نظرة عامة على البرنامج

Master's in Food Safety

What to expect

• Field: Food Technology
• Mode: Full-time
• Duration: 2 years
• Language: English
• Location: Wageningen

About the Program

Food safety is a highly relevant area within food sciences, focusing on measures, regulations, and guidelines designed to manage food hazards.

Unique Features of the Programme

• Technical and Legal Focus: The program uniquely combines technical and legal aspects of food safety, integrating them into Food Safety Management.
• Diverse Student Community: Attracts students from various backgrounds, including law, life sciences, and technology.
• Theory Meets Practice: Links theory with practice through interactive classes and real-life case studies.
• Global Reputation: Leverages Wageningen's strong international standing in food sciences and its connections with industry and policymakers.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Learn to analyze and manage food safety from both technical and legal perspectives.
• Understand the interaction of food quality and safety across the entire food chain.
• Acquire skills to design and evaluate Food Safety Management systems in practice.
• Apply scientific knowledge to real-world scenarios and effectively communicate with microbiologists, lawyers, and government officials.

Study Programme Structure

Wageningen University & Research operates on an academic year divided into six periods, requiring 60 credits (ECTS) per year.

• Year 1:
  • Entirely coursework-based.
  • Courses include compulsory subjects, restricted optionals, and electives.
• Year 2:
  • Split between a thesis (36 ECTS) and an internship (24 ECTS).
  • The thesis, conducted at Wageningen University, entails individual supervision from a chair group staff member.
  • The internship occurs outside the university and applies academic skills in a professional environment.

Specialisations

Students may choose from the following specialisations:

• Applied Food Safety: Focuses on technological aspects of food safety, integrating relevant disciplines in the latter half of the first year.
• Food Law and Regulatory Affairs: Provides a legal foundation on food safety regulations at various levels, addressing key issues in food law.
• Supply Chain Safety: Examines food safety in contemporary agri-food supply chains, considering technical and socio-economic dimensions.

Teaching Methods

The programme employs various instructional methods:

• Lectures: Covering microbiology, toxicology, legal, economic, risk management, and communication aspects of food safety.
• Practicals: Laboratory and fieldwork to complement theoretical knowledge through practical exercises.
• Group Projects: Collaborative work with diverse students on real-world cases.
• Internship or Thesis Research: Conduct applied research in external institutions.

Study Guidance

Students receive support from:

• A study adviser for course and specialisation selection.
• A thesis supervisor from relevant chair groups.
• An internship coordinator for professional learning opportunities.

Career Perspectives

Graduates find employment shortly after completing their degree, with career opportunities available in diverse roles, including:

• Food Safety Officer at the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Regulatory Affairs Manager in international companies.
• PhD Researcher in universities or research institutes.
• Microbiologist in food innovation firms.
• Consultant for international organisations.
• Food Inspector for government authorities.
• Head of Quality and Safety in major food enterprises.

Admission Requirements

Applicants are expected to have:

• A Bachelor's degree from Wageningen University (WUR) in Food Technology, Nutrition and Health, or an equivalent program.
• Demonstrated expertise in food sciences or law concerning food safety through coursework or relevant experience.

The assessment process involves reviewing transcripts, CVs, and relevant experiences.

Notable Study Programmes for Admission

Degrees that meet or can compensate knowledge requirements include:

• Dairy Science & Technology
• Dietetics
• Food Engineering
• Food Quality & Safety
• Nutrition

Programmes requiring additional coursework may include subjects unrelated to food sciences.

Costs

Detailed information regarding tuition fees and financial planning is available through the university's financial resources.

Student Life

Wageningen offers a vibrant student life, with numerous activities and opportunities for engagement outside the classroom.