Degree type: MSc/PGDip
UCAS Code: Apply direct to the University
Duration: 12 months (full-time)
Why choose this course?
Would you like to be involved in the single largest manufacturing sector in the UK? The UK food and drink manufacturing industry employs some 500,000 people, has a turnover of £70bn accounting for 15% of the total manufacturing sector. It is the fourth largest food and drink manufacturing industry in the world and in Scotland it accounts for more than a quarter of manufacturing exports. As the global population grows so too will this sector, along with a demand for enterprising food scientists and biotechnologists to drive innovation forward.
The PGDip/MSc Food Biotechnology will provide students with the knowledge, skills and competencies required to gain employment within the food and drink industry in a range of areas such as production, quality control, product development and innovation, and to manage change in a complex market. Abertay students have an opportunity to undertake exciting real-life projects within a research institute or food biotechnology company, or in collaboration with FoodInnovation@Abertay (FIA).
Those exiting the course after successful completion of the taught component (i.e. Postgraduate Diploma) would be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) Food Biotechnology.
The integrated programme of lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory assignments, external visits and case studies are used to enhance your knowledge and understanding. The taught course includes theoretical, practical and applied elements of industrial biotechnology, food bio-processing and biotechnology, food safety management, food microbiology, food marketing, case studies and research perspectives. The course is supported by seminars delivered by industry specialists and experts and by visits to food bio- technology laboratories and industries. On completion of the taught component of the course, you will have the opportunity for work based learning or project work by way of a five-month research project. This may be undertaken in a research institute or university research laboratory, food biotechnology company, or in collaboration with FoodInnovation@Abertay (FIA). The project phase of the course is designed to allow you to apply what you have learned in a new situation. Working closely with an expert supervisor, this allows you to produce an original piece of work and develop a strong understanding of a specialist area.
How you are assessed
A combination of written submissions, seminars, laboratory reports and formal examinations are used throughout the course. By working within project groups and by yourself, you will improve your communication, flexible working, project planning and teamwork skills, which are very important skills for any career. Finally, the MSc project phase will allow you to bring together all the skills you have developed, to produce an original dissertation in a specialist area of expertise.
A second class (2:2 or better) Honours degree or equivalent in any nutrition, food technology and/or science, biological science, microbiology, biotechnology or agri-sciences discipline. Candidates holding suitable prior experience are welcome to apply.
Overseas/EU
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language and the University's minimum requirements are listed here
What our students say
"For me, attending the Masters at the School of Contemporary Sciences had been an experience of self discovery. I think the choices I’ve had at Abertay made it possible to try different things, to move in different directions and fields, and learn things I never would have learned otherwise. What I have loved the most was the interaction with the co-students and the faculty making the exchange of culture and ideas a significant part of the whole journey. The research placements offered by the department are one of the best features of the course."
Tahmeena, India.
"I really enjoyed studying this course because it provided me the knowledge that I came looking for. The best thing about this course was the industrial visits which gave me a first hand/practical experience of the things that were being taught in theory classes."
Sumi, India.
Your future
Graduates are equipped with the skills required to take advantage of career opportunities within a range of food industries (food safety management, food product development, food processing, brewing and distilling) as well as more generic postgraduate level positions. During your studies you will be able to build up contacts with industry and researchers and your final placement project allows you gain valuable work experience.
More information
MSc Food Biotechnology
| Fee Category | September 2012 Fees |
Scholarships & Bursaries |
| Scottish and other EU students |
£3,400 |
Other forms of support |
| English, Welsh and Northern Irish students |
£7,000 |
Bursaries & Scholarships |
| Overseas (non EU) students |
£9,975 |
Overseas Scholarships |
Fee quoted is the total cost providing that the MSc follows on immediately after the PG Dip element and is completed within the same academic year as started. Fees may be subject to increase.
