Food Technology

Overview

The Interuniversity Programme in Food Technology (IUPFOOD) is an academic master of science programme that intends to equip its alumni with the scientific, technical and managerial knowledge, skills and attitudes which they require to contribute successfully to solving problems related to food security through the production of safe foods of high quality.

Two technological dimensions of crucial importance in food processing and preservation are the key objectives and programme options: 

Postharvest and food preservation engineering, with focus on the role of postharvest and food preservation unit operations in delivering safe and nutritious foods, in particular plant based foods, to the end consumer.

Food science and technology, with focus on the transformation (processing) of raw materials in products for human consumption or in intermediate ingredients for further use in the food industry.

Throughout the programme emphasis is given to six learning tracks:

food product technology

food quality assurance and safety

food process and preservation engineering

scientific independent research

communication and management

scientific integrity

During the first stage of the Master's programme, you will spend the first semester at UGent and the second semester at KU Leuven . The second stage courses of the majors 'Postharvest and Food Preservation Engineering' and 'Food Science and Technology' are taught respectively at KU Leuven and UGent. At both universities, optional courses and thesis research topics are offered. www.iupfood.be

After graduation you are equipped to become a food technology professional with the necessary technical and managerial knowledge, skills and attitudes to successfully contribute to solving problems related to food security. The programme focuses particularly on developing countries where food/nutrient security is and will continue to be a major concern and key challenge. 

Career perspectives

IUPFOOD alumni are typically employed in academic institutes (37%) as teaching and/or research staff, private industry (20%) mainly in quality related jobs, governmental institutes (7%), non-governmental institutes (2%) and research institutes (2%).

About 27% undertake further PhD studies and this group of alumni mainly ends up in academic institutions.

In the long term, a large part of the IUPFOOD alumni (75%) are involved in education, research, and service in academic institutes, research institutes and governmental institutions creating a true nucleus for multiplier effects of their knowledge in particular in their home countries in the South.