MSc
Agri-food Technology with Professional Practice MSc
Agri-food Technology with Professional Practice

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Key Information

Duration

14 months

Start Date

January 2024

Typical Offer

See More

Campus

Brayford Pool

Duration

14 months

Start Date

September 2024

Typical Offer

See More

Campus

Brayford Pool

Academic Years

Course Overview

The globally important agri-food sector is intrinsically linked to challenges around land and water use, climate change, sustainability, health, and wellbeing. This industry-guided programme aims to equip students with the advanced skills, knowledge, and expertise needed to undertake technical and production management roles within this growing industry.

Students at Lincoln have the opportunity to study a variety of forward thinking topics such as principles of crop science, advanced food manufacturing, new product and process development, food safety and technical management, agri-robotics, as well as supply chain management.

Students on the MSc Agri-food Technology with Professional Practice programme will have the opportunity to undertake an industry collaborative research project.

Course Overview

The globally important agri-food sector is intrinsically linked to challenges around land and water use, climate change, sustainability, health, and wellbeing. This industry-guided programme aims to equip students with the advanced skills, knowledge, and expertise needed to undertake technical and production management roles within this growing industry.

Students at Lincoln have the opportunity to study a variety of forward thinking topics such as principles of crop science, advanced food manufacturing, new product and process development, food safety and technical management, agri-robotics, as well as supply chain management.

Students on the MSc Agri-food Technology with Professional Practice programme will have the opportunity to undertake an industry collaborative research project.

This course has now closed for international applications for January 2024 entry.

Why Choose Lincoln

Informed and guided by industry

Accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST)

Undetake an extended industry colloborative research project

Visit agri-food industries and hear from guest speakers

A holistic, all encompassing, farm-to-fork approach

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How You Study

This MSc is intentionally wide-ranging and is designed to prepare students for opportunities across the broad and fast-moving agri-food sector. The programme takes a holistic, all encompassing, farm-to-fork approach, acknowledging the need to optimise performance and best assure/control the food products in the agri-food supply chain.

Following the taught element of the programme, students will undertake an industry collaborative research project.

Students are expected to pay for their own travel, accommodation, and general living expenses while undertaking this project. Students will be expected to identify and secure their own projects. Support is available to those who need it.

How You Study

This MSc is intentionally wide-ranging and is designed to prepare students for opportunities across the broad and fast-moving agri-food sector. The programme takes a holistic, all encompassing, farm-to-fork approach, acknowledging the need to optimise performance and quality in the agriculture and food supply chain.

Following the taught element of the programme, students will conduct an industry collaborative research project.

Modules

              † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

              Advanced Food Manufacturing 2023-24FDS9097MLevel 72023-24This module typically covers the key fundamentals in advanced manufacturing within the food industry demanding strong operation skills coupled with an in-depth knowledge of food process unit operations, food preservation, food packaging systems, hygienic food machine design, food factory design, and food process engineering. Students are expected to gain understanding of the basis of advanced food manufacturing unit operations and their applications in the food industry incorporating how traditional processes are still prevalent with new designs and automation. The students may also gain an understanding of new and novel food production operations.CoreAgri-Robotics 2023-24AGR9004MLevel 72023-24This module introduces students to the subject of agri-food engineering and, in particular, to the role of modern automation in developing sophisticated and efficient engineering systems to meet the ever increasing demand of the sector. After a brief introduction on industrial robotics and automation, a range of applications will be presented to investigate, analyse, and propose the use of robotics to automate pre-harvesting and post-harvesting operations in the agri-food sector. This might include the innovative Industry 4.0 model as an overall holistic framework to evaluate the impact of the proposed applications on the ‘Farm of the Future’.CoreCollaborative Research Project 2023-24FDS9107MLevel 72023-24This module forms the final stage of the MSc Agri-food Technology (with Professional Practice). This module provides students with opportunity to apply agri-food knowledge and laboratory skills to an extended practice research study within a commercial context. By successfully completing the project, it is expected that students will have demonstrated self-reliance, demonstration, and adaptability. There will also be the opportunity to develop soft skills and enhance their communication skills through different styles of reporting. Above all, this project provides the chance to demonstrate the energy and confidence to do something extra and ambitious as a part of a Master's degree. Students are expected to pay for their own travel, accommodation, and general living expenses while undertaking the project. Please note that the option to undertake the Professional Practice route will be subject to students’ performance during the taught element of the programme and students will be expected to identify and secure their project. Support is available to students who may need it during this process.CoreDigitisation in Agri-food Industry 2023-24AGR9016MLevel 72023-24Agriculture and the food chain become more and more data-driven. Digitisation is the use of new and advanced technologies, integrated into one system, to enable farmers, wholesalers, food manufactures, and other stakeholders within the agri-food value chain. Digitalisation simulated by precision agriculture can be a key factor to solving problems in agriculture with regards to the environment, the working conditions, food security, and other public interests.CoreFood Safety & Technical Management 2023-24FDS9098MLevel 72023-24This module typically covers the key quality assurance and technical roles within the food industry with management skills coupled with knowledge of product safety, quality, and legality with a demonstration of attention to detail alongside good communication and interpersonal skills. Students are expected to consider how to define the 'technical standards' of a food manufacturing business, including a review of legislative requirements, necessary accreditation standards, customer expectations, and incorporation of a manufacturer’s own business requirements. Food industry enforcement bodies/government agencies and the business technical function interaction with such authorities will be considered, as will the role of product recall and crisis management systems during challenging circumstances.CoreGlobal Agri-food Supply Chain Systems 2023-24AGR9017MLevel 72023-24This module examine global agri-food supply chain systems. Today's businesses operate in a global environment that requires agri-food enterprises to consider rest of the world in their competitive strategy analysis, despite of their market base or location. Businesses cannot isolate themselves or disregard external factors such as food safety, trends, competitive positions, or technology advancements in other countries. This change in trends, technologies, food safety, trade, and modernisation of transport infrastructures raised the importance of supply chain management to new levels. Agile management of supply chains is necessary to succeed in volatile demand situations experienced in many markets.CoreNew Product & Process Development 2023-24FDS9099MLevel 72023-24The module content typically covers the aspects of food innovation, product and process development and investigates the impact of new technologies for the formulation of healthy nutritional foods. The student considers critique and appraise the way in which food manufacturers develop new products to reflect customer, consumer and other market driver demands. The module considers the new food product development areas linked to health, nutrition, sensory science and emerging technologies.CorePrinciples of Crop Science 2023-24AGR9003MLevel 72023-24The module typically provides a review of current crop science and its contribution to large scale food production. This might include new technologies and their part in the future of sustainable crop production. The module considers key components of crop science as individual units through to interacting complexes. Throughout the module, the importance of the microbial interrelationship with plants is considered, covering both pathogens and beneficials. Students will be expected to independently evaluate the topics critically and develop skills leading to responsive and flexible use of crop science in the production of crops in a wide range of agronomic situations.CoreResearch Methods (LIAT) 2023-24AGR9014MLevel 72023-24This module covers the fundamental skills and background knowledge that students need to undertake a research project, including: surveying literature; selecting and justifying a research topic; planning of research; academic writing, data collection, handling and analysis; and presentation and reporting of research.Core

              Modules

                          † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

                          Advanced Food Manufacturing 2024-25FDS9097MLevel 72024-25This module typically covers the key fundamentals in advanced manufacturing within the food industry demanding strong operation skills coupled with an in-depth knowledge of food process unit operations, food preservation, food packaging systems, hygienic food machine design, food factory design, and food process engineering. Students are expected to gain understanding of the basis of advanced food manufacturing unit operations and their applications in the food industry incorporating how traditional processes are still prevalent with new designs and automation. The students may also gain an understanding of new and novel food production operations.CoreAgri-Robotics 2024-25AGR9004MLevel 72024-25This module introduces students to the subject of agri-food engineering and, in particular, to the role of modern automation in developing sophisticated and efficient engineering systems to meet the ever increasing demand of the sector. After a brief introduction on industrial robotics and automation, a range of applications will be presented to investigate, analyse, and propose the use of robotics to automate pre-harvesting and post-harvesting operations in the agri-food sector. This might include the innovative Industry 4.0 model as an overall holistic framework to evaluate the impact of the proposed applications on the ‘Farm of the Future’.CoreCollaborative Research Project 2024-25FDS9107MLevel 72024-25This module forms the final stage of the MSc Agri-food Technology (with Professional Practice). This module provides students with opportunity to apply agri-food knowledge and laboratory skills to an extended practice research study within a commercial context. By successfully completing the project, it is expected that students will have demonstrated self-reliance, demonstration, and adaptability. There will also be the opportunity to develop soft skills and enhance their communication skills through different styles of reporting. Above all, this project provides the chance to demonstrate the energy and confidence to do something extra and ambitious as a part of a Master's degree. Students are expected to pay for their own travel, accommodation, and general living expenses while undertaking the project. Please note that the option to undertake the Professional Practice route will be subject to students’ performance during the taught element of the programme and students will be expected to identify and secure their project. Support is available to students who may need it during this process.CoreDigitisation in Agri-food Industry 2024-25AGR9016MLevel 72024-25Agriculture and the food chain become more and more data-driven. Digitisation is the use of new and advanced technologies, integrated into one system, to enable farmers, wholesalers, food manufactures, and other stakeholders within the agri-food value chain. Digitalisation simulated by precision agriculture can be a key factor to solving problems in agriculture with regards to the environment, the working conditions, food security, and other public interests.CoreFood Safety & Technical Management 2024-25FDS9098MLevel 72024-25This module typically covers the key quality assurance and technical roles within the food industry with management skills coupled with knowledge of product safety, quality, and legality with a demonstration of attention to detail alongside good communication and interpersonal skills. Students are expected to consider how to define the 'technical standards' of a food manufacturing business, including a review of legislative requirements, necessary accreditation standards, customer expectations, and incorporation of a manufacturer’s own business requirements. Food industry enforcement bodies/government agencies and the business technical function interaction with such authorities will be considered, as will the role of product recall and crisis management systems during challenging circumstances.CoreGlobal Agri-food Supply Chain Systems 2024-25AGR9017MLevel 72024-25This module examine global agri-food supply chain systems. Today's businesses operate in a global environment that requires agri-food enterprises to consider rest of the world in their competitive strategy analysis, despite of their market base or location. Businesses cannot isolate themselves or disregard external factors such as food safety, trends, competitive positions, or technology advancements in other countries. This change in trends, technologies, food safety, trade, and modernisation of transport infrastructures raised the importance of supply chain management to new levels. Agile management of supply chains is necessary to succeed in volatile demand situations experienced in many markets.CoreNew Product & Process Development 2024-25FDS9099MLevel 72024-25The module content typically covers the aspects of food innovation, product and process development and investigates the impact of new technologies for the formulation of healthy nutritional foods. The student considers critique and appraise the way in which food manufacturers develop new products to reflect customer, consumer and other market driver demands. The module considers the new food product development areas linked to health, nutrition, sensory science and emerging technologies.CorePrinciples of Crop Science 2024-25AGR9003MLevel 72024-25The module typically provides a review of current crop science and its contribution to large scale food production. This might include new technologies and their part in the future of sustainable crop production. The module considers key components of crop science as individual units through to interacting complexes. Throughout the module, the importance of the microbial interrelationship with plants is considered, covering both pathogens and beneficials. Students will be expected to independently evaluate the topics critically and develop skills leading to responsive and flexible use of crop science in the production of crops in a wide range of agronomic situations.CoreResearch Methods (LIAT) 2024-25AGR9014MLevel 72024-25This module covers the fundamental skills and background knowledge that students need to undertake a research project, including: surveying literature; selecting and justifying a research topic; planning of research; academic writing, data collection, handling and analysis; and presentation and reporting of research.Core

                          What You Need to Know

                          We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

                          What You Need to Know

                          We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

                          Accreditation

                          This course is accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST). IFST is the UK’s leading professional body for food science and technology.

                          More Information
                          IFST Accredited Logo

                          How you are assessed

                          A variety of assessment methods are used during this course, including essays, examinations, oral presentations, and practicals. These assessments are designed to develop the skills that will be needed for a career in the sector.

                          How you are assessed

                          A variety of assessment methods are used during this course, including essays, examinations, oral presentations, and practicals. These assessments are designed to develop the skills that will be needed for a career in the sector.

                          Features

                          As well as studying at the University’s Brayford Campus, students will also visit our Riseholme campus, situated just 5km north of Lincoln on a beautiful parkland campus and The National Centre for Food Manufacturing, located in Holbeach Lincolnshire. Students may also have the chance to visit agri-food companies, helping them to understand the practical applications of their knowledge, and hear from a series of guest speakers on sustainability in the food industry and agri-robotics.

                          YouTube video for Features

                          A Rural Setting

                          Situated just 5km north of Lincoln in a beautiful semi-rural setting, the University's Riseholme Park Campus is home to the Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology, offering short courses in agriculture and agronomy alongside postgraduate and research programmes. It has specialist agri-tech research facilities and a friendly academic and research community.

                          The campus spans more than 200 hectares, incorporating woodlands, parkland, watercourses, and grasslands. It features a working farm and a variety of heritage features, centred around the historic Grade II listed Riseholme Hall.

                          The University's National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM) is based in Holbeach, in south Lincolnshire. This food manufacturing technology hub provides specialist facilities and industry-standard equipment, including analytical laboratories with a test kitchen and sensory testing suite, a technician training centre and processing facilities. It supports industry innovation, productivity and growth within the sector working closely with industry partners.

                          Research

                          The University of Lincoln has launched the world's first Centre for Doctoral Training in Agri-Food Robotics in collaboration with the University of Cambridge and the University of East Anglia. This new advanced training centre in agri-food robotics is creating the largest ever cohort of Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) specialists for the global food and farming sectors, thanks to a multi-million pound funding award the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

                          Explore Our Research
                          YouTube video for Research

                          How to Apply

                          Postgraduate Application Support

                          Applying for a postgraduate programme at Lincoln is easy. Find out more about the application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about the entry requirements we accept and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.

                          How to Apply
                          A student listening in a seminar

                          Interviews

                          All applicants meeting the initial academic requirements for this course are required to undertake an interview with academic staff before a decision concerning the offer of a place can be made. It is expected that applicants will be able to demonstrate a keen interest in agriculture and all aspects of the farm-to-fork process. In order to make this process available to all applicants, we utilise Skype as the preferred medium for those applicants who are not able to travel to Lincoln prior to the start of the programme.

                          Entry Requirements 2023-24

                          Entry Requirements

                          First or second class honours degree or equivalent overseas qualification.

                          We will consider applicants from non-related degrees, with relevant experience.

                          If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications:

                          https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/

                          Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page:

                          https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

                          If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses:

                          https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

                          These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

                          Entry Requirements 2024-25

                          Entry Requirements

                          First or second class honours degree or equivalent overseas qualification. We will consider applicants from non-related degrees, with relevant experience.

                          If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.

                          https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/

                          Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.

                          https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

                          If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses.

                          https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

                          These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

                          Course Fees

                          You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.

                          Course Fees

                          Course Fees

                          You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.

                          Course Fees

                          Funding Your Study

                          Postgraduate Funding Options

                          Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.

                          Explore Funding Options
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                          Career Development

                          This programme is designed to prepare students for a career in one of the world’s largest industries, agri-food. Agriculture companies, food manufacturers, producers, and retailers are large employers, as are government departments that develop food policy.

                          Graduates may pursue careers in technical roles, marketing, distribution, plant supervision, and product development. They may also choose to form their own company, with the help of the University’s award-winning business support centre, Sparkhouse. Some may choose to pursue research and PhD pathways (particularly in the field of agri-robotics).

                          Postgraduate Events

                          To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.

                          Upcoming Postgraduate Events
                          A group of students sat around a table, working together on a project
                          The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.