Food Safety, Hygiene and Management

Overview

Develop your career in a field that has worldwide application. Access to safe food is of universal concern. However, industrial methods of food production and the globalisation of the food chain increase the potential for contamination, resulting in larger and more serious incidents, as well as providing opportunities for emerging pathogens and economically motivated adulteration.

The control of food contaminants requires a multidisciplinary approach and cooperation between government authorities and the food industry. On this course students have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the relationship between food and public health, and to explore the scientific, technical, managerial, political and legislative factors that influence food safety and security.

The Food Safety, Hygiene and Management programme from the University of Birmingham differs from other postgraduate food courses in that it focuses on the mechanisms of Food Control and Food Safety Management (eg, HACCP).

The course is particularly suitable for those with relevant food related knowledge and/or experience including:

• Hygiene managers or supervisors already working in the food industry

• Staff working in competent authorities or enforcement; for example, Environmental Health Officers or Food Safety Officers

• Staff in diagnostic or food microbiology laboratories

• Students who have completed relevant undergraduate degrees such as Food Technology and wish to find employment in the food industry or local government

• Food hygiene and management trainers or consultants

Careers

Employment prospects for candidates who successfully complete the MSc in Food Safety, Hygiene and Management are wide ranging. 

A significant number of alumni work for government authorities as food safety specialists where they participate in the delivery of official food controls. Some have also chosen to work in food laboratories (private or public) as official food examiners. Other graduates prefer to find employment in the food industry where their grounding in legislation and safety give them an advantage over pure science graduates.

Graduates who wish to remain in academic life can progress on to a PhD after finishing the course, typically pursuing laboratory based projects or applied areas of research such as food safety management or food security.