Food Science MSc – 2023 entry
Key information
Start date: September 2023
- Study mode and duration
- Full-time: 1 year
Why choose this course
Our MSc Food Science course will give you a firm grasp on food science and nutrition and the dramatic implications it can have on human health and disease.
This course is taught by leading experts at the frontline of applied research, ensuring everything you learn on the programme is relevant and valued by employers. In recent years, our researchers have explored the important role of probiotics, resistant starch, sugar replacers and phytonutrients in the foods we consume. They’ve also helped prove the positive effects and importance of high-quality food and good nutrition and the protective role these features can play in reducing the risk of age-related disease outcomes.
We were awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize 2017-18 for Further and Higher Education, in recognition of our teaching and research excellence in the field of food and nutrition.
What you will study
We’ll develop your knowledge, scientific research skills and practical skills to an advanced level and fuel your interest in this dynamic and vibrant discipline with a focus on new product development, processing, food chemistry, food security and microbiology.
You'll gain a deep understanding of current issues in the field of human nutrition. Our teaching emphasises the evidence-based links between diet, health and disease, supported by a full appreciation for the key nutritional dietary components but also the microbial mechanisms involved.
You’ll develop the necessary research skills and industry awareness required to pursue a successful and rewarding career in the growing area of food science.
Please be aware: the course content and modules listed for this course are subject to change for the 2023/24 academic year, whilst we undertake a curriculum design review. Please contact the programme leader if you have any queries about the course.
Facilities
As a food science student, you’ll get access to our multi-million pound laboratories, kitted out with some of the latest equipment. You’ll use this to enhance your investigative and practical skills, which are essential in a research career.
Teaching staff
We have a research-led focus to our teaching, ensuring that everything you learn is up-to-date and relevant to employers. You’ll be taught by lecturers who are active researchers in their respective fields. These may include:
- Dr Terri Grassby, an expert in carbohydrates, particularly dietary fibre, and their effects on nutrient digestibility
- Dr Jorge Gutierrez-Merino, an expert in food and environmental microbes and the role they play in food safety and the food chain
- Dr Jonathan Brown, an expert in phytonutrients and food bioactive compounds
- Dr Vero Giacintucci, an expert in food product reformulation and new product development
- Dr Bolanle Oloyede, an expert in sensory and consumer science and flavour chemistry.
Research groups
You’ll be invited to join one of our research groups, which include the Section of Metabolic Medicine, Food and Macronutrients, and the Section of Public Health and Food Security. You’ll participate in discussions about research topics, findings and publications, and will also benefit from our links with renowned research institutions across the world. We also have a host of external speakers that visit us and present their work, and a collection of seminars and workshops, allowing you to network with like-minded individuals.
Careers and graduate prospects
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University. Our graduates have lifetime access to Surrey Pathfinder, our online portal for appointment and events bookings, jobs, placements and interactive development tools.
Our graduates often start or continue careers as professionals within the food industry and its associated agencies. They typically take on roles as new product developers, food analysts, regulatory specialists and process technologists. Some also work in quality assurance or progress further in the food and nutrition industry.
Many of our graduates also go on to complete a PhD with us, joining a community of research-active staff and postgraduate researchers.
Schools and departments
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules can be either 15, 30, 45, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
Timetable
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. Part-time classes are normally scheduled on one or two days per week, details of which can be obtained from the Academic Hive. View our Code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF).
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Entry requirements
A minimum of a 2:2 UK honours degree in a relevant subject.
International entry requirements by country
Do I meet the requirements for this course?
We require you to submit a full application so that we can formally assess whether you meet the criteria published. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an outcome based on an enquiry (via email, webform enquiry, phone or live chat).
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Credit transfer
The University of Surrey recognises that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts. If your experience exceeds the typical requirements for entry to the programme, a process called recognition of prior learning (RPL) may allow you to enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience. If you can demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for specific modules through your previous learning, it may be possible to exempt you from those modules, and for you to be awarded credit based on your previous qualifications/experience. There are restrictions on RPL for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims.
In some cases, prior knowledge and skills may allow applicants to join the start of a course without meeting the formal entry requirements.
Please see our code transfer and recognition of prior learning guide (PDF) and recognition of prior learning and prior credit web page for further information. Please email Admissions (admissions@surrey.ac.uk) with any queries.
Fees per year
Start date: September 2023
Full-time - 1 year
- UK
- £9,100
- Overseas
- £23,900
Please note:
- These fees apply to students commencing study in the academic year 2023-24 only. Fees for new starters are reviewed annually
- If you are on a two-year full-time MFA programme, or a two-year or three-year part-time masters programme (excluding modular/self-paced/distance learning), the annual fee is payable in Year 1 and Year 2 of the programme
- Annual fees will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
Payment schedule
- Students in receipt of a tuition fee loan: Will have their fees paid by the Student Loans Company in line with their schedule
- International students, or UK/EU students who have not taken out a tuition fee loan: Are required to pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be detailed on invoices. Students on certain part-time programmes, where fees are paid on a modular or stage basis, are not eligible to pay their fees by instalment.
- If you are sponsored: You will provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of your study.
Funding
You may be able to borrow money to help pay your tuition fees and support you with your living costs. Find out more about postgraduate student finance.
Scholarships and bursaries
We're committed to making sure that we offer support for students who might need it.
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Course | Status |
|---|---|
Food Science MSc Full-time, 12 months, September 2023 | Applications open Closing date: Thursday 1 June 2023 |
Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready. | |
Admission information
Our postgraduate admissions policy* provides the basis for admissions practice across the University and gives a framework for how we encourage, consider applications and admit students. You can also read our postgraduate applicant guidance.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our Charter, Statutes, Ordinances, Policies, Regulations and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View our offer terms and conditions and our registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2022/2023 academic year as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: the offer terms and conditions and registration terms and conditions which you will be asked to agree to may be different from those detailed in the examples. Our offer terms and conditions will generally be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will be available at the start of each academic year and will vary to take into account specifics of your course and changes for the specific academic year.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing but changes (for example, to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
University of Surrey Admissions
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
Address
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH