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MSc FOOD TECHNOLOGY - QUALITY ASSURANCE

  • Year of entry
    2021
  • Course duration
     12 months
  • Year of entry
    2021
  • Course duration
     12 months
View all

COVID-19 update


Find out about how we'll be delivering our courses in 2020.

Start date: September 2021

Learn the science behind providing safe food to the public with our MSc Food Technology - Quality Assurance degree.

On this course, you’ll work with expert academics from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences as you:

  • learn to apply and maintain advanced food quality assurance systems that meet both UK and international expectations
  • understand the chemical, biological and physical principles involved in food processing and storage
  • learn about quality and legal requirements in food provision.

    As part of your studies, you will work in some of the UK’s largest dedicated food teaching facilities. These include:

    • Food Processing Centre. This pilot plant is unique to Reading. There is almost 1100m2 of floor space devoted to approximately £4m worth of equipment. Used primarily for teaching and learning, the plant contains processing equipment for food product development work. No other UK university offers what we do under one roof.
    • Flavour Centre. The Centre hosts facilities that enable you to gain comprehensive practical experience in taste and aroma analysis and flavour extraction.

    We are proud of our research impact, 100% of which has been recognised as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF, 2014 – Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science).  As an MSc Food Technology - Quality Assurance student, you will also have access to the most up-to-date knowledge in the field of food science and technology.

    Gain valuable industry experience with MSc Food Technology - Quality Assurance

    Our MSc Food Technology – Quality Assurance is industry relevant, and the curriculum has been designed in consultation with industry. Designed to widen your skill set and boost employability, your case studies and project work will focus on current issues in the food sector. You will also complete a research project at the University or with one of our industry partners. This gives you the opportunity to embed your learning within, and gain exposure to, real life food technology working environments.

    Build on your existing knowledge

    This master’s course is for graduates of pure sciences – such as chemistry, biology, biochemistry and microbiology – or applied sciences. Examples of applied sciences degrees include:

    • Food science
    • Food engineering
    • Food technology
    • Human physiology
    • Biomedical sciences
    • Agricultural engineering

      If you’re unsure whether your degree counts as an applied science, please contact us via reading.ac.uk/question.

      Your studies will build on your existing scientific knowledge and cover quality assurance, food chemistry, food analysis, and food processing.
      You will learn through a variety of teaching methods, including:

      • lectures
      • seminars
      • problem-based learning
      • laboratory classes

        You will also be supported through our online virtual learning environment.

        You can attend this course on a full-time basis over one year, or part-time over two years.

        Overview

        Learn the science behind providing safe food to the public with our MSc Food Technology - Quality Assurance degree.

        On this course, you’ll work with expert academics from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences as you:

        • learn to apply and maintain advanced food quality assurance systems that meet both UK and international expectations
        • understand the chemical, biological and physical principles involved in food processing and storage
        • learn about quality and legal requirements in food provision.

          As part of your studies, you will work in some of the UK’s largest dedicated food teaching facilities. These include:

          • Food Processing Centre. This pilot plant is unique to Reading. There is almost 1100m2 of floor space devoted to approximately £4m worth of equipment. Used primarily for teaching and learning, the plant contains processing equipment for food product development work. No other UK university offers what we do under one roof.
          • Flavour Centre. The Centre hosts facilities that enable you to gain comprehensive practical experience in taste and aroma analysis and flavour extraction.

          We are proud of our research impact, 100% of which has been recognised as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF, 2014 – Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science).  As an MSc Food Technology - Quality Assurance student, you will also have access to the most up-to-date knowledge in the field of food science and technology.

          Gain valuable industry experience with MSc Food Technology - Quality Assurance

          Our MSc Food Technology – Quality Assurance is industry relevant, and the curriculum has been designed in consultation with industry. Designed to widen your skill set and boost employability, your case studies and project work will focus on current issues in the food sector. You will also complete a research project at the University or with one of our industry partners. This gives you the opportunity to embed your learning within, and gain exposure to, real life food technology working environments.

          Build on your existing knowledge

          This master’s course is for graduates of pure sciences – such as chemistry, biology, biochemistry and microbiology – or applied sciences. Examples of applied sciences degrees include:

          • Food science
          • Food engineering
          • Food technology
          • Human physiology
          • Biomedical sciences
          • Agricultural engineering

            If you’re unsure whether your degree counts as an applied science, please contact us via reading.ac.uk/question.

            Your studies will build on your existing scientific knowledge and cover quality assurance, food chemistry, food analysis, and food processing.
            You will learn through a variety of teaching methods, including:

            • lectures
            • seminars
            • problem-based learning
            • laboratory classes

              You will also be supported through our online virtual learning environment.

              You can attend this course on a full-time basis over one year, or part-time over two years.

              Entry requirements

              IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent).

              Entry requirements: Applicants are typically required to have at least a lower second-class honours degree in a pure or applied science (or equivalent from a university outside the UK). Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning may be considered based on relevant work and other experience. For MSc Nutrition and Food Science, your degree should have a significant element of biological science.

              Structure

              The course structure of our MSc Food Technology - Quality Assurance supports your individual learning.

              Microbes, Food Safety and Health

              Module Convenor: Dr Anisha Wijeyesekera

              Explore the fundamentals of microbiology, with a focus on aspects linked to the role of microorganisms in food and health.

              Applied Food Quality and Safety

              Module Convenor: Dr Andreas Karatzas

              This module provides a multidimensional understanding of the problem solving involved in the industrial development and production of food. You will apply scientific concepts to industry scenarios, checking for both quality and safety issues in food products.

              Sustainable Food Manufacturing and Process Design

              Module Convenor: Dr Afroditi Chatzifragkou

              Gain a systematic understanding of food manufacturing processes, including the basic concepts of food processing, how individual unit operations are applied in food commodities, and how these are integrated during commercial manufacturing. You will also benefit from hands-on pilot plant experience.

              Food Composition and Quality

              Module Convenor: Dr Paula Jauregi

              This module explores the key aspects of food composition that influence food quality. You will develop an understanding of the practical application of food analysis methodologies to the characterisation of chemical composition of foods.

              Food Product Reformulation

              Module Convenor: Dr Maria Oruna-Concha

              Covering the multidisciplinary approach of food product reformulation, this module enables you understand ingredient selection and functionality, nutritional and quality attributes, technological processes, and health claims.

              Food Control Management

              Module Convenor: Dr Nikos Mavroudis

              You will consider fundamental topics in relation to food control management, including: food manufacturing and retailing, food legislation and standards, national and international food control systems, and statistical methods in food quality assurance.

              Risk Analysis in the Food Chain

              Module Convenor: TBA

              Using international guidance on the application of risk analysis to food, this module examines the separate components of risk analysis and how these are incorporated into control systems. You will undertake a problem-based learning task and apply risk analysis principles to a current food safety concern.

              Research Skills and Professional Development

              Module Convenor: Dr Emma Bennett

              Learn how to undertake a detailed research project on an individual topic. Using a laboratory, the pilot plant, the sensory suite, or facilities available to you while in industry, you will collect and analyse data as an independent research scientist.

              Research Project

              Module Convenor: TBA

              This module will help you to develop the skills required to complete an independent investigation into an aspect of research in the chemical sciences.

              Please note that all modules are subject to change. Please see our modules disclaimer for more information.

              Fees

              New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,500 per year

              New international students: £20,600 per year

              Tuition fee information

              The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated, and relate to courses starting in September 2021. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

              EU student fees

              With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

              Additional costs

              Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

              Financial support for your studies

              4 scholarships of £5,000 each for international students offered admission to: MSc Nutrition and Food Science, MSc Food Science, or MSc Food Technology - Quality Assurance.

              For more information about these scholarships, as well as the University of Reading’s other master’s scholarships, please visit our master’s scholarships page.

              You can apply for a scholarship once you hold an offer of admission for your course. If you are eligible for a scholarship, we will contact you to guide you through the process.

              Careers

              Careers for MSc Food Technology graduates

              An MSc Food Technology - Quality Assurance degree offers a wide range of career options.

              Food technologists, for example, ensure the safety and quality of food in the production, manufacturing and distribution stages. They are highly valued for their problem-solving and technical skills.

              Many of our graduates have gone on to work in food in industry, government and education. The food and drink industry is the UK’s largest manufacturing sector. It’s responsible for adding £21.9bn to the gross value of the UK economy – and it needs new graduates to meet its recruitment needs.

              Other graduates apply their research skills to pursue a higher degree through research and development in industry.

              Read more about where our MSc Food Technology - Quality Assurance graduates are now

              • Liwen Zheng is confident that the skills and knowledge gained on her MSc will help to achieve her career goal — working in New Product Development within a food company.
              • Ruth Barnes is now completing her PhD at Reading. She is jointly funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and her industry partner, AgriCoat NatureSeal Ltd., as she tackles issues like food waste and food poisoning.

              Take the next step


              Apply online now

              Ask us a question

              Come to a postgraduate event

              Get a prospectus

              Scholarships


              We have scholarships available for our international master's students.

              Find out more in our How much will it cost section.

              Study in our unique Food Processing Centre


              quality test

              Related Courses

              • MSc Sustainable Food Quality for Health
                Flexible:36-72 months
              • MSc Food Science
                Full Time: 12 months | Part Time: 24 months
              • MSc Nutrition and Food Science
                Full Time: 12 months | Part Time: 24 months
              View all Food and Nutritional Sciences courses
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              Subjects A-B

              • Agriculture
              • Ancient History
              • Animal Science
              • Anthropology
              • Archaeology
              • Architectural Engineering
              • Architecture
              • Art
              • Biological Sciences
              • Biomedical Engineering
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              • Building and Surveying
              • Business and Management, Accounting and Finance

              Subjects C-E

              • Chemistry
              • Classics and Classical Studies
              • Climate Science
              • Computer Science
              • Construction Management
              • Consumer Behaviour and Marketing
              • Creative Writing
              • Drama
              • Ecology
              • Economics
              • Education
              • Engineering
              • English Language and Applied Linguistics
              • English Literature
              • Environment

              Subjects F-G

              • Film & Television
              • Food and Nutritional Sciences
              • Foundation programmes
              • French
              • Geography
              • German
              • Graphic Communication and Design

              Subjects H-M

              • Healthcare
              • History
              • International Development
              • International Foundation Programme (IFP)
              • International Relations
              • Italian
              • Languages and Cultures
              • Law
              • Linguistics
              • Marketing
              • Mathematics
              • Medical Sciences
              • Meteorology and Climate
              • Museum Studies

              Subjects N-T

              • Nutrition
              • Pharmacology
              • Pharmacy
              • Philosophy
              • Physician Associate Studies
              • Politics and International Relations
              • Psychology
              • Real Estate and Planning
              • Spanish
              • Speech and Language Therapy
              • Surveying and Construction
              • Teaching
              • Theatre

              Subjects U-Z

              • Wildlife Conservation
              • Zoology

              Subjects A-C

              • Agriculture
              • Ancient History
              • Animal Sciences
              • Archaeology
              • Architecture
              • Art
              • Biological Sciences
              • Biomedical Sciences
              • Business (Post-Experience)
              • Business and Management (Pre-Experience)
              • Chemistry
              • Classics and Ancient History
              • Climate Science
              • Computer Science
              • Construction Management and Engineering
              • Consumer Behaviour
              • Creative Enterprise

              Subjects D-G

              • Data Science
              • Economics
              • Education
              • Energy and Environmental Engineering
              • Engineering
              • English Language and Applied Linguistics
              • English Literature
              • Environmental Science
              • Film, Theatre and Television
              • Finance
              • Food and Nutritional Sciences
              • Geography and Environmental Science
              • Graphic Design

              Subjects H-P

              • Healthcare
              • History
              • Information Management and Digital Business
              • Information Technology
              • International Development and Applied Economics
              • Languages and Cultures
              • Law
              • Linguistics
              • Management
              • Medieval History
              • Meteorology and Climate
              • Microbiology
              • Nutritional Sciences
              • Pharmacy
              • Philosophy
              • Physician Associate
              • Politics and International Relations
              • Project Management
              • Psychology
              • Public Policy

              Subjects Q-Z

              • Real Estate and Planning
              • Social Policy
              • Speech and Language Therapy
              • Strategic Studies
              • Teaching
              • Theatre
              • Typography and Graphic Communication
              • War and Peace Studies
              • Zoology

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