Doctor of Food Science and Management

The Doctor of Food Science and Management (DFSM) programme is designed to address the evolving needs of the food industry, where complex challenges demand professionals who possess advanced scientific knowledge and exceptional management skills.

Aims and Characteristics

The DFSM programme is established with the following aims and characteristics:

• to equip professionals with advanced scientific methodologies and management competencies that are tailored to the intricacies of the food industry;
• to foster innovative thinking, ethical decision-making and strategic leadership within the dynamic and competitive food landscape;
• to empower graduates to drive positive transformations, ranging from sustainable sourcing and production to responsible marketing and consumer education;
• to cultivate a global perspective, enabling graduates to navigate diverse cultural and regulatory environments.

Recognition and Prospects

The DFSM programme will meet the community needs of professionals with expertise in both science and management. Experienced professionals from various sectors of the food industry will be able to integrate advanced scientific methods and management skills after completing this programme, propelling themselves into strategic leadership roles. The programme's highlights include:

• The DFSM programme stands out as a unique taught doctoral degree programme worldwide that specifically combines food science and business management;
• This programme primarily targets business leaders and senior management professionals in the food industry within the Greater China Region and beyond;
• The programme curriculum effectively integrates the key components of food science and industry management, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of both disciplines;
• The community of DFSM alumni, with their diverse backgrounds and senior roles in the food industry, creates a vibrant and powerful platform for fostering partnerships, business expansion and professional growth;
• Classes are normally scheduled on weekends.

Admission

Entrance Requirement

Applicants should hold a Masters degree in food science, nutrition, management, business administration, or a related discipline, with at least five years of managerial experience. Alternatively, applicants in senior management positions with a recognised first degree and membership of a recognised professional body in food science, nutrition, management, business administration, or a related field, or those with exceptional experience and outstanding contributions in the industry, may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

English Language Requirement

For non-native English speakers who have received their Master's degree, Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualifications from institutions where the medium of instruction is not English, it is necessary to provide one of the following proficiency test results to meet the minimum English language requirement for admission purposes:

• a score of 80 or above in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-Based Test taken within two years;
• an overall band score of 6.0 or above in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Module taken within two years;
• a pass in an English written test organised by the English Language Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and satisfactory performance in the admission interview.

Curriculum

To obtain the DFSM degree, students are required to complete 51 credits in total, including:

• 5 core subjects (15 credits)
• 3 elective subjects (9 credits)
• 2 residential subjects (3 credits)
• 2 thesis subjects (24 credits)

Core Subjects

• Advanced Topics in Food Safety in Action
• Advanced Topics in Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals
• Business Research Analysis and Design
• Recent Topics in Food Science and Management
• Scientific Research Analysis and Design

Elective Subjects

• Advanced Financial Management
• Current Issues in Organisational Behaviour
• Strategic Management of Information & Organisation in Digital Economy
• Strategic Quality Management
• Strategic Supply Chain and Logistics Management

Residential and Thesis Subjects

• DFSM Residential I (1 credit)
• DFSM Residential II (2 credits)
• DFSM Thesis I (8 credits)
• DFSM Thesis II (16 credits)

Programme Details

• Entrance Year: September 2026
• Programme Code: 15059-DFT
• Stream Code: DFT (full-time)
• Mode of Study: Mixed mode
• Normal Duration: 3 years (full-time)
• Fund Type: Self-financed
• Credits Required for Graduation: 52 credits
• Initial Registration Credits:
  • 9 credits for local students
  • 12 credits for non-local students
• Tuition Fees: HK$14,500 per credit for local and non-local students. Tuition fee will not be charged for the 1-credit subject, Academic Integrity and Ethics in Science.

Programme Leadership

• Programme Director: Prof. CHEN Sheng
• Deputy Programme Director: Prof. James FANG Kar-Hei

Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)

---

Overview:

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is a public research university located in Hong Kong. It is known for its focus on applied learning and its strong reputation in various fields, particularly engineering, design, and technology.

---

Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Teaching and Learning:

PolyU emphasizes a broad-based curriculum for holistic academic development, incorporating work-integrated education, service-learning, student exchange programs, and leadership programs.

Faculties and Schools:

PolyU has eight faculties and schools, offering a diverse range of academic programs.

Graduate School:

The university provides research postgraduate studies and a graduate school for further academic pursuits.

Admissions:

PolyU offers information on university rankings, student stories, and details about programs, tuition fees, and scholarships.

Research:

PolyU boasts a strong research focus, with various research centers, facilities, and initiatives, including the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) and Mainland Research Institutes.

Knowledge Transfer:

The university promotes innovation and technology development, technology transfer and commercialization, entrepreneurship, and showcases success stories.

Global:

PolyU fosters an international community, offers global perspectives in academic programs, and engages in international collaborations and partnerships.

Campus Life:

PolyU provides a vibrant campus life with opportunities for athletics and recreation, art and culture, and living on campus with access to counseling, wellness services, clinics, housing, and dining options.

About PolyU:

The university provides information about its motto, vision, mission, key facts, university identity, history, leadership, governance, organizations, and a campus map.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

PolyU offers a dynamic campus experience with a focus on applied learning and practical skills development. Students can participate in various extracurricular activities, engage in research opportunities, and benefit from the university's international connections. The campus provides a supportive environment with access to counseling, wellness services, and housing options.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Reputation:

PolyU is recognized for its high-quality education and research, particularly in engineering, design, and technology.

Applied Learning:

The university emphasizes practical skills development and work-integrated education, preparing students for real-world careers.

International Focus:

PolyU fosters a global community and offers opportunities for international collaborations and partnerships.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university provides a dynamic campus experience with various extracurricular activities, clubs, and events.

Research Opportunities:

PolyU offers extensive research facilities and opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research.

---

Academic Programs:

PolyU offers a wide range of academic programs across its eight faculties and schools, including:

Business:

Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management

Construction and Environment:

Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Construction Management

Design:

Industrial Design, Communication Design, Interior Design

Engineering:

Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering

Fashion and Textiles:

Fashion Design, Textile Design, Fashion Marketing

Health:

Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy

Hospitality:

Hotel Management, Tourism Management, Culinary Arts

Humanities:

Languages, Literature, History, Philosophy

Science:

Applied Biology, Chemistry, Physics

---

Other: