MSc Food Quality and Safety with Industrial Practise

Program Overview

This Master's program combines food quality, safety, and sustainability with an industry placement. It equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to address modern food industry challenges, including Brexit and environmental sustainability. Graduates are prepared for careers in technical management, quality assurance, and sustainable sourcing, among others. The program features state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive graduate school community.

Program Outline

It aims to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to address modern challenges in the food industry, including emerging issues surrounding Brexit and the increasing focus on environmental sustainability.

Objectives:

• Equip graduates with the knowledge and technical skills to assess food quality and safety in industrial settings.
• Develop analytical skills to address food safety and quality concerns faced by consumers and producers.
• Provide a deep understanding of environmental sustainability principles and their practical application in the food industry.

Program Description:

• This Master's program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical experience gained through an industry placement.
• Students will gain proficiency in evaluating and addressing environmental performance, minimizing pollution and food waste, and designing appropriate control systems.
• Graduates will be able to embrace challenges around food quality, safety, and sustainability in local, national, and international contexts.
• Graduates will be equipped to manage and control foodborne disease, develop methodologies to address food directives, and integrate results to solve holistic food problems.

Outline:

Start Dates:

January or September

Duration:

• Full-time: 12 months (September start) or 16 months (January start)
• Part-time: 24 months (September start) or 28 months (January start)

Award Title:

MSc

UCAS Code:

Apply Direct

Program Content:

• The program focuses on the practical application of food quality, food safety, and environmental sustainability.
• Students will gain knowledge and skills in food microbiology, food chemistry, project management, research methods, and dissertation writing.
• Optional modules allow for specialization in areas like food waste and wastewater management, clinical nutrition, new product development, and more.

Course Schedule:

• The program typically follows a blended learning format with a combination of on-campus lectures and tutorials, supplemented by online sessions.
• Full-time students complete the program in one year, with the dissertation undertaken in the final term.
• Part-time students complete the program in two years, with the dissertation in the final term.

Modules:

• The program offers a mix of core and optional modules, allowing for tailored learning experiences.
• Core modules include:
• Environmental Management
• Food Safety and Microbiology
• Project Management
• Food Chemistry and Safety
• Research Methods
• MSc Dissertation (Industrial Practice)
• Optional modules include:
• Waste and Wastewater Management
• Clinical Nutrition 2
• New Product Development 2

Structure:

• The program adopts a flexible structure that caters to both full-time and part-time students.
• The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, ensuring graduates are equipped to address real-world challenges in the food industry.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• The program utilizes a diversified assessment approach, including:
• Written coursework
• Presentations
• Examinations
• Portfolios
• A written dissertation at the MSc level

Assessment Criteria:

• The specific assessment criteria will vary depending on the module and assessment method.
• However, the program generally assesses students on their ability to:
• Apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Conduct independent research and analysis.
• Integrate diverse areas of knowledge to solve complex food industry challenges.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• The program utilizes various teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles, including:
• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Laboratory sessions
• Group work
• Discussions
• Seminars

Faculty:

• The program is taught by a team of experienced academics with expertise in food science, environmental management, and related fields.
• The faculty is dedicated to providing students with a balanced and comprehensive learning experience that combines theory and practice.

Unique Approaches:

• The program integrates real-world scenarios into the curriculum, enhancing students' preparation for future professional roles.
• The industry placement component allows students to gain practical experience and apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.

Careers:

Career Options:

• This Master's program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in the food and drink industry, including:
• Technical Manager
• Food Technologist
• Quality Assurance Manager
• Process Development Technologist
• Compliance & QA Technologist
• Sustainable Sourcing Manager
• The program also equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to pursue further academic research.

Career Opportunities:

• The program opens doors to diverse career opportunities in leading food and beverage companies, government agencies, research institutions, and consultancy firms.
• Graduates are well-equipped to contribute to the development of sustainable food systems, address food safety concerns, and contribute to innovation within the industry.

Career Outcomes:

• Graduates from this program are highly sought-after by employers due to their industry-ready knowledge and skills.
• Many graduates secure fulfilling careers in various roles within the food and drink industry, contributing to a safer, more sustainable, and innovative food system.

Other:

Cost:

• Please note that the course fees will vary depending on the student's nationality, location, personal circumstances, and the course they are studying.

Entry Requirements:

• Applicants should have a minimum of a lower second-class (2:2) honors degree in a subject related to biological sciences, chemical sciences, environmental sciences, food sciences, agricultural and biological science.

State-of-the-art facilities:

• Abertay University boasts state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, including a world-leading sensory and consumer science lab, fully equipped biological and chemical science labs, and a pilot plant.
• These facilities provide students with hands-on learning experiences and allow them to conduct research and develop practical skills.

Graduate School:

• Abertay University offers a dedicated Graduate School that provides support, training, and professional development opportunities to postgraduate students.
• This valuable resource helps students connect with other researchers, access funding opportunities, and enhance their employability.

Joining the Postgraduate Community:

• As a postgraduate student at Abertay University, you will be part of a vibrant community of scholars with diverse interests and backgrounds.
• The University provides dedicated study and social spaces to facilitate interaction, collaboration, and exchange of ideas among students.

Making the Most of Your Masters:

• The "Making the Most of Masters" project provides opportunities for master's students to undertake work-based projects, gaining valuable experience and enhancing their employability.

Exploring the Dundee Campus:

• Abertay University is conveniently located in a city-center campus, with all buildings within a quarter-mile of each other.
• Students have easy access to shops, recreational facilities, and public transportation.

Living in Dundee:

• Dundee is a vibrant and welcoming city with a rich history of innovation and creativity.
• It is a compact and affordable city, making it an ideal location for students to live and study.