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Professor Mark Swainson - Academic Contact
Professor Mark Swainson is Deputy Head of the National Centre for Food Manufacturing and lead for Higher Education and Research. His industrial food manufacturing sector expertise was developed whilst working in senior Technical and Operations Management roles within the high risk chilled and frozen food industry, for suppliers of a wide range of products to the major supermarkets, food manufacturing and food service sectors. Since joining the University Mark has progressed industry based research and work with businesses on bespoke projects in order to address specific food industry needs and issues.
Academic Staff List Make an EnquiryWelcome to MPhil/PhD Food Manufacturing and Technology
The University of Lincoln's National Centre for Food Manufacturing is an internationally recognised provider of education and research in the food manufacturing and technology sector.
Our research expertise include food chemistry, microbiology, product development, quality and safety systems, food manufacturing robotics and automation, sustainability, and technical management. Research conducted by postgraduate students in the Centre has had practical applications in improving safety, quality, and efficiency in food manufacturing. Previous research project areas have included food safety and quality assurance, sensory analysis, packaging systems, food manufacturing technologies, resource efficiency, process automation, and robotic applications.
Academics who have held key research roles working with industry will be available to supervise and advise students throughout this research programme. This includes Dr Bukola Onarinde (Food Analysis/Microbiology/Chemistry) and Dr Wayne Martindale (Food Insights and Sustainability). Students have access to specialist equipment and have the opportunity to conduct in-depth research in a specific area of interest.
Welcome to MPhil/PhD Food Manufacturing and Technology
The University of Lincoln's National Centre for Food Manufacturing is an internationally recognised provider of education and research in the food manufacturing and technology sector.
Our research expertise include food chemistry, microbiology, product development, quality and safety systems, food manufacturing robotics and automation, sustainability, and technical management. Research conducted by postgraduate students in the Centre has had practical applications in improving safety, quality, and efficiency in food manufacturing. Previous research project areas have included food safety and quality assurance, sensory analysis, packaging systems, food manufacturing technologies, resource efficiency, process automation, and robotic applications.
Academics who have held key research roles working with industry will be available to supervise and advise students throughout this research programme. This includes Dr Bukola Onarinde (Food Analysis/Microbiology/Chemistry) and Dr Wayne Martindale (Food Insights and Sustainability). Students have access to specialist equipment and have the opportunity to conduct in-depth research in a specific area of interest.
Where You Will Study
The National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM) is a satellite campus based 50 miles from Lincoln in the heart of the UK’s largest food manufacturing cluster. Students are able to benefit from these close links to industry and outstanding specialist food facilities. Please note that the NCFM campus does not have residential facilities and our postgraduate students tend to find their own accommodation locally.
How You Study
Research students on this programme will have two supervisors assigned to them, each with specialist knowledge in their fields. These supervisors are available to monitor and support students throughout the duration of their research project in the form of regular meetings.
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the majority of time is spent in independent study and research. Students will have meetings with their academic supervisors, but the frequency of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and stage of programme.
How You Study
Research students on this programme will have two supervisors assigned to them, each with specialist knowledge in their fields. These supervisors are available to monitor and support students throughout the duration of their research project in the form of regular meetings.
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the majority of time is spent in independent study and research. Students will have meetings with their academic supervisors, but the frequency of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and stage of programme.
Research Areas and Topics
The National Centre for Food Manufacturing has expertise in the following areas:
- Food microbiology and safety
- Food chemistry
- Food manufacturing systems (e.g. lean manufacturing, packaging, automation)
- Food process engineering
- New product development and sensory sciences
- Food quality and safety systems
- Food manufacturing robotics
- Food industry digitalisation
- Sustainability and carbon net zero
Examples of research undertaken previously include:
- Food safety and novel decontamination techniques
- Heat processing and safety of low moisture foods
- Packaging and seal integrity
- Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) of fresh fruits and vegetables
- Antimicrobial materials
- Quality improvement of dried fruits
- Resource efficiency of vegetable processing
- Food Safety Culture
- Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) analysis
Further insight into research conducted at NCFM can be found at: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/holbeach/research/.
How you are assessed
A PhD is usually awarded based on the quality of a student's thesis and ability to present and successfully defend their chosen research topic in an oral examination (viva voce). They are also expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding.
How you are assessed
A PhD is usually awarded based on the quality of a student's thesis and ability to present and successfully defend their chosen research topic in an oral examination (viva voce). They are also expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding.
Postgraduate Research Enrolment
To support your experience within the postgraduate research community, new students are encouraged to enrol in October, February, or May. In addition to meeting peers across the University who are starting their research programme at the same time, there is access to a central training programme designed around the first three months of study, and targeted support aligned to each stage of the postgraduate research journey. Alternative enrolment dates may be agreed with your supervisor on an individual basis.
Entry Requirements 2022-23
First or upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject.
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. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills
Entry Requirements 2023-24
First or upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject.
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. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills
Fees and Funding
For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.
Fees and Funding
For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.
Career Opportunities
This programme can support graduates in a range of food sector related careers. It may be especially relevant for careers in food science, product and process development, both in industry as well as in research institutes.
Postgraduate Events
Find out more about how postgraduate study can help further your career, develop your knowledge, or even prepare you to start your own business at one of our postgraduate events.
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Research at Lincoln
Our research themes cover a unique set of areas, reflecting our role as a civic university and our aspirations to become thought leaders.

Studentships
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Supporting your Research
Support is available across the University, offering a friendly, creative, and academically challenging research environment.