Course detail
Start Date
January,SeptemberDuration
Full-time: 12 months (Sep start) or 16 months (Jan start) | Part-time: 24 months (Sep start) or 28 months (Jan start)Award Title
MScUCAS Code
Apply DirectProgramme Overview
The quality and safety of our food are vitally important in ensuring we have edible, nourishing and varied options at all price points.
This brand-new Food Quality, Safety and Innovation MSc will provide you with:
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The knowledge and technical skills to assess food quality and safety in a research or industrial setting
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The analytical skills to address issues encountered by consumers and producers concerned with food safety and quality
Environmental sustainability
A key component to food safety is environmental sustainability, the importance of which is increasing exponentially. This Master’s maintains this thread throughout your studies – making it the only programme of its type to do this.
The programme will provide an understanding of the practical application of environmental management, and its role in the strategic development and operation of organisations and activities.
You will be able to evaluate the environmental performance of an organisation or activity and recommend appropriate measures to minimise pollution and food waste, and design appropriate control systems. Upon graduation, you will understand the policy, legal and ethical issues, and technical factors which influence environmental management to operate and plan sustainable projects.
You will be taught by a team of academics with a wealth of experience in the food sector, have contact with leading figures in industry, and take part in either a research project or industry placement.
As a graduate of this Master's programme, you will have:
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The knowledge and understanding to embrace the challenges around food quality, safety and sustainability – both in local, national and international contexts
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The ability to manage and control foodborne disease
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The skills to develop methodologies required to address issues arising from food directives and other forms of statutory instruments
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The knowledge to integrate results and reach conclusions regarding the holistic problems of food quality, safety and sustainability
Please note: you will be registered on the MSc Food Quality, Safety and Innovation, which includes a research project. All students will get the opportunity to apply to undertake an industrial placement as an alternative to the research project. Placements are on a competitive basis, and are subject to an application and interview with the placement provider. If successful, you will be moved on to the MSc Food Quality and Safety with Industrial Practise.
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Entry Requirements
Applicants should have a minimum of a lower second-class (2:2) honours degree in a subject related to biological sciences, chemical sciences, environmental sciences, food sciences, agricultural or biological science.
Applicants with non-standard qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, determined by prior study, work experience, professional qualifications, and references.
The integration of real-world scenarios into the curriculum plays a crucial role in preparing students, like me, for the demands of our future professions. I want to commend Jonathan Wilkin and the teaching team for emphasising the practical aspect of learning in the Food Microbiology course. Thank you once again for your commitment to providing a holistic and practical learning experience.Nessa Pahlava | Abertay University | MSc Food Quality, Safety and Innovation
How the Course Works
Full-time on campus students will complete the degree in one year: The academic year consists of three terms with the Master's project module completed in term 3.
Part-time on campus students will complete the degree in two years: Year 1 consist of two terms, and Year 2 of three terms with the Master's project module completed in the final term.
Learning
Most modules will be assessed through practice-based coursework. This includes project work and student-led presentations as well as workplace-simulation group projects. Some modules use a mixture of coursework and formal examination.
Lectures may be used to present key concepts, theories and techniques. Tutorials and laboratory-based activities increase your understanding of the subject and develop your competence and confidence in technological and theoretical work.
Throughout your course, you’ll be required to actively participate in group work, discussions, seminars, and private study.
Assessment
A variety of assessment practices will be used across modules, creating a framework for a coherent assessment strategy that recognises different learning and communication styles and skills.
The taught course will be assessed using a combination of written coursework, presentations, examinations and portfolios, with a written dissertation at MSc level.
Modules (Subject to change)
Environmental Management (EEM500)
Provides students with a series of practical management tools with which environmental issues can be managed, within both the public and private sector. Students are enabled to examine the policy, legal and ethical framework in which projects operate and to develop the necessary skills to manage diverse teams in a sustainable manner.
Food Safety and Microbiology (FOD508)
The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of the principles and the application of food safety and hygiene management systems and methodologies.
Project Management (BMT530) (BMT530)
The complexity of project management and the tools and techniques to support successful management. Carry out an investigation into a project failure and recommend alternative actions which could have been taken. Module content: Project analysis and planning; Managing projects; Project management methodologies.
Food Chemistry and Safety (FOD509)
The aim of this Module is to enable you to understand and apply the theory and practicalities behind analytical chemistry. This includes chromatographic techniques used in food chemistry and how to use spectroscopic techniques to identify chemical hazard, assess authenticity and food fraud.
Research Methods (GRS501) (GRS501)
This module is designed to introduce postgraduate students to research methods and statistical analysis. Theoretical, historical, and statistical concepts are taught in lectures with hands-on practical lab sessions using both quantitative and qualitative techniques that allow students to put theory into practice.
MSc Dissertation (EEM517) (EEM517)
Individual in-depth investigation of a particular aspect of their own specialism. An opportunity to undertake individually an in-depth investigation in a relevant area of interest within an applied context in industry, consolidating theory and examining practice and providing a basis for the writing of a substantial dissertation.
Waste and Wastewater Management (EEM408)
Regulatory and technical aspects of waste and wastewater treatment and management. Module content: Waste & Contaminated Land Regulations, Waste Characterisation, Collection, Transport and Storage, Waste Management and Treatment Technologies, Contaminated Land Management and Remediation, Wastewater Management and Treatment, Sludge Treatment and Management.
Clinical Nutrition 2 (FOD402)
The role of nutrition on the prevention and management of a variety of diseases. Module content: Risk factors for major causes of illness - use of epidemiological and intervention studies to characterise risk factors for major causes of morbidity and mortality; Principles of the management of diseases (e.g. cancer, anaemia, diabetes type 2, gastrointestinal disorders; metabolic disorders); Role of Nutrition in the prevention of diseases; Dietary intervention strategies; Nutrition support (e.g. enteral and parenteral nutrition).
New Product Development 2 (FOD404)
Learn to conduct development projects in the food industry. Develop and design a product formulation and production process for a defined food product concept and produce and market it at pilot scale. Module content: Kitchen Scale development of a concept through to development of a commercial formulation; Application of experimental design in food prototype and pilot scale development of a food product; Upscale of kitchen formula for generating large enough number of units for market evaluation; Quantitative consumer market evaluation; A study of the requirements and feasibility of factory scale manufacture, including financial analysis and food safety considerations; Consideration of ethical, legal and social issues, including product and plant safety and environmental impact; Commercialisation and product launch.
Information for International Applicants
Learn more about Abertay's English language requirements, as well as visa information.
English Language Requirements
Explore English language requirements for entry to Abertay University.
Visa Information
All the information you need about visa requirements for studying here at Abertay University.
International Students
Find everything you need to know about applying to Abertay as an international student.
Fees and funding
Please note: this course will run over 16 months full-time and 26 months part-time if you begin your studies in January.
The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you depends on factors such as your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. Visit the links below and scroll down to find the Postgraduate section.
More information
Find out about grants, bursaries, maintenance loans and living costs in our postgraduate taught fees and funding section.
Abertay Postgraduate Taught rUK Scholarship
This £1,000 award is open to all prospective new postgraduate students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
International Postgraduate Abertay Scholarships
This £3,000 award is open to all prospective new international postgraduate students at Abertay University.
Career Options
This Master's will prepare you to enter a wide range of food and drink industry careers, including:
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Technical manager
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Food Technologist
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Quality Assurance Manager
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Process Development Technologist
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Compliance and QA Technologist
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Sustainable Sourcing Manager
It also provides you with the knowledge and understanding to undertake further academic research.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Our £3.5m laboratory facilities are the only ones of their type in Scotland. As a food student, you'll have access to:
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A world-leading sensory and consumer science lab
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Fully specified biological and chemical science labs.
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A fully food-standard production/pilot plant
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UHT and Pasteurisation with inline homogenisation and sterile filling instruments
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Freeze and spray drying fascilities
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Small-scale brewing
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Packing facilities, including MAP (vacuum tray sealer with gas injection systems)
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Texture analysis
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High shear mixing with our Silverson mixer.
Graduate School
Our Graduate School is a dedicated facility providing support, training and professional development opportunities to our vibrant postgraduate community. Specially designed to promote integration and inculcation of interdisciplinary working in our next generation of researchers, postgraduates study and learn together at Abertay – from Environmental Management to Law, Psychology, Bioscience, Economics and Business, Cybersecurity and Computer Games Development.
Joining our Postgraduate Community
When you join us as a postgraduate student or researcher, you’ll be joining a community of creative likeminded scholars and will automatically be provided with access to our dedicated study and social spaces – a forum in which you can meet, work and learn with other researchers and postgraduates from across the University.
You’ll benefit from training and professional development opportunities, as well as support with funding applications, placement opportunities, teaching support, public engagement and outreach activity.
Make the most of your Masters
The 'Making the Most of Masters' project provides opportunities for master’s students to undertake work based projects, enhancing your employability at the same time as studying for your master’s degree.
Working with external organisations and employers, the projects are an integral part of your academic programme, and address real needs within an organisation, meaning you’ll have the opportunity to add valuable experience to your CV.
Explore our Dundee Campus
Abertay is conveniently located on a city centre campus, with all of its buildings within a quarter of a mile of each other. Shops, recreational facilities and the main bus and train stations are a short walk away.
Why Abertay?
We're proud of our students and graduates, and we believe there's no better place to study if you're looking for a degree that helps you stand out as an exceptional candidate in an increasingly competitive job market.
Living in Dundee
Dundee is a city of contrasts. It's vibrant and cosmopolitan, but also friendly, compact and affordable. The first UK city to be awarded UNESCO City of Design status, Dundee has a rich history of innovation and creativity, and, in recent years, has become a hub for the digital industries.
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