Food Chain Systems MSc

• Available full or part-time
• Fee bursaries available

About the course

Increasing consumer awareness and demand regarding food quality, nutrition and safety issues coupled with intensifying competition within the rapidly changing food industry, has created a demand for individuals who are able to drive success in the management of key food chains in a modern global economic market.

Cranfield’s Food Chain Systems MSc has been developed as a result of extensive industry-led and market research. It represents a unique offering within the UK and Europe in that it examines the whole of the food chain from pre-harvest to market through the integration of science, technology and management, with the overall aim of enhancing the quality and safety of food.

The holistic approach of the MSc responds to the increasingly integrated food supply chain (‘farm to fork’) and will equip you with the relevant knowledge, skills and practical experience needed to pursue the many opportunities available in today’s food industry (one of the only industries not to be hit by the recession).

The course is suitable for new graduates from a science or technology background who are interested in a career within the food industry. The course is also ideal for professionals already working in the industry who would like to train to further their careers. Available on a full and part-time basis the course offers flexibility and support for those who wish to train whilst remaining in employment.

The MSc comprises a formal taught ten-modules, an integrated component and a research project and thesis. For the part-time course modules are delivered over five days and can be attended over a maximum of three years - minimalising time away from the workplace.

Students can benefit from an industry project placement, encouraging them to make contact with potential employers before even completing their degree. Professionals following the part-time option normally carry out their project at their place of work allowing them to apply their training and make an immediate impact in their own environment.

Duration of course:

Full-time - one year
Part-time - up to three years

Award type:

MSc/ PgDip

Entry Requirements:

1st or 2nd class UK honours degree, or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as a food science, food technology, microbiology or science or technology related subject. Candidates with appropriate professional experience wishing to develop their careers are also invited to apply. Where applicable, students must achieve a minimum International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 92. For further information click here. Our Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes courses offer pre-sessional training in English.