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 Food Safety, Hygiene and Management programme from the University of Birmingham, 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 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
Career
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.
The MSc fulfils the requirements for qualification of food examiners as listed in Schedule 2, part 1 (2) of The Food Safety (Sampling and Qualifications) (England) Regulations 2013. It can also help demonstrate the criteria for competency of Food Lead officers employed within Local Authorities (as mentioned in Food law Code of Practice 4.3.1).
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.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Food and Microbes
- Food Control -
- Food Processing and Manufacture
- Food Safety Management Systems
- Research project
- Applied Food Microbiology
- Chemical Contamination of Food and Water
- Food Chain Security
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 12 months
- Part-time
- 24 months
- Flexible
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before , National
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- Starting
- Apply before , International
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Language
Credits
Delivered
Disciplines
Management Studies Supply Chain Management & Logistics Food Sciences View 108 other Masters in Food Sciences in United KingdomAcademic requirements
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
A 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant science (eg, biology, microbiology, food science, environmental health etc,). Candidates holding other qualifications may be admitted to the programme after an interview and submission of evidence of academic competence and experience in a relevant field. Learn more about entry requirements.
Tuition Fee
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International
25740 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 25740 GBP for the full programme during 12 months. -
National
10620 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 10620 GBP for the full programme during 12 months.
- MSc: Part-time £5,310
- Postgraduate Diploma: Part-time £3,540
Living costs for Birmingham
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.