allows you to practically apply the skills you learn during the course.

The placement is an additional opportunity for you to develop your practical skills, either in the UK or abroad. You are supported in securing a placement through a series of employability workshops offered by specialist academic staff. There is also a dedicated postgraduate placement team who manage placement opportunities.

The course is designed around the principles of

• student experience – through specific subject focused course modules
• business engagement and employability – through the work-related learning module and industry mentor scheme
• flexibility – through module choice and the bespoke work-related learning module

Course structure

Postgraduate certificate modules

• Business and management strategy (30 credits)
• Developing food concepts and products (30 credits)

Postgraduate diploma modules

• Food chain (15 credits)
• Food marketing (15 credits)
• Food processing safety and quality management (15 credits)
• Work-related learning (15 credits)

MSc modules

• Research methods (15 credits)
• Dissertation (45 credits)

Assessment

Assessments include

• individual and group coursework
• essays
• reports
• seen and unseen exams
• portfolio of evidence
• dissertation.

Employability

This course gives you the specialist skills and knowledge to develop career opportunities in • food product and process development • food consumer and market research • food merchandising and marketing • consumer insight • food safety and quality management • food innovation.

You can also continue with further study by completing a PhD or Doctorate in Business Administration.

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This course provides students with an advanced understanding of the principles, issues and practices of modern international agri-business management. Working in the international agri-business environment encompasses a wide variety of functions, including finance, human resources, customer services, logistics, marketing, cross-cultural exporting and importing, and purchasing.

The course

International agri-business has developed into a well-integrated system that combines efficient production at farm level with a well ordered supply chain managing the delivery of food products into international markets.

The course enhances the student’s knowledge of finance and human resource management and provides a detailed insight into marketing and the industries supporting agricultural production, processing, transportation and supply chain strategy.

Today’s recruits seeking careers in international agri-business need to be well trained in business and marketing and have a thorough appreciation of the international business environment. By focusing on a variety of management and decision issues relevant to businesses in an ever changing international environment, the course enhances the career prospects of those seeking a career in this dynamic sector.

It provides students with an advanced understanding of the principles, issues and practices of modern international agribusiness management. This industry encompasses a wide variety of functions, including finance, human resources, customer services, logistics, marketing, cross-cultural exporting and importing, and purchasing.

How will it benefit me?

Completing the course at MSc level will enable you to use and evaluate business management techniques and assess their relevance to commercial practice under different technical and cultural constraints.

You will learn to appraise the dynamic legal, economic and political environment within which businesses operate, and how to collect, analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, in addition to technical and commercial information. The course teaches students to evaluate and identify solutions to business management problems encountered by local, national and international firms.

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Taught in both English and French over two years, this course develops in-depth knowledge of European local and regional food production, its economic and environmental impact and how these foods can be marketed to a global consumer. Students learn how to develop and market food products whose typical features are the result of various factors such as geographical origin, history and the culture of a country or region. Students will acquire scientific and technical knowledge to develop these food products as well as skills to promote and market them.

The course

Harper Adams has been involved in the education and training of food industry undergraduates and graduates for many years. Selected by a European consortium of universities to be their UK partner institution Harper Adams offers a PgC in Agricultural Management for the Food Supply Industries to students enrolled on the European Masters in regional Food Production and Global Marketing and spending a proportion of their studies at Harper Adams. This PgC award forms part of the European MSc programme which is awarded and managed by ESA University in Angers, France. Harper Adams is very proud to be part of the European Masters in Regional Food Production Global Marketing course to its portfolio. Based on extensive food industry experience across Europe and current industry contact, this course addresses many of the contemporary issues facing the European food industry. It is designed to meet the requirements of those wishing to join the food industry at management level with accelerated career progression.

Taught in both English and French over two years, this course develops in-depth knowledge of European local and regional food production, its economic and environmental impact and how these foods can be marketed to a global consumer. Students learn how to develop and market food products whose typical features are the result of various factors such as geographical origin, history and the culture of a country or region. Students will acquire scientific and technical knowledge to develop these food products as well as skills to promote and market them. The learning method builds upon close links between the teaching staff of partner universities and the food industry to design a course addressing the challenges of marketing local and regional products on a global scale.

How will it benefit me?

The course aims to develop student knowledge of food production through sustainable agriculture, sourcing, manufacturing and marketing across many different food product categories in relation to country specific considerations and the global market. In so doing it produces students with specialist knowledge who learn to apply this through industry case studies and a professional project. Students are placed in production companies, trading companies, consultancy firms, technical or research institutions, laboratories or certification bodies in the final semester. The combination of in-depth knowledge and practical application makes for highly employable individuals.

To find out more visit http://www.masterfoodidentity.com

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The course aims to produce and develop well-trained managers who are working in, or wish to follow, careers in the food industry. It promotes analytical and management skills by focusing on questions raised in relation to public policy issues, the commercial environment and the supply of foods which meet supply chain customer and consumer requirements. You will hone your personal skills and be able to engage in critical analysis and formulate and express sound arguments.

The course

Whether you live to eat or eat to live, the indisputable fact is that we all need to be regular consumers of food and drink. The food industry offers more than careers based solely on farms or in retail food outlets. It is vigorous and dynamic, with the adoption of new technology and the provision of new products satisfying ever changing consumer demands.

An important part of the sector’s success relies on an integrated approach and the close links which have been forged between growers, wholesalers, food processors and retailers. To be successful in today’s fast moving food industry students are provided with a combination of modules focusing on core subjects relevant to the food industry, as well as key priorities facing today’s food industry.

Once students have completed the taught modules they commence their research project, which gives the opportunity to pursue their own interests and provides a valuable addition to their skills set.

The course aims to produce and develop well-trained managers who are working in, or wish to follow, careers in the food industry. It promotes analytical and management skills by focusing on questions raised in relation to public policy issues, the commercial environment and the supply of foods which meet supply chain customer and consumer requirements. You will hone your personal skills and be able to engage in critical analysis and formulate and express sound arguments.

Modules include:
■ Food Processing, Quality and Safety
■ Food Product Development
■ Research and Information Skills
■ Principles of Finance
■ Managing People
■ Agri-food Supply Chain Strategy and Management
■ Food Security and Sustainability
■ Research Project

How will it benefit me?

On completion of the course at MSc level, students will be able to use and evaluate food industry management techniques and assess their relevance to commercial practice under different technical and cultural constraints. You will learn to appraise the dynamic legal, economic and political environment within which food businesses operate.

Students become skilled in collecting, analysing and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data, technical and commercial information, as well as evaluating and exploiting the latest developments in technology. You will learn to identify solutions to food industry management problems appropriate to local, national and international circumstances.

You will become competent at identifying and solving information management and communication problems encountered by food industry managers and will be able to critically review the existing knowledge of a sector specific topic and relate to a hypothesis which will advance that knowledge. Students also undertake strategic analysis, integrating a range of food industry management techniques.

Careers

Career opportunities in food industry management are very good both in the UK and internationally. Our Masters programme has been designed to produce well qualified individuals employable throughout the food industry. A large number of businesses visit the University every year to recruit new staff.

Careers could include procurement, logistics, market research, commercial or general management in the food industry.

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The UK’s meat industry represents one of the most important sectors of the UK's food supply system and a key component of the agri-food supply chain.Many factors limit and threaten the success and security of the meat industry,and not least the ability of the industry to attract and retain staff with the right knowledge and skills.Being able to develop and maintain a resource of appropriately experienced,knowledgeable and qualified supervisory and management staff must be a primary strategic objective for any meat business as the success and growth of such businesses depends on possessing and educating staff.

The course

Working with the UK’s meat industry, and with the support of The Worshipful Company of Butchers, Harper Adams University has developed a Postgraduate course in Meat Business Management designed to provide staff from the meat industry with the knowledge and skills required to increase the effectiveness, efficiency and profitability of their employers’ businesses and to develop their own career potential within the meat industry.

The UK’s meat industry represents one of the most important sectors of the country’s food supply system and a key component of the agri-food supply chain. Many factors limit and threaten the success and security of the meat industry, and not least the ability of the industry to attract and retain staff with the right knowledge and skills. Being able to develop and maintain a resource of appropriately experienced, knowledgeable and qualified supervisory and management staff must be a primary strategic objective for any meat business as the success and growth of such businesses depends on possessing capable and appropriately educated staff. Equally, the long term stability of meat businesses relies on effective and achievable management succession planning which in itself requires access to staff who have the ability to grow into more senior roles and become the business leaders of the future.

How will it benefit me?

The course has been developed in recognition of the meat industry’s need to develop existing, experienced staff – not necessarily graduate staff – and also to provide a means by which new, graduate staff can gain an understanding of the topics required to operate a meat business successfully. The course has been designed expressly to meet the needs of businesses in the red meat sector of the UK’s meat industry, i.e. principally businesses involved in the production of beef, mutton and lamb, and pork, and associated products. The course is a meat business management course and not a meat science course. This means that much of the subject matter covered by the course will have relevance to other meat sectors, e.g. the white meat or poultry meat sector, and indeed other food processing and manufacturing businesses. Much of the knowledge required to run a food business is transferable and applicable to any kind of food business. This means that topics such as operations management, food quality management, food safety management, and supply chain management apply equally to red meat businesses as they do to other types of food processing and manufacturing business. The successful practise of management (and successful career development) in any food business depends significantly on acquisition of the required knowledge, from whatever source, and its appropriate application in the development and growth of the business with, importantly, increased profitability.

Cost

The tuition price of each taught module is £1,200 + VAT (residential accommodation and meals are additional), however funding for the tuition fee may be available through the Advanced Agri-Food Training Partnership. Some students may feel that they can benefit from external personal coaching as they study the course, this will be available and the price will be agreed depending on circumstances.

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It is increasingly recognised that reductionist approaches to tackling food-related issues are ineffective and that a more comprehensive, holistic approach is required if we are to better understand the many ways that food affects and shapes our lives, and effectively address the many injustices and inequalities that are manifest in the current food system.

The MSc Gastronomy provides an opportunity to study food in a more complete sense. The course, the first and only one of its kind in the UK, acknowledges the complex nature of food and takes an interdisciplinary approach to shed light upon the often unseen links between food culture and communications, science and systems, production and politics and more.

The course takes an experiential approach, with field trips to a diverse range of food related businesses and organisations - from food banks to Michelin starred restaurants, large-scale agri-businesses to food processors. Through input from a wide range of specialist and expert  speakers, students gain exposure to the diverse dynamics that affect how we produce, consume, represent and understand food.

Scotland is most often the showcase for this, however the concepts covered are transferable to other countries. Whether you’re looking to enhance your career in the food industry, interested in cultivating a broader understanding of food, or are looking for a new direction, please contact us. We’re more than happy to discuss the course with you and help you discover if our unique brand of gastronomy is for you.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Modules will involve elements of inquiry (problem) based learning, report writing, visual presentations, essays and viva voce interviews. Learning therefore will be diverse and teaching will happen anywhere that there is a relationship to food and drink or ancillary industries. This may be in the University, on the streets of Edinburgh, the hills of the Scottish Borders or in a Michelin starred restaurant. The course will therefore embed research-led learning, by requiring students to examine information from a diverse range of sources including academic books/journals, online blogs/ wiki’s relating to food and drink agendas, and primary and secondary data. The importance of working closely with industry colleagues cannot be underestimated.

Opportunities to interact with for example, farmers, North Sea fishermen, and cooks and producers at all levels will enhance the learning experience. Class sizes are normally around 15-20 students. This ensures that students receive fantastic support from tutors and benefit from sharing experiences with classmates.

Teaching hours and attendance

Each module consists of 60 hours of teaching time over a 10-week period. There are two core modules planned for each semester, plus a research module that spans the first two semesters. You will be required to carry out independent work and also complete a dissertation.

Links with industry/professional bodies

This course has been developed in collaboration with a broad range of stakeholders involved in the food and drink industries.

Modules

30 credits: Food & Drink: The Relationship to People and Food/ Science of Food/ The System: From Field to Market/ Food Communications

15 credits: Research Methods

If studying for an MSc, you will also complete a dissertation (60 credits).

Careers

Graduates will place themselves in the enviable position of having had exposure to a range of industry experiences and contemporary food issues that will enable them to make interventions and transformations in a wide variety of areas. These may range from education or community work, to advocacy and policy work within the non-profit sector.

Entry requirements

There are several routes to entry.

- Applicants may have a first degree in an associated subject, for example, a BA (Hons) in Hospitality, Culinary

Arts, or Nutrition.

- An honours degree (or equivalent) in a different discipline but where the applicant has a demonstrable passion for food and drink.

- An applicant may potentially be a mature student who has spent a considerable period of time in industry and wishes to formalise their education.

All shortlisted candidates will be interviewed as part of the application process

International: Where your honours degree has not been studied in English, you will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 6.5 with no individual component score below 5.5

Quick Facts

-This is the first MSc in Gastronomy in the UK.

-The course has 15 funded places available for potential students resident in Scotland and the EU.

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