Program Overview

Master's in Food Technology

What to Expect

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

About

The Master's in Food Technology at Wageningen University & Research addresses critical issues such as food shortages, preservation, distribution, and quality management in response to the growing global population. This program is recognized as one of the most innovative and competitive food technology curricula worldwide.

Unique Aspects of the Programme

Design Your Own Path

• Students can create custom study routes by selecting electives that align with their interests, covering topics such as sustainable production, enzyme technology, and product development.

Join a Global Network

• Engage in an international ecosystem through collaboration with experts, researchers, and leading companies in the food sector.

Cutting-edge Research Environment

• Leverage Wageningen's state-of-the-art facilities to bridge scientific discovery with practical application in food technology.

From Science to Practice

• Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges via a practical thesis and an international internship within top food sector companies.

Learning Outcomes

During the master's program, students delve into food production science, processes, and innovation. Key learning components include:

• Influencing food structure and properties through processes such as fermentation, drying, and emulsification.
• Developing new or improved food products using enzymes and microorganisms.
• Applying technology to enhance the safety, healthiness, and sustainability of food products.
• Translating consumer behavior and market insights into product innovations.
• Independently investigating and resolving technological problems, from hypothesization to conclusion.

Study Programme

General Information

The MSc in Food Technology is a full-time, two-year program, taught entirely in English, and is unique at the university level within the Netherlands. Wageningen University & Research has maintained a reputation as the best university in the Netherlands for 20 consecutive years, according to student rankings.

Year 1

• Students undertake a core curriculum in Food Technology, establishing a solid foundation before choosing individual courses based on interests and preferences.
• Core courses cover the fundamentals of Food Technology, while domain courses offer a variety of specialized topics.
• All students participate in the integrative course Product and Process Design, allowing for personalized professional development.

Year 2

• The second year comprises a thesis (36 ECTS) and an internship (24 ECTS), building on knowledge gained in the first year.

  Thesis

  • The thesis is typically conducted within one of the following chair groups: Food Chemistry, Food Physics, Food Process Engineering, Food Quality and Design, or Food Microbiology, with individual supervision provided.

  Internship

  • Following the thesis, students complete an internship lasting approximately four months within a food company or research institute globally. This allows students to apply academic skills in practical settings.

Teaching Methods

• Lectures
  • Theoretical foundations in topics such as food process engineering and food microbiology.
• Laboratory Practicals
  • Hands-on sessions involving real food products and analytical techniques, including emulsions and enzyme kinetics.
• Group Projects
  • Collaboration on real-life cases or research assignments to enhance teamwork and communication skills.
• Company Visits
  • Site visits to innovative food companies or research institutes to observe practical applications of theoretical knowledge.
• Thesis Research (Year 2)
  • Independent scientific research under the guidance of WUR supervisors, typically part of ongoing research projects.
• Internship (Year 2)
  • A 4-to-6-month placement in a relevant company or institute where students can apply their expertise professionally.

Study Guidance

Students receive support from a study adviser, thesis supervisor, and internship coordinator throughout their studies. The study adviser assists with course selection, while the thesis supervisor provides guidance during the thesis phase. The internship coordinator aids in identifying suitable companies for internships.

Comparison with Other Programmes

• Master's in Food Quality Management
  • Focuses on integrated quality processes in the food industry, differing from the product-centric focus of Food Technology.
• Master's in Food Safety
  • Emphasizes microbiology, toxicology, and legislation, concentrating less on product development than Food Technology.
• Master's in Biotechnology
  • Encompasses a broader application scope, with potential specializations in Food Biotechnology for those interested in food technology aspects.
• Master's in Nutrition and Health
  • While Food Technology focuses primarily on production processes, this program examines the effects of food consumption on human health. Students can explore sensory science in both disciplines.
• Online Master's in Food Technology
  • A part-time study option designed for flexibility, taking between 3 and 4 years to complete.
• European Master's in Food Studies (EMFS)
  • A specialization of the Master's in Food Technology, collaborating with four European universities and various food industry partners.

Job Perspectives

Graduates of the program have favorable job prospects in various sectors, including food industries, governmental roles, academia, and research institutions. Approximately 10% of graduates pursue PhD studies, supported by the Student Career Services at WUR, which assists students in transitioning to the professional labor market.

Application and Admission

Admission Requirements

Prospective students should have a solid academic background in physics, microbiology, (bio)chemistry, organic chemistry, mathematics, and scientific research skills, along with coursework in food science, which includes areas such as food physics, food chemistry, food microbiology, and food process engineering.

• Admissible Degrees: WUR BSc in Food Technology, Biotechnology, or equivalent.
• Knowledge Assessment:
  • A transcript of records will display previous coursework, while relevant work or internship experiences may also be considered.

Costs

Studying in the Netherlands incurs tuition fees. Detailed information regarding the program costs can be acquired from the university's resources regarding tuition and financial aspects of studying.

Student Life in Wageningen

Outside academic commitments, students can engage in a vibrant student life, enjoying activities in and around Wageningen, including social events, markets, and outdoor activities.