Masters Degrees in Food Sciences, United Kingdom

The course is designed to provide an in-depth insight into the principles of human nutrition and food sciences, and their application to healthy food provision for various groups of people. It draws on the expertise of a department that has taught nutrition, food science and related subjects at a high level for over 30 years. The course combines both taught and project elements.

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The Natural Resources Institute (NRI) is a specialised multidisciplinary research organisation within the University of Greenwich. The Institute received the Queen's Anniversary Prize for its research activities on food security in the developing world. Much of NRI's research work is concerned with natural resources, agriculture and social development in developing countries, although it has an expanding portfolio of activities in Europe and other industrialised countries.

NRI provides a thriving environment for MPhil and PhD students working in agricultural and food sciences. Each of NRI's departments has a strong portfolio of research activities, of which students form an important and integral part.

The Agriculture, Health & Environment Department works on the worldwide development of appropriate cost-effective and sustainable approaches to controlling pests, diseases and weeds that affect crop production. Use of biocontrol and control methods involving no (or very low) conventional pesticides are increasing in importance in our work, especially for export crops.

The Department also has researchers who share a common interest in the many species of insects, ticks and rodents that cause injury to their hosts and transmit diseases to both humans and animals. Research is undertaken in the UK, using NRI's state-of-the-art laboratories, insectaries and glasshouses, and also overseas. Particularly strong areas of research include the epidemiology of insect-borne virus diseases, molecular diagnostics, pest and disease modelling, aerobiology and biometeorology, migrant pests, medical and veterinary entomology and integrated pest management.

The Food and Markets Department works on commodity management and food safety of cereals, grains, root crops, perishables and other crops. The Department works with all aspects of the operations of the food industry, including, for example, storage, post-harvest technology, quality analysis and management, compliance with food standards, food processing and value addition, value chains, private and public sector standards and market development. NRI's work provides many opportunities for postgraduates to be involved in multidisciplinary projects.

We offer full-time or part-time attendance, with students based on our campus or in their home countries, or some combination.

Visit the website http://www2.gre.ac.uk/study/courses/pg/res/afs

What you'll study

Recent research project topics include:

- The impact of host plants on the efficacy of nucleopolyhedrovirus as a biopesticide

- Reasons for multiple loans in microfinance and their effect on the repayment performance

- Evaluating the impact of climate change on postharvest quality of perishables

- Laboratory based investigation of the sensory cues used by vector mosquitoes to locate host animals

- Dormancy and sprout control in root and tuber crops

- Investigations into the oviposition behaviour of Anopheles gambiae

Fees and finance

Your time at university should be enjoyable and rewarding, and it is important that it is not spoilt by unnecessary financial worries. We recommend that you spend time planning your finances, both before coming to university and while you are here. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.

Find out more about our fees and the support available to you at our:
- Postgraduate finance pages (http://www.gre.ac.uk/finance/pg)
- International students' finance pages (http://www.gre.ac.uk/finance/international)

Assessment

Students are assessed through their thesis and oral examination.

Career options

Postgraduate research students from NRI have a good record of finding employment within their specific technical discipline or in the field of international development.

Find out how to apply here - http://www2.gre.ac.uk/research/study/apply/application_process

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The food industry is experiencing a skills gap in technical and product development roles, while also taking a leading role in driving a public health agenda and producing safe, tasty food which meet our nutritional needs.

This course prepares you for technical and product development roles in the food industry with a strong emphasis on nutrition. It is aimed at students with a background in food science, nutrition, health and wellbeing, exercise science or biological sciences who wish to specialise in food and nutrition and acquire an in-depth understanding of how to apply nutrition principles to food product development and production.

You learn about food production and nutrition in an applied setting, developing core technical skills in our state of the art development kitchens, food and nutrition labs and sensory suite. You apply those practical skills to live briefs with commercial applications provided by our industrial partners such as Morrisons and Cranswick plc.

The course is based on three key strands:

• a food strand in which you learn about food composition, food legislation and regulations and labelling, product development, food quality management and food technology.
• a nutrition strand in which you learn about how we metabolise food, our nutritional needs and the impact of nutrition on health and diseases throughout the life cycle.
• a professional and academic skills development strand in which you apply your learning to both academic research and commercial briefs.

Examples of academic research and commercial projects you work on include developing tasty healthy alternatives, understanding the impact of food labelling on consumer liking, developing a food product for a major food retailer partner (brief varies) or supporting local SMEs with food quality assurance systems. 

Course structure

Full-time without work placement – 12 months

Full-time with work placement – 18 to 24 months

Part time – 12 to 24 months

Core modules

• developing food concepts and products (30 credits)
• food processing safety and quality management (15 credits)
• food chain (15 credits)
• life-course approach to nutrition (30 credits)
• nutritional physiology and biochemistry (15 credits)
• work related learning (15 credits)
• research methods (15 credits)
• dissertation (45 credits)

Assessment

• poster presentation
• laboratory reports
• literature reviews
• product development portfolio
• technical reports
• examinations
• dissertation

Employability

As a graduate from this course, career opportunities include:

• food product development – in these roles, you liaise with other functions (marketing, technical, chefs) to develop new attractive products meeting specific briefs.
• nutrition in the food industry – you may inform briefs to develop products which meet specific nutritional requirements or assess the nutritional quality of existing product ranges.
• food labelling and food regulation – consumers make informed choices about their food consumption based on the information, such as health and nutrition claims, provided on food packages. These are often regulated. You design the food labelling and nutritional information in accordance to current regulations.
• procurement and food supplier management – you interact and liaise with suppliers to ensure a safe, sustainable, and ethical food chain.
• food quality management – you work on any aspect of quality assurance, quality control and management systems to ensure that food safety, the number one priority of the food industry, is not compromised.

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This course engages with issues at the very forefront of modern food production. You‘ll explore the origins of biotechnology, the legislation and social issues related to biotechnology in food, the immune system and role of antibodies.

You’ll have chance to challenge the myths associated with food allergies and the risks, causes and solutions. You’ll learn the science behind every ingredient that goes into a product.

The core sciences of chemistry and biochemistry underpin the course, alongside the processing of food. You’ll also study some elements of microbiology and nutrition. You’ll learn to apply fundamental scientific concepts to understand and manipulate the complex characteristics of foods and to integrate this scientific knowledge with an understanding of food technology.

The course is strongly linked to our research groups, meaning you’ll be taught by staff who are actively engaged in world-class research and cutting-edge professional practice.

Course content

Through this programme you'll develop the ability to critically assess the complex factors that influence the range, quality and acceptability of foods produced in an industrialised society.

You'll apply scientific knowledge from your bachelor degree and extend it to areas outside your first degree discipline. You'll gain a broad knowledge of food science with the necessary related understanding of chemistry, biochemistry, physics, mathematics and biology. You'll also learn to integrate your scientific knowledge with an understanding of food technology and will develop your own interests and skills through specialised options and projects, influenced by current research thinking in the field.

The programme provides an understanding of the methodology of research investigations by experimental project, and helps you develop the personal skills you'll need to communicate effectively in future professional activities.

Course structure

Compulsory modules

• Microbiological and Chemical Food Safety 20 credits
• Food Processing 20 credits
• Research Project 60 credits
• Food Biotechnology 10 credits
• Impacts of Food Processing on Nutritional Quality 10 credits
• GMOs, Antibodies and PCR 10 credits
• Food and the Allergic Reaction 10 credits
• Structure and Function of Food Components 20 credits
• Professional Development for Employment and Research 20 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Food Science (Food Biotechnology) MSc in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

Teaching is by lectures, practical classes, tutorials, seminars and supervised research projects. We make extensive use 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 you’ll learn formally.

Assessment

Assessment is by a range of methods, including formal examination, in-class tests, laboratory practical reports, example sheets, problem solving, project work and verbal presentations.

The pass mark for each module is 50%. All marks from all modules (passed and failed) are included in the final classification mark, which must be at least a 50% average to pass.

Career opportunities

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:

• Product development
• Food manufacturing
• Quality assurance
• Public health

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.

Careers support

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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This degree focuses on food analysis and food microbiology as well as product development and quality control. You'll be taught by members of staff who are active within the Institute of Food Science and Technology, and are regularly involved in the food industry as expert consultants. You'll also learn from our food business development colleagues to gain experience in the industry through work placements. In the most recent (2014-15) Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey, 100% of graduates from this course were in work or further study within six months.

More about this course

This food science degree provides advanced study opportunities that build on your previous experience in an appropriate first degree course enabling the upgrade of existing qualifications, while also developing knowledge and skills.

The course team has particular expertise in food analysis, food microbiology and including food safety, spoilage and fermentations, product development and quality control, as well as an excellent understanding of food sustainability, food policy and nutrition.

This expertise is reflected in the range of modules offered in the MSc with analytical facilities available for study and research, and opportunities to be involved in food analysis, food product development and food manufacturing projects.

The Microbiology Research Unit team provides vital support and research topics for the dissertation element of the course and other staff members are involved in food manufacturing consultancy. London Metropolitan University has an excellent research profile, with food science staff publishing in highly rated journals and supervising PhD students appearing on radio and television as experts.

The structure of the course gives you the essential knowledge and skills for your future career. You can choose to emphasise laboratory-based subjects such as food microbiology and food analysis or areas such as quality assurance or food production and development including sensory analysis. The course develops your knowledge of food manufacturing and processing, analysis and testing packaging, storage, distribution, legal aspects, sustainability and food security.

You'll ultimately become an independent researcher or potential manager, with the ability to critically evaluate food science and apply it to new situations, following either an academic or an industrial related career path.

The assessment strategy for this course not only assesses your knowledge, understanding and abilities but provides a wide range of experience particularly in key skill areas to prepare you for your future career in different areas of the food industry.

You'll gain experience in critical analysis, literature searches, poster presentations, data handling, and analysis and practical skills. Assessments comprise of written assignments, laboratory logs and poster presentations, and there are two exams. Students undertake a research project and submit a final dissertation that is defended in an oral exam.

Professional accreditation

The course is fully accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST). Students are encouraged to join the IFST as associate members and to attend meetings or industrial visits that the Institute organises. They may transfer to full membership after graduation and a period of professional experience. Membership of IFST allows access to specialist publications, meetings and an international network of food scientists and technologists.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2016/17 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

Year 1 modules include:
-Advanced Food Analysis (core, 20 credits)
-Advanced Food Processing (core, 20 credits)
-Food Microbiology and Safety (core, 20 credits)
-Food Product Development and Sensory Analysis (core, 20 credits)
-Food Safety and Quality Management (core, 20 credits)
-Food Science Research Dissertation (core, 60 credits)
-Scientific Research Methodology (core, 20 credits)
-Food Science Industrial Placement (option, 20 credits)

After the course

The food industry is the UK’s largest manufacturing sector and there is a massive demand for qualified professionals. The skills and knowledge developed in your MSc will enhance your career opportunities in food and related industries including manufacturing, product development, marketing, environmental health, consultancy, research or education. Graduates are also well prepared for research and for postgraduate study (PhD). Interview practice with industry support and CV development is also integrated into the course.

Our recent MSc graduates have gone on to join the following positions and companies:
-Food technologist – Haydens Bakery
-Technical legislation coordinator – United Biscuits
-Process development – Bakkavor
-Technical team member – Food Partners Group
-Quality control – Nestlé
-Nutritionist and quality analyst – Krush Global
-Business development manager – Kerry Group
-Consumer technologist – Wealmoor Ltd
-Microbiology technician – GlaxoSmithKline
-Confectionary development – Sainsbury’s
-Technical team manager – Nature’s Way Foods
-Lecturers and researchers – London Metropolitan University, Coventry University, Kyushu University, University of Trinidad and Tobago, University of Melbourne

Moving to one campus

Between 2016 and 2020 we're investing £125 million in the London Metropolitan University campus, moving all of our activity to our current Holloway campus in Islington, north London. This will mean the teaching location of some courses will change over time.

Whether you will be affected will depend on the duration of your course, when you start and your mode of study. The earliest moves affecting new students will be in September 2017. This may mean you begin your course at one location, but over the duration of the course you are relocated to one of our other campuses. Our intention is that no full-time student will change campus more than once during a course of typical duration.

All students will benefit from our move to one campus, which will allow us to develop state-of-the-art facilities, flexible teaching areas and stunning social spaces.

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Discover how to change the food system for the better on this unique MSc in Food Policy at City.

Who is it for?

From artisanal bakeries to Ministries of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Our students come to study the MSc in Food Policy from around the world, across the food landscape and go on to develop their careers in a variety of ways once they graduate.

The course is for students who are passionate about food policy and are open to challenging their own assumptions. We want you to graduate from this Masters with a more disciplined and rigorous approach so you can be more effective in pursuing your passions within the food domain.

Objectives

How does a coconut growing in Malaysia become a coconut drink in the UK? On this programme we explore how policy influences the trajectory of food not just from field to fork but across time and territory.

The MSc in Food Policy is about analysing, researching and informing the future of food policy from the local to global scale. It is run by the Centre for Food Policy, which has pioneered an integrated approach to food policy since 1994.

The ways in which we produce, process, distribute, market, prepare and consume food have important consequences for our health and that of the planet. We look at the positive and negative impacts of food, from the health, environmental, political, socio-economic and cultural perspective.

This Masters promotes genuine interdisciplinary because we think you need to look at the subject from all angles to make the most holistic evaluation. It draws on social sciences (sociology, politics, economics, anthropology, psychology) as well as health sciences and epidemiology. We look at the latest food policy debates and place them in a historical context.

You will be taught by a team of specialist food policy specialists who are leaders in the field. Our academic staff are actively involved in research and in policy-making on the local, national and global stage. Our teaching reflects this engagement.

Students are exposed to conflicting narratives about the problems facing the food system and the best ways to resolve them. We address important questions of our time, such as:
-Are we producing too much or too little food to feed the world population?
-How have we ended up living in a world where there are more overweight and obese people than under-nourished people?
-Why is a third of the food produced globally lost or wasted?
-How can we deal with the massive impact of agriculture on climate change?
-How do lobbyists and the media influence what we eat?

Academic facilities

As a food policy student at City, University of London you can learn from experts at leading institutions across the UK through the Innovative Food Systems Teaching and Learning (IFSTAL) initiative.

Created for postgraduate students, the initiative aims to address an urgent skills shortage in the food industry and tackle systematic failings in the food system by combining resources and knowledge. The network, which is made up of five leading higher education institutions including City and the University of Oxford, gives you the opportunity to take part in research and internship placements during your degree.

When it comes to studying food policy, London is an amazing location. Giving you one of the most sociologically diverse laboratories, it offers a wide range of accessible resources. From the myriad centres of policy and media to the endless range of public events, at City you can become a researcher in a global city and hone your focus towards your own area of interest and/or expertise. As part of the University of London, you can also become a member of Senate House Library for free with your student ID card.

Teaching and learning

We are a passionate and engaged team who will help you understand how to change the food system for the better. You will learn through a mixture of lectures, small group activities, whole class discussions, workshops and independent study. There are a lot of group discussions in class. We encourage you to ask questions, contribute your own experiences and apply your own perspectives to the issues we explore. The programme also encourages a strong peer-to-peer community through social media.

For the distance-learning mode you will be able to watch the lectures online, which are supplemented with written exercises and one-to-one Skype tutorials with the teaching staff.

Assessment

Each taught module is assessed by two pieces of written work. The first is handed in during the middle of term so that you receive useful feedback before moving on to the second assignment. In each case you will choose the topic. You will also be asked to write different kinds of documents (briefing papers, memos, reports as well as essays) that correspond to those you would have to write in policy-making organisations. Then you work on your dissertation, which is a longer (15,000 word) piece of work, enabling you to delve into a food policy topic of your choice in depth. You will gain support from a personal supervisor who is a senior academic from the Centre for Food Policy.

Modules

The course consists of four core taught modules (worth 30 credits each) and a dissertation (worth 60 credits). The dissertation gives you the opportunity to undertake research on a topic of your choice that is relevant to food policy. The course has been designed to enable you to pursue your own interests and passions. In every assignment you have the opportunity to engage with the issues you care about.

The course is flexible to fit in with your work commitments so you can study this Masters on a full-time (one year), part-time (two years) or on a distance-learning basis (two years). The taught modules take place in the first and second terms, and the dissertation starts in the third term and continues until September (December for part-time students). For each taught module there are approximately 10 three-hour teaching sessions. In addition you are expected to undertake around 270 hours of independent study. For the whole programme, you should expect to study for around 1800 hours (35 hours per week for full-time students, 17.5 hours for part-time students).

Taught modules
-FPM001 - Food and public policy (30 credits)
-FPM003 - Food, culture and society (30 credits)
-FPM002 The political economy of food (30 credits)
-FPM004 Food, public health and the environment (30 credits)

Career prospects

We are very proud of our alumni. Our employability stats – the highest within the School – reflect the range of opportunities available to our graduates. For example, our alumni run NGOs and progressive food businesses, work in government and UN agencies, and have established great careers in health advocacy, journalism and academia.

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Food Sciences sits at the interface of chemistry, physics, biology, nutrition and engineering. If you have already graduated in food or nutritional science or chemical engineering, this course offers the opportunity for further study in your chosen area.

There is a shortage of individuals trained in a systematic approach to solving development and research challenges in the food industry and and allied industries such as cosmetics and pharmacy. Graduates from this degree should have a wide spectrum of job opportunities.

You will acquire advanced understanding of food sciences enabling you to face product development and technical challenges encountered in the food industry to manufacture high quality foods.

This course includes a laboratory and/or pilot production facility based research project. Most projects will be integrated with an industrial sponsor, although others will be available. Project proposals by applicants to the course will be considered.

The course is co-ordinated by the School of Biosciences's research group in Food Sciences. This is the highest rated University Food Sciences Research Group in the UK, based at the Sutton Bonington Campus. See
http://nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences/subject-areas/food/index.aspx

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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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This course gives you the skills you need to start a career as a food processing engineer. This is a role much in demand in the food and drink industry, the largest manufacturing sector in the UK.

You learn practical techniques and work with food manufacturers on real projects that prepare you for your career. You also visit factories including • AB World Foods • Burtons Biscuits • KP Snacks • Premier Foods • Thornton's.

The course is designed to be flexible to help you study around your other commitments.

What you study

During the course you gain an overview of engineering principles and key sector issues, giving you a range of knowledge across the food sector. Your learning is based around examples and assessments relevant to the food processing industry.

You undertake a group project to develop a new food product and its processing. This involves working with students from different courses, giving you experience in a multi-disciplinary food processing environment. You explore ethics, sustainability, health and safety and intellectual property rights, as well as business and marketing strategies related to the food industry.

You also study material flow characteristics, which is a core discipline in food processing. Using food materials to illustrate key characteristics, you learn techniques to analyse the rheology and flow of food products through food processing equipment, including understanding the thixotropic behaviour of tomato ketchup.

You then choose two further optional modules, allowing you to focus on your key areas of interest.

The course also gives you the opportunity to take modules on • food • food safety • the management of food production • food processing • food manufacturing techniques • engineering processes.

Course structure

Level one modules

• engineering principles
• mechanical engineering
• sustainability, energy and environmental management
• lean operations and six sigma

Level two core modules

• international product development
• rheology and multi-phase flow
• food safety engineering and management
• food manufacturing engineering

Level two optional modules

Choose two from

• manufacturing systems
• industrial automation
• supply chain modelling and simulation
• logistics and enterprise information systems

Assessment

• coursework
• exams
• project

Employability

The course leads to career opportunities in the food and drink sector, where there is a high demand for scientific and technically qualified individuals. Example roles and potential salaries include • engineering manager (£55,000) • maintenance manager (£40,000) • production area controller (£28,000) • project engineer (£40,000) • site engineering manager (£55,000).

The National Centre of Excellence for Food Engineering has extensive contacts with national and multi-national food and drink companies including • Nestle • PepsiCo • Mondelez • Greencore • Premier Foods • Kellogg’s • William Jackson Food Group. The Centre support students to progress to roles with companies in this significant industrial sector.

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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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MSc Nutrition and Food Sciences is targeted at students who have studied the core disciplines of nutrition and food science related to health and wellness. This course is highly relevant as there is a need for high quality postgraduate Nutritional and Food Scientists that will serve the North West and the current epidemic of nutrition-related health problems (Obesity, Cardiovascular Disease, Type 2 Diabetes, and Cancer). It is recognised that good nutrition and a healthy balanced diet are important to health. An in depth understanding of nutrition is inextricably linked to the foods consumed and underpinned by an understanding of the science behind food production, processing and safety.

INDUSTRY LINKS

Our courses draw upon a broad base of knowledge and skills across health, science and social sciences within UCLan and links with organisations outside of the university, including the food industry, regional and international charities, environmental health and the NHS.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

Learning and assessment is via a combination of case studies, presentations, research reports, critical reviews and a research dissertation.

FURTHER INFORMATION

This postgraduate course in Nutrition and Food Sciences consists of core modules in advanced human nutrition and applied food sciences as well as advanced research methods and a research project. A choice of options allows for specialism in nutrition and food law.

MSc Nutrition and Food Science requires you take nine modules in total, all at Level 7. The modules will be taken through a combination of single semester and double semester delivery. The triple research project module will be undertaken during Semesters 2 and 3.

OPPORTUNITIES

With an increasing importance placed on the preventative medicine sectors and emphasis on the food industry to develop novel and innovative products high quality postgraduate Nutrition and Food Scientists are needed in the UK to serve the current climate of increasing non-communicable nutrition-related health problems (Obesity, Cardiovascular Disease, Type 2 Diabetes, and Cancer) and the increase in consumption of functional foods. From an international perspective postgraduates from this course will also learn to appreciate the nutritional challenges in developing countries. Access to physiology and biochemistry labs, food industry field trips and engagement with Internationally recognized Professors in Nutrition and Food Safety are some of the experiences on offer to students on this course.

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The programme introduces you to how the food industry works and offers the appropriate skills required for employment in the food and related industries.

The primary objective of the MSc is to provide a scientifically underpinned food programme that educates science graduates in the classical aspects of food science. As part of the programme, you will undertake a laboratory-based research project. The key element is to undertake independent evaluation of a food specific issue. While a range of topics are available you are actively encouraged to propose your own projects.

The Department is highly rated for its research interests which include food microbiology, food chemistry and composition, food texture and properties, food processing, food product development, fermentation and novel foods.

Career opportunities in this area are excellent and include: a wide range of food related companies; food manufacturing; food processing; new product development and research; food safety process development; quality assurance; technical; and marketing.

Accreditation

The programme is categorised by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) and also by the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS).

MSc Food Bioscience meets REHIS’ entry requirements for training as a food officer with local authorities.

Placement Opportunities

Students undertake a three-month placement in food industry and allied fields such as research establishment, marketing, local authority, food standards.

Placements are an integral part of the programme and students get the opportunity to apply acquired academic skills in real work environment. As a prerequisite for the placement module you will undertake The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) certified courses in Elementary Food Hygiene and Introduction to Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP).

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Course Overview

​The safety and quality of food is a major concern to consumers, retailers, manufactures and regulators. High profile incidents have highlighted the need for the effective management systems and regulatory frameworks for food safety at the local, national and international levels.

Increasingly, professionals within this field require specialised knowledge and skills to help them identify and effectively manage risks. In response to these challenges, this PgCert/PgDip/MSc has been designed to meet the development needs of UK and international food safety specialists working in commerce and industry and enforcement agencies.

The aims of the programme are to:
- Enable students to evaluate international, national and sector specific frameworks for the prevention and management of and crisis response to food safety risks

- Provide opportunities for students to develop academic and subject specific knowledge and skills of relevance to employment in the field of food safety

- Support the development of reflective practitioners who have the knowledge and skills to appraise, develop and evaluate responses to food safety risks​.

​Course Content​​

The programme utilises theoretical frameworks and practical case studies to enable students to identify potential hazards, assess risk and to develop and monitor risk management strategies. The teaching team has many years experience in policy development, research and consultancy working in industry and the enforcement of legislation. The team operates at the international level and this is reflected in the teaching sessions.

The taught element of the programme comprises the equivalent of 6 modules of 20 credit points each (comprising 4 half modules and 4 full modules).

The taught modules offered are as follows:
- Risk Perception and Communication (10 credits)
- Frameworks for the Assessment of Risk (10 credits)
- Research Methods (20 credits)
- Epidemiology (10 credits)
- Evaluating Global Food Safety Management Standards (20 credits)
- Implementing Global Food Safety Management Standards (20 credits)
- ​Food Safety Emergency Management (20 credits)
- Product Conformity and Labelling (10 credits)

The dissertation phase of the module is comprised of a number of components including the development of a research proposal, an in-depth literature review and presentation of the findings of self-directed research in the form of an academic paper. This phase of the studies allows students to develop specific knowledge in relation to a food safety issue of particular interest to them.

Upon completion of the Programme, students should be able to:
- Critically evaluate global and national policy, legal and sector specific frameworks for food safety management and propose evidence based approaches for best practice
- Appraise psychosocial factors impacting upon the perception, communication and response to food safety risks.
- Critically evaluate models of risk assessment and risk management
- Critically review relevant research
- Critically appraise approaches to the assessment and management of risk and inform the development of food safety management strategies and the implementation of food safety management systems.
- Evaluate and apply approaches to emergency preparedness and crisis response.
- Critically review relevant research
- Demonstrate the ability to design, plan, and undertake research in the discipline of food safety management and present the findings.
- Critically reflect on professional and personal practice, skills and competencies.​

Learning & Teaching​

​The teaching and learning strategy for the Programme places a strong emphasis on application of theoretical frameworks to real problems and situations. Teaching and assessment focuses on case studies and exercises and scenarios reflecting contemporary issues in food safety management.

The Learning and Teaching strategies adopted, encourages substantial input from students. Whilst lectures are seen as opportunities for imparting key information and pointing students in a particular direction for further study, they are also intended to be interactive and debate is encouraged.
Lectures are complemented by seminar sessions designed to encourage a more detailed examination of issues. In addition to enhancing understanding, these sessions are seen to be important as a means of helping students to develop analytical and critical appraisal skills.

Finally, case study and role-play sessions are scheduled. During these sessions, there is further opportunity not only to develop those skills appropriate for the achievement of learning outcomes but also to develop skills that will enhance performance within a workplace setting.

The Learning and Teaching Strategy emphasises the value of evaluating ones performance and developing approaches to maximize learning and the application of skills and knowledge. Assumptions underpinning the analysis of information and response options are explored and alternative interpretations (that are often based upon cultural orientations) are examined. It is the intention that students graduating from the programme will operate as reflective practitioners.​

Assessment

Students' performance is assessed via a course work of a variety of forms including essays and reports. Tutors will offer advice in relation to the development of assignments; each student is allocated a personal supervisor to support their dissertation phase of studies.

Employability & Careers​

The Programme is seen to be of particular relevance to those wishing to further their expertise in food safety management.

The programme is also of relevance to students with a general enforcement background or food industry background who wish to specialise in food safety. Expertise exists within the teaching team to support graduates of the programme who wish to embark on PhD studies.

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/scholarships

Find out how to apply here https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply

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This online distance learning Global Food Security (Food Safety) postgraduate programme will be delivered by leading research active staff within the internationally recognised Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS) based at Queen’s University Belfast.

The programme will comprise modules focused on food safety and health, global food standards and legislation, analytical methods for food security, food integrity and fraud. Awards will be available at Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) and Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) level, and to Masters level following completion of a dissertation-based module.

This programme will be suitable for anyone who wants to know more about this increasingly important area, those working within the wider Agri-food industry sector including food production, processing and retail, regulatory and governmental control agencies, and research organisations.

Awards will be available at Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) and Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) level, and to Masters level following completion of a dissertation-based module.

Modern online technology and dynamic advanced audio and video tools will be employed to achieve a stimulating teaching and learning experience. This programme offers learners the opportunity to study this exciting and rapidly changing area taught by world experts within the field at their own pace (60 CATS per year) and within their chosen environment.

PgCert will cover the following modules:
- Food safety and health (30 CATS)
- Advanced analytical tools for food security (30 CATS)

PgDip will include modules in:
- Global food standards and legislation (30 CATS)
- Food integrity, fraud and traceability (30 CATS)

MSc Students will complete a research programme:
- Dissertation (60 CATS)

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Course Overview

​The programme is designed to meet the needs of professionals and practitioners in a range of sectors. The programme combines theoretical studies and practical elements, which can be applied in the modern food processing and management.

The overall aim of this programme is to provide a high quality and professionally relevant curriculum, which will develop graduates with scientific and technical knowledge in the field of food science and technology.

See the website https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/health/courses/Pages/Food-Science-and-Technology---MSc-PgD.aspx

​Course Content​​

There are two main pathways for this MSc, one focuses on Food Safety & Technology, the other on Food Production Management

The structure of the assessment programme will allow students to focus on issues relevant to their interest.

The Cardiff School of Health Sciences, which teaches this course, also houses The Food Industry Centre. This is both a research and practice based centre supporting the activities of the food industry throughout the UK, especially in Wales.

Modules offered as a guide:
- Technology & Quality Policy (taught only for Food Production Management pathway)
- Biochemistry & Food Analysis (taught only for the Food Safety & Technology pathway)
- The modules below are taught in both pathways
- Food Technology & Biotechnology
- Applied Research Methods & Design
- Independent Study
- Sustainable Food Issues
- Food Safety Management
- Food Quality Management & Quality Assurance
- Food Product Conformity & Labelling
- Dissertation:
A written dissertation is based on a project chosen by the candidates to reflect their interest in a specific field. This is coordinated through the programme director and an academic member of staff is assigned to supervise the student for a successful conclusion of the project. ​

Learning & Teaching​

​Lectures are seen as opportunities for imparting key information and pointing students in a particular direction for further study. They are also intended to be interactive and debate is encouraged. Lectures are complemented by seminar sessions as a means of helping students to develop analytical and critical appraisal skills.
Students will be given an opportunity to discuss their choice of pathway with the Programme Director. This consultation and advice is given during the induction period and the first two weeks of the start of the autumn term.

There is a strong emphasis on applying the theoretical frameworks to problem solving which reflects the applied nature of the programme especially through practical sessions. ​

Assessment

A range of assessment methods are used. These include closed (or open) book examination, written assignments/ essays, practical report plus a dissertation on a chosen research topic for the MSc.

Employability & Careers​

The programme provides the potential for graduates to progress within the food industry, undertake research in food science and technology or nutrition, or to work in other areas of Food safety and quality management.

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/scholarships

Find out how to apply here https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply

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