MSc Food Quality and Safety with Industrial Practise

A practical Masters combining food quality, food safety, sustainability and work placement.

Course detail

Start Date

September and January,January,September

Duration

Full-time: 12 months (Sep start) or 16 months (Jan start) | Part-time: 24 months (Sep start) or 28 months (Jan start)

Award Title

MSc

UCAS Code

Apply Direct

Programme Overview

The quality and safety of our food are vitally important in ensuring we have edible, nourishing and varied options at all price points. With changes to UK food and drink processing laws in the wake of Brexit, the industry must continue to maintain the highest standards.

This brand-new Food Quality and Safety with Industrial Practise MSc will provide you with: 

  • The knowledge and technical skills to assess food quality and safety in an industrial setting

  • The analytical skills to address issues encountered by consumers and producers concerned with food safety and quality

Environmental sustainability

A key component to food safety is environmental sustainability, the importance of which is increasing on an exponential level. This Master’s maintains this thread throughout your studies – making it the only programme of its type to do this.

The programme will provide an understanding of the practical application of environmental management, and its role in the strategic development and operation of organisations and activities.

 

You will be able to evaluate the environmental performance of an organisation or activity and recommend appropriate measures to minimise pollution and food waste, and design appropriate control systems. Upon graduation, you will understand the policy, legal & ethical issues, and technical factors which influence environmental management to operate and plan sustainable projects.

You will be taught by a team of academics with a wealth of experience in the food sector, have contact with leading figures in industry, and take part in either a research project or industry placement.

As a graduate of this programme, you will have:

  • The knowledge and understanding to embrace the challenges around food quality, safety and sustainability – both in local, national and international contexts

  • The ability to manage and control foodborne disease

  • The skills to develop methodologies required to address issues arising from food directives and other forms of statutory instruments

  • The knowledge to integrate results and reach conclusions regarding the holistic problems of food quality, safety and sustainability

Please note: you will initially be registered on the MSc Food Quality, Safety and Innovation, which includes a research project. All students will have the opportunity to apply to undertake an industrial placement as an alternative to the research project. Placements are competitive, not guaranteed, and subject to an interview with the placement provider. If successful, you will be moved on to the MSc Food Quality and Safety with Industrial Practise.

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Entry Requirements

Applicants should have a minimum of a lower second-class (2:2) honours degree in a subject related to biological sciences, chemical sciences, environmental sciences, food sciences, agricultural and biological science.

Applicants with non-standard qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, determined by prior study, work experience, professional qualifications, and references.

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants around the world. Please select your country from the list below to view Postgraduate entry requirements. If your qualification is not listed, please contact admissions@abertay.ac.uk

Select Your Country

Academic Requirements

Applicants who do not cover the appropriate subjects during their degree will be considered if they have relevant industry experience.

English Language Requirements

All courses at Abertay University are taught in English. If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements.

Please see English Language Requirements for the full list of accepted qualifications and further details.

For more information on the application process, tuition fees and scholarships, studying in Scotland, and to contact our International Team, please visit our International Students page.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a minimum Diplomë e Nivelit të Pare/Bachelor degree score of 7.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a minimum Specialist/Bachelor degree score of 70% or 3.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a minimum Bachelor degree / Fachhochschuldiplom / Diplom (FH) score of 3.0 (on the 5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a minimum Bakalavr/Diplomu score of 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Bachelors Degree of 4 years or more with a minimum score of 60% or 2.6 GPA (on a four point scale). Degree must have been awarded from the following institutions (including affiliated colleges):

  • North South University
  • Independent University, Bangladesh
  • American International University, Bangladesh
  • East West University
  • Ahsanullah University of Science & Technology
  • University of Asia Pacific
  • BRAC University
  • Daffodil International University
  • United International University
  • International University of Business, Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT)
  • Bangladesh University of Professionals
  • University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh
  • Jagannath University
  • National University
  • University of Dhaka
  • Port City Chittagong University
  • Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)
  • Jahanginaga University (JU)
  • Southeast University
  • Eastern University
  • Bangladesh University of Business & Technology
  • Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET)
  • Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET)
  • Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET)
  • University of Rajshahi (RU)
  • Chittagong University (CU)

Or a Bachelor of Science in Egineering with a minimum score of 55% or 2.2 GPA (on a four point scale), awarded by Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) or awarded 2012 onwards by a private university and accredited by IEB with independent research as part of the course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Specialist degree or Master's degree with a minimum score of 7 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Licentiaat / Licencié with a minimum score of 12 or 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a minimum Licenciado/Título score of 65% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree (5-6 years) with a minimum score of 70%, or a Master's degree with a minimum score of 60%, in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants studying a Titulo de Licenciado, Titulo de Bacharel or Titulo de (subject area) will be required to pass with 6.0 (on a 10 point scale), in a related subject where required.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum score of 4.0 (out of 6) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Master's degree with a minimum score of C+, 65% or 2.5 (on a 4-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants wil typically require one of: a 4-year Bachelor Degree/Licence; Diplome d’Etudues Supérieures de Commerce; Diplôme d'Ingénieur; Maîtrise / Master sans thèse; with a minimum score of 11, or a GPA of 2.7 (on a 4-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree/Baccalauréat with a minimum score of 2.5 (4-point scale), 62% or C+ average in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Qualification: PG Diplome d’Etudes Approfondies / PG Diplome d’Etudes Superiures Specialisees / PG Matrise with Independent Research/Project

Applicants will typically be required to pass the PG Diplome d’Etudes with a minimum of 13 (on the 20 point scale) in a relevant subject.

20 Point Scale:
1st Classification: 17
2:1 Classification: 15
2:2 Classification: 13

Applicants who do not cover the appropriate subjects during their degree will be considered if they have relevant industry experience.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Grado de Licenciado in the essential subject with a 5.5 GPA (7-point scale).

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Licenciado/Título/Maestro with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Baccalaureus / Baccalaurea or Diploma - Visoko obrazovanje (4-6 years) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Título de Licenciado/ Arquitecto/ Doctor/Ingeniero/Máster with a minimum GPA of 3.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum score of 6.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bakalář degree with a minimum score of 2.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree / Candidatus Philosophiae / Professionsbachelor with a minimum score of 7 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Título de Licenciado or Título with a minimum score of 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree (from a university) with a minimum GPA of 65% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Licenciado, Título or Título de Maestro/Maestria with a minimum score of 6.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bakalaurusekraad (Bachelor degree) or Rakenduskõrgharidusõppe Diplom (Professional Higher Education Diploma) with a minimum score of 3 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants from an Ethiopian university will typically require a Master's degree with a minimum score of 2.75 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree / Kandidaatti / Kandidat with a minimum score of 1 (4-point scale) or 2.5 (5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Diplôme d'Ingénieur / Licence / Grade de Licence / Licence Professionnelle / Grade de Licence Professionnelle with a minimum score of 12 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree or Specialist degree with a minimum score of 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor or Fachhochschuldiplom / Diplom (FH) with a score of 3.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (4-point scale), or 50% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Ptychio (AEA or TEI) degree with a minimum GPA of 6.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Graduate Diploma or Master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (4-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor Degree (Honours) with a minimum GPA of 2.6 or Lower Second Class (2:2) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Alapfokozat (Bachelor degree) or Egyetemi Oklevél (University Diploma) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Baccalaureus / Bakkalárpróf with a minimum GPA of 6.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Bachelor of Arts / Science / Commerce (with Independent Research)
Applicants will typically be required to complete a Bachelor of Arts / Science / Commerce with an average pass of 55-60% or 5.5-6.0 GPA (on the 10 point scale) if Independent Research is included.


Bachelor of Arts / Science / Commerce (NO Independent Research)
Applicants will typically be required to complete a Bachelor of Arts / Science / Commerce with an average pass of 65-70% or 6.5-6.9 GPA (on the 10 point scale) if Independent Research is NOT included.


Bachelor Degree in Professional Subject*
Applicants will typically be required to complete a Bachelor Degree in a Professional Subject with an average pass of 55-60% or 5.5-6.0 GPA (on the 10 point scale).

*Professional subjects include: Agriculture, Architecture, Business Administration, Business Management, Business Studies, Computer Applications, Engineering, Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery, Law, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy and Technology.

Applicants who do not cover the appropriate subjects during their degree will be considered if they have relevant industry experience.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor Degree Sarjana I (S1) with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor Degree with a minimum score of 13 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Master's degree with a minimum GPA of 65% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a 2.2 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Diploma Accademico di Primo Livello, Diploma de Mediatore Linguistico, Laurea, or Licenza de Accademia de Belle Arti with a minimum score of 94 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 55%, 2.0, or grade C in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree or Advanced Diploma with a minimum GPA of 60% or 2.2 (4-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 65% or 2.5 (4-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree/ Bakalavr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum GPA of 70%, 2.3 (4-point scale), or 3.6 (5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA percentage of 50% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 2.6 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree or Specialist Diploma with a minimum GPA of 3.6 (5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bakalaura Diploms with a minimum score of 6 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree/Licence with a minimum GPA of 2.8 (4-point scale), score of 12 (French 20-point scale), or 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bakalauro Diplomas with a minimum overall score of 7 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor (Honours) degree with a minimum overall score of 14 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically be require a Master's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.4 (4-point scale), 4.5 (6-point scale) or 50% in a subject related to their chosen course. Applicants with a professional Bachelor's degree may be considered, though this must be in a related subject area.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor (Honours) degree with a minimum score of 55% (lower second classification) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants studying a Titulo de Licenciado or Titulo Profesional de (subject area) will be required to pass with 7.0 (on a 10 point scale).

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Diploma de Licenta (Bachelor degree) or Diploma de Magistru (Master's degree) with a minimum score of 8.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Grau de Licenciado/a with a minimum score of 14, or Grau de Maestre with a minimum score of 12 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor Honours degree / Professional Bachelor degree (competed after 2009) or Master's degree with a minimum score of 60% or grade C in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will require either:

  • A four-year Bachelors degree with a minimum score of 60% in a related subject from one of the following universities: Kathmandu University, Pokhara University, Tribhuvan University, Agriculture and Forestry University, Purbanchal Universite, Lumbini Buddhist University, Mid Western University, Far Western University, Nepal Sanskrit University, or
  • A Masters degree following a three-year Bachelors degree with a minimum score of 60%.

Applicants with non-standard qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, determined by prior study, work experience, professional qualifications and references.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum grade of 6 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or 50% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelorgrad (Bachelor degree) or a Candidatus/a Magisterii with a minimum overall grade C in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.3 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree (4-5 years) with a minimum GPA of 2.6 or 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.0 or 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Grado Académico de Bachiller or Título de Licenciado / Título (Profesional) with a minimum score of 12 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree from a well-ranked university with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (5-point scale), 2.5 (4-point scale), or 82% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Licencjat / Inżynier with a minimum score of 4 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Licenciado with a minimum score of 14 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Diplomă de Licenţă (Bachelor degree) with a minimum score of 7 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree (Honours) with a minimum score of 12/20 or 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 (4-point scale), 3.25 (5-point scale), or 73% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Diplomirani (Bachelor's degree) with a minimum GPA of 7 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor (Honours) degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7 (4-point scale) or 3.5 (5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bakalár (Bachelor's degree) with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (4-point scale) or 72% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazbi (University Degree) with a minimum GPA of 7.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor (Honours) degree or Professional Bachelor degree with a minimum score of 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Título Universitario Oficial de Graduado / Título Universitario Oficial de Licenciado with a minimum GPA of 6.0 (10-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree (Special or Honours) at 2:1 classification or 3.3 GPA minimum in a related field.

Applicants will also be required to have undertaken Independent Research.

Applicants with non-standard qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, determined by prior study, work experience, professional qualifications, and references.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor (Honours) degree with a minimum score of 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a good Bachelor's degree / Kandidatexamen / Yrkesexamen with a majority of credits at G in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Diploma/Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 4.0 (6-point scale), 6.0 (10-point scale), or 3.0 (reverse 5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 60-70% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Specialist Diploma or Master's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.8 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 50% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.6 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (4-point scale) or 65% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Yokary bilim Hakynda Sahadatnama (Diploma of HE) with a minimum GPA of 4.0 (5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Specialist degree or Master's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (4-point scale) or 4.0 (5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.6 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Diplomi (Specialist Diploma) with a minimum GPA of 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Master's degree with a minimum GPA of 56%, or grade C+ in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor Honours degree with a minimum GPA of 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.

The integration of real-world scenarios into the curriculum plays a crucial role in preparing students, like me, for the demands of our future professions. I want to commend Jonathan Wilkin and the teaching team for emphasising the practical aspect of learning in the Food Microbiology course. Thank you once again for your commitment to providing a holistic and practical learning experience.
Nessa Pahlava | Abertay University | MSc Food Quality, Safety and Innovation

How the Course Works

The Master’s will be taught using blended learning. You will attend on-campus, face-to-face lectures and tutorials, alongside online sessions.

Full-time on campus students will complete the degree in one year: The academic year consists of three terms with the Master's project module completed in term 3.

Part-time on campus students will complete the degree in two years: Year 1 consist of two terms, and Year 2 of three terms with the Master's project module completed in the final term.

 

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Learning

Lectures may be used to present key concepts, theories and techniques. Tutorials and laboratory-based activities increase your understanding of the subject and develop your competence and confidence in technological and theoretical work.

Throughout your course, you’ll be required to actively participate in group work, discussions, seminars, and private study.

Assessment

The taught course will be assessed using a combination of written coursework, presentations, examinations and portfolios, with a written dissertation at MSc level.

Scotland's first Adobe Creative Campus

All Abertay students have access to Adobe Express, empowering you to enhance digital skills with industry-leading tools.

In late 2024, Abertay proudly became the first institution in Scotland to achieve the designation of Adobe Creative Campus.

The Adobe Creative Campus programme is an initiative involving a select group of colleges and universities dedicated to empowering staff and students across all disciplines with essential digital skills for success in both the workplace and the classroom.

Adobe Creative Campus

A graphic showing a woman wearing orange sunglasses and a blue sweater standing next to colourful Adobe Express-style creative posters with purple flowers and yellow smiley faces, on a bright orange and pink background with text that reads 'Abertay is a Creative Campus giving students free access to Adobe Express'.

Frequently asked questions

Explore some of the common questions asked about this programme.

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What is Food Safety and Quality?

Food safety and quality are two of the most important pillars of the global food industry, ensuring food products are edible, nourishing and produced to the right standards. The field of food safety and quality involves: 

  • Assessing food quality and safety in industrial settings.

  • Addressing technical and analytical issues for both customers and producers. 

  • Understanding the policy, legal and ethical frameworks that govern food production. 

  • Understanding the food industry’s reliance and impact on the environment.

At Abertay, our MSc Food Quality and Safety with Industrial Practise will prepare you for handling the complex challenges of modern food processing. 

How long is the MSc Food Quality and Safety with Industrial Practise course?

The duration of this course depends on your chosen start date and study mode:

  • September start: 12 months (full-time) or 24 months (part-time) 

  • January start: 16 months (full-time) or 24 months (part-time). 

Our flexible intake options allow you to begin your studies at the right time for you.

Is studying Food Quality & Safety with Industrial Practise a good career choice?

For those looking to secure a leading role in a vital global industry, this degree is a good career choice. The food and drink sector is constantly evolving, and with post-Brexit processing laws and current sustainability challenges, professionals in this industry require a strong theoretical and practical foundation. 

This course is specifically designed with industry experts to ensure you gain the technical and analytical skills employers require. By combining theoretical knowledge with a competitive industrial placement, you build a professional network and practical experience before you even graduate. For students in Scotland, where the food and drink sector is a major economic driver, this degree offers a clear pathway to high-level, impactful roles. 

What is needed to study MSc Food Quality and Safety with Industrial Practise?

To apply for this programme, you typically need:

  • A minimum of a lower second-class (2:2) honours degree.

  • Your degree should be in a related subject, such as biological, chemical, environmental, or food sciences.

  • Applicants with non-standard qualifications are also encouraged to apply and will be considered based on work experience, prior study and professional references.

If your first language is not English, you must demonstrate proficiency through accepted qualifications like IELTS (typically a score of 6.0). Head here for more information on our English Language Requirements. Scottish students may also be eligible for postgraduate tuition fee and living cost loans through SAAS to help fund their studies.

What are the career outcomes for Food Quality and Safety graduates?

Graduates of this degree are equipped to enter a wide range of roles within the global food and drink industry. Potential career paths include: 

  • Quality assurance manager: Leads systems to monitor and maintain product quality, preventing defects throughout the manufacturing process.

  • Food technologist: Develops and improves food products by researching ingredients, manufacturing processes, and shelf-life stability.

  • Sustainable sourcing manager: Manages procurement strategies to ensure raw materials are ethically produced and environmentally responsible.

  • Process development technologist: Optimises manufacturing methods to improve efficiency, safety, and consistency during large-scale food production.

Our programme’s unique focus on environmental management also opens doors to roles in environmental consultancy and sustainable project planning. Whether you’re looking to work for an international producer or a local Scottish business, you’ll graduate with the expertise to manage food safety systems and ensure regulatory compliance. 

How does the Industrial Practise placement work for this MSc?

The Industrial Practise route of this MSc is highly competitive. It is a limited offer for qualifying students that is designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry. To qualify for this placement, students will need to: 

  • Register for the MSc Food Quality, Safety and Innovation

  • During your studies, apply for an Industrial Placement as an alternative to the traditional research project

  • Have an interview with a placement provider to assess whether you qualify

If successful, you move to the ‘with Industrial Practise’ pathway, gaining 60 credits through this work-based experience. 

Will I have access to specialist labs for food analysis & authenticity testing?

Yes, students at Abertay benefit from modern, high-specification facilities designed for practical learning. You will have access to:

  • Specialist laboratories for food chemistry, microbiology and food safety analysis.

  • Advanced equipment for assessing food quality and authenticity.

  • Laboratory-based practical sessions led by academics with extensive industry experience.

These facilities allow you to develop hands-on technical skills, such as sensory evaluation and testing for contaminants. By training in an environment that mirrors professional industrial labs, you ensure that your technical proficiency meets the standards expected by local authorities and global food companies. You can arrange to visit our campus to see our state-of-the-art facilities for yourself.

Information for International Applicants

Learn more about Abertay's English language requirements, as well as visa information.

Students relaxing and chatting together outside a university building, showcasing the welcoming social spaces that support campus community life.

English Language Requirements

Explore English language requirements for entry to Abertay University.

Find out more

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Visa Information

All the information you need about visa requirements for studying here at Abertay University.

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International Students

Find everything you need to know about applying to Abertay as an international student.

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Fees and Funding

Please note: this course will run over 16 months full-time and 28 months part-time if you begin your studies in January.

The tuition fees you’ll pay and the funding available depend on factors such as your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you’re studying. If you’re studying a postgraduate taught (PGT) degree, your fee status will be classed as one of the following:

  • Scotland

  • England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland

  • International

Fee Status

Your fee status is typically based on the country where you’ve lived on a regular, non-temporary basis for the three years prior to the start of your course.

We’ll confirm your tuition fees once you’ve applied.

International

International includes applicants from EU countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled Status in the UK. (Students from the Republic of Ireland are not included.)

Annual Tuition Fees

Fee Status

2025/26

2026/27

Scotland

£7,900

£7,900*

England/Wales/N Ireland/Rep of Ireland

£10,400

£10,400*

International

£17,000

£18,950**

 

**Eligible international students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £3,000-£7,000 over the duration of their course.

More information

Find out about grants, bursaries, maintenance loans and living costs in our postgraduate taught fees and funding section.

Scholarships

Abertay Postgraduate Taught rUK Scholarship

This £1,000 award is open to all prospective new postgraduate students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Abertay International Scholarship

An award of up to £3,000 per year for up to a maximum of four years, for prospective new international undergraduate and postgraduate taught students.

Career Options

This Master's will prepare you to enter a wide range of food and drink industry careers, including:

  • Technical manager

  • Food Technologist

  • Quality Assurance Manager

  • Process Development Technologist

  • Compliance & QA Technologist

  • Sustainable Sourcing Manager

It also provides you with the knowledge and understanding to undertake further academic research.

 

 

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Our £3.5m laboratory facilities are the only ones of their type in Scotland. As a food student, you'll have access to:

  • A world-leading sensory and consumer science lab

  • Fully specified biological and chemical science labs.

  • A fully food-standard production/pilot plant

  • UHT and Pasteurisation with inline homogenisation and sterile filling instruments

  • Freeze and spray drying fascilities

  • Small-scale brewing

  • Packing facilities, including MAP (vacuum tray sealer with gas injection systems)

  • Texture analysis

  • High shear mixing with our Silverson mixer.

Graduate School

Our Graduate School is a dedicated facility located at the heart of the University, providing support, training and professional development opportunities to our vibrant postgraduate community and researchers. 

Learn more about our Graduate School

Join us as a Postgraduate

When you join us as a postgraduate student or researcher, you’ll join a community of creative like-minded scholars. You will be working in our dedicated study and social spaces – a forum in which you can meet, work and learn with other researchers and postgraduates from across the University.

You’ll benefit from training and professional development opportunities, as well as support with funding applications, placement opportunities, teaching support, public engagement and outreach activity.

Explore our Dundee Campus

Abertay is conveniently located on a city centre campus, with all of its buildings within a quarter of a mile of each other. Shops, recreational facilities and the main bus and train stations are a short walk away.

Our Campus

Street‑level view of Abertay University’s Kydd Building, highlighting its bold curved structure and urban setting.

Why Abertay?

We're proud of our students and graduates, and we believe there's no better place to study if you're looking for a degree that helps you stand out as an exceptional candidate in an increasingly competitive job market.

Why Abertay

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Living in Dundee

Dundee is a city of contrasts. It's vibrant and cosmopolitan, but also friendly, compact and affordable. The first UK city to be awarded UNESCO City of Design status, Dundee has a rich history of innovation and creativity, and, in recent years, has become a hub for the digital industries.

Living in Dundee & Scotland

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