Program Overview

Introduction to the Food Safety, Hygiene and Management MSc / PGCert / PGDip

The Food Safety, Hygiene and Management MSc / PGCert / PGDip program at the University of Birmingham is designed to provide advanced academic training in food safety and food control. This program aims to develop students' expertise in the relationship between food and public health, exploring the scientific, political, and legislative factors that influence food safety and security worldwide.

Course Overview

The course focuses on the mechanisms of Food Control and Food Safety Management, providing students with a high level of technical knowledge. Students will learn to critically analyze data and published information, apply scientific principles and legislation to practical situations, and develop an advanced understanding of common food safety management systems.

Course Structure

This course can be taken over 1 year in a full-time mode or 2 years part-time. Students can also take the course as a Postgraduate Diploma over 1 year part-time or as a Postgraduate Certificate over 6 months part-time.

Autumn Term

The Autumn Term focuses on the fundamental keystone core modules of Food Control, Food and Microbes, and Food Safety Management Systems, which underpin the CIEH accreditation requirements. Teaching is delivered predominantly through lectures, laboratories, and workshops, and is assessed using a comprehensive mix of authentic coursework and an examination.

Course Highlights

• 6th in the UK for Chemical Engineering (Complete University Guide 2026)
• Birmingham is ranked 76th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, maintaining its position in the top 100 universities globally and placing it 11th amongst UK universities.
• The course focuses on the mechanisms of Food Control and Food Safety Management.
• Students will learn from leading specialists with strong links to government authorities and the food industry.
• The program develops in-demand skills to advance students' careers in food safety and security.
• The course is particularly suitable for those with relevant food-related knowledge and/or experience, including hygiene managers or supervisors, staff working in competent authorities or enforcement, and students who have completed relevant undergraduate degrees.

Module Information

The Masters course consists of 180 credits, with two-thirds from taught modules and one-third from a research project. The program can also be taken on a part-time basis, including Masters, PG Diploma, or PG Certificate options.

Core Modules

• Food Control (20 credits)
• Food and Microbes (20 credits)
• Food Processing and Manufacture (thermal processing) (10 credits)
• Food Safety Management Systems (20 credits)
• Major Project (60 credits)

Optional Modules

Students select 50 credits of options, with examples of optional modules including:

• Chemical Contamination of Food and Water (10 credits)
• Applied Food Microbiology (10 credits)
• Food Chain Security (10 credits)
• Food Fraud (10 credits)
• Food Standards (10 credits)
• Investigating Food Borne Outbreaks (10 credits)
• Novel Food Processing (10 credits)
• Principles of Nutrition (10 credits)
• Water and Health (10 credits)
• Sustainability in the Food Industry (10 credits)

Teaching Staff

The teaching staff includes experts in their fields, such as Dr. Helen Onyeaka, Associate Professor, whose research interests include microbial responses to environmental stress, use of natural preservatives in food processing, food safety, quality, and spoilage, and antimicrobial resistance.

Entry Requirements

To gain a place at Birmingham, students will need to meet the general entry requirements, as well as those specific to the course. The application will be reviewed by the course's Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether the application should receive an offer.

• A 2:1 Honours Degree in a relevant science subject (e.g., biology, microbiology, food science, environmental health)
• Candidates holding other qualifications may be admitted to the program after an interview and submission of evidence of academic competence and experience in a relevant field.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, or equivalent qualifications.

Fees and Scholarships

• The University tuition fee covers the cost of tuition, supervision, assessment, and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
• Fees for 2026 entry: £12,150 (full-time), £6,075 (part-time)
• The University offers a range of scholarships, including the Birmingham Masters Scholarships, which award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Application Process

To apply for a postgraduate program, students will need to submit their application and supporting documents online. The application deadline for UK and non-visa requiring applicants is August 28, 2026.

Career Opportunities

Employment prospects for candidates who successfully complete the MSc in Food Safety, Hygiene and Management are wide-ranging. Alumni work in government authorities, food laboratories, the food industry, and as independent consultants. The University's Careers Network provides support and guidance to help students achieve their career goals.

Related Courses

• Food Safety, Hygiene and Management PGCert

Student Experience

At Birmingham, students have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills, and make friends for life. The University offers a range of accommodation options, exciting activities to get involved in outside of studies, and all the support and advice students need to succeed. The campus is a beautiful and sociable environment, with state-of-the-art facilities and a strong sense of community.