MASTER IN FUNCTIONAL FOOD DESIGN

The MSc in Food Science (Food Biotechnology) at Leeds offers an in-depth exploration of modern food production, focusing on biotechnology, health, and sustainability. This course equips you with essential knowledge of food science, including the origins and legislation surrounding biotechnology, as well as bioanalytical methods for food safety. You will learn from leading researchers in the School of Food Science and Nutrition, benefiting from cutting-edge research that informs your studies. Throughout the course, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of food processing, biotechnology, and product design. You will also conduct an independent research project, gaining practical experience in addressing real-world challenges in the food industry. The programme features excellent teaching and access to specialist facilities, including advanced analytical equipment and sensory testing resources. Graduates of this course are well-prepared for diverse career opportunities in product research, quality assurance, and nutrition. The programme is accredited by the Institution of Food Science and Technology, enhancing your employability. Entry requirements include a bachelor’s degree with a 2:2 (hons) in a relevant subject containing biology and chemistry. 

About the course

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Our Food Science (Food Biotechnology) MSc engages with issues at the very forefront of modern food production. Not only will you advance your knowledge of crucial areas within food science, health and sustainability, but you’ll also explore the origins of biotechnology, the legislation and social issues related to biotechnology in food and modern bioanalytical methods in biotechnology and food safety.

You’ll study in our School of Food Science and Nutrition at Leeds, which is home to world-leading research that has impacted key areas in the food industry. This research directly informs this MSc programme, meaning you’ll be learning the latest innovations and practices in food science from researchers and academics who work within the School’s research institutes and groups.

Once you graduate, you’ll be fully equipped with the forward-thinking, relevant and topical knowledge sought after by global companies in industry. Plus, the extensive skill set you’ll build throughout the course will open the door to many diverse career opportunities in this in-demand field, including product research and development, quality assurance and nutrition.

Why study at Leeds:

• This Masters degree is accredited by the Institution of Food Science and Technology.
• Our globally-renowned research here at Leeds feeds into your course and shapes your learning with the latest thinking in areas such as biotechnology, food safety and sustainability.
• Advance your knowledge and skills in critical areas sought after in industry, including food processing, food biotechnology and food product design.
• Conduct your own independent research project as part of your course and gain industry experience in investigating an exciting real-world problem, mirroring the type of work you’ll be conducting in your professional career.
• Experience excellent practical and theoretical teaching delivered by a programme team with a wealth of expertise and strong industrial links.
• Access specialist facilities, including computerised sensory testing and electron microscopy facilities, texture analysers, tribometers as well as HPLC and GC analytical equipment.
• Enhance your career prospects and join our successful alumni who have pursued careers in revered institutions worldwide including Unilever, Korea Food Research Institute and Wm Morrison Supermarkets Plc.
• Master the most up-to-date practices and techniques recognised in industry on a course that has been directly informed and advised by the Industrial Advisory Board.

Course details

Studying our Food Science (Biotechnology) MSc will provide you with a broad understanding of food science, whilst learning the necessary background understanding of chemistry, biochemistry, physics, mathematics and biology needed to excel in this field.

By integrating your scientific knowledge, you’ll develop an understanding of food production and processing, enabling you to critically assess the complex factors that influence the range, quality and acceptability of foods produced in an industrialised society.

You’ll learn everything from how food biotechnology relates to the food industry challenges of our days to the impact ‘functional foods’ or novel protein sources have on health, science and the economy.

Food biotechnology covers many scientific areas such as food processing, principles of food design, food biochemistry, sustainability, food safety and regulatory practice. You’ll explore this subject with academics, researchers and experienced scientists who work in the food industry and policy. Teaching staff at the School of Food Science and Nutrition include lecturers and professors who are all experienced at producing globally recognised, cutting-edge research across a range of different areas of food science and biotechnology.

Specialist facilities

You’ll have access to excellent teaching and laboratory facilities, supplemented by extensive computing equipment. Our specialist facilities include cutting-edge electron microscopy facilities, texture analysers, tribometers as well as HPLC and GC analytical equipment.

We also have strong links with the Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, the Global Food and Environment Institute and the Bragg Centre, as well as the Diamond Centre – all of which are equipped with a range of facilities.

Career opportunities

The food industry is one of the largest in the world, offering a wide range of careers for food scientists to keep the industry functioning, progressing and profiting in accordance with the latest governmental demands and trends.

From enhancing food quality and improving food safety to researching brand new products and creating sustainable solutions for the future — the career opportunities open to you with an MSc in food science are hugely varied and wide-ranging.

Here at Leeds, we rank in the top 10 in the UK for Nutrition and Food Science and our Food Science MSc has been accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology, meaning many of our alumni have been sought after by large corporations worldwide and have gone on to hold key positions in the food industry and government agencies.

Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research, meaning our graduates are highly sought after by some of the most reputable companies in the field.

Visit the Food Science (Food Biotechnology) - MSc page on the University of Leeds website for more details!