International Food Safety, Sustainability and Innovation | MSc

Welcome to MSc International Food Safety, Sustainability and Innovation

The MSc in International Food Safety, Sustainability and Innovation takes a holistic, farm-to-fork approach, acknowledging that optimised sector performance and control often requires interconnection of key practices and initiatives across the supply chain. The MSc programme is delivered part-time through online distance learning, and is tailored to the needs of individuals progressing their career in technical management, and also those seeking to advance careers in quality, hygiene, and product/process development roles.

Developed in collaboration with food and drink industry practitioners and businesses, this programme offers the opportunity to develop and expand expert knowledge in food safety, sustainability, and innovation. All of which will underpin management and leadership capability when seeking to advance related food and drink sector initiatives.

The course introduces significant and recent food safety trends across the supply chain, providing both a UK and international focus. Students have the opportunity to develop an extensive knowledge of safety and authenticity technologies of benefit to the food and drink manufacturing sector, advancing specialism in aspects of technical management and encompassing areas such as hygiene, product development, leadership, and performance monitoring, spanning the control and assurance of quality, safety, and legality.

How You Study

The programme is a two and a half year part-time Master's degree, comprising online study modules and and a research-based project. Teaching is delivered through our Virtual Learning Platform (VLE) and through online tutor and student discussion, online critique of research papers, and guided reading, alongside fieldwork within a technical role.

Students complete 120 credits within taught modules and then conduct a significant large-scale individual project including research methodology skills and techniques forming 60 credits.

An Introduction to Your 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.

Analytical Technologies for Food Safety and Authenticity 2023-24FDS9108MLevel 72023-24Food safety and food fraud continue to be a global challenge that threatens consumers health and increases risks of litigation from consumers. This module introduces current and emerging analytical technologies to ensure food safety along the food value chain. These include, but are not limited to, analytical techniques for the detection of various food hazards including allergenic, biological, chemical, and physical hazards. Students are exposed to the fundamentals and applications of rapid and sophisticated analytical approaches underpinned by research, which can enhance their confidence and competence in food safety and authenticity. Students will also be introduced to validation of analytical techniques used in food safety by government bodies to prove the reliability of method results within well-defined limits (harmonisation of analytical methods). Students will also have the opportunity of developing their skills in critical evaluation of scientific literature and writing.CoreFood Industry Research Project 2023-24FDS9113MLevel 72023-24Students will undertake a research project from a broad spectrum of food industry options, based upon a food safety or food safety culture, sustainability, or innovation. The module provides an opportunity to carry out research to expand knowledge and develop skills.CoreFood Industry Supply Chain Integrity and Sustainability 2023-24FDS9110MLevel 72023-24 This module introduces current critical awareness and opportunities for developing sustainable supply chains that consider the international food system, use of global resources, and population. As the global population increases and international awareness of global climate intensifies, the module will consider new sustainability initiatives that will deliver Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) alongside technologies that are used to enhance the value of food supply chains. This will be achieved by demonstrating how assessments of food and non-food resources such as energy, gases, critical minerals, and metals must be considered in the modern supply chain if resilience is established (and defined), safety is enhanced, and risks are reduced.CoreFood Process Management and Innovations 2023-24FDS9111MLevel 72023-24In a competitive environment, department senior managers will be expected to lead their departments to deliver strategic benefits, and these improvements are likely to carry some form of risk. This module directs students through process improvements, innovations, and the use of digitalisation technologies through continuous improvement strategies to critically evaluate the value and potential risk of innovation and how to lead the delivery of change within the department/organisation and the impact that it has.CoreFood Safety Leadership and Quality Culture 2023-24FDS9112MLevel 72023-24This module will examine key food safety technologies including, food safety culture, quality assurance, and technical innovations within the food and drink industries. Food safety management knowledge alongside skills of product safety, quality, and legality will support to explore, with a critical methodology, up-to-date food safety risks within the industry.Core

How you are assessed

A wide range of assessment methods are used and these vary based on the subject content and learning outcomes expected for each module. Example of assessment may include multiple-choice questions, open book exercises, assignments, posters, case studies, presentations, and practical/research-based time constrained assessment. E-portfolios are encouraged to support evidence in self-development highlighting skills and behaviours gained throughout the programme.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

First or second class honours degree or equivalent overseas qualification. We will consider applicants with non-related degrees or with relevant vocational and professional qualifications gained whilst working within the food and drink industry.

Candidates will also need to have a minimum of two years food or drink industry experience and be employed in a managerial or supervisory role within the food or drink industry, or related industry.

Mathematics and English requirements:

GCSE Mathematics and English at grade C/4 or above. Equivalents are accepted for example Functional Skills Level 2 or IELTS 6.0.

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.

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/

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.

Programme Fees

Key Information

MSc International Food Safety, Sustainability and Innovation