Food Science

This degree focuses on food analysis and food microbiology as well as product development and quality control. You'll be taught by members of staff who are active within the Institute of Food Science and Technology, and are regularly involved in the food industry as expert consultants. You'll also learn from our food business development colleagues to gain experience in the industry through work placements.

More about this course

This food science degree provides advanced study opportunities that build on your previous experience in an appropriate first degree course enabling the upgrade of existing qualifications, while also developing knowledge and skills.

The course team has particular expertise in food analysis, food microbiology and including food safety, spoilage and fermentations, product development and quality control, as well as an excellent understanding of food sustainability, food policy and nutrition.

This expertise is reflected in the range of modules offered in the MSc with analytical facilities available for study and research, and opportunities to be involved in food analysis, food product development and food manufacturing projects.

The Microbiology Research Unit team provides vital support and research topics for the dissertation element of the course and other staff members are involved in food manufacturing consultancy. London Metropolitan University has an excellent research profile, with food science staff publishing in highly rated journals and supervising PhD students appearing on radio and television as experts.

The structure of the course gives you the essential knowledge and skills for your future career. You can choose to emphasise laboratory-based subjects such as food microbiology and food analysis or areas such as quality assurance or food production and development including sensory analysis. The course develops your knowledge of food manufacturing and processing, analysis and testing packaging, storage, distribution, legal aspects, sustainability and food security.

You'll ultimately become an independent researcher or potential manager, with the ability to critically evaluate food science and apply it to new situations, following either an academic or an industrial related career path.

The assessment strategy for this course not only assesses your knowledge, understanding and abilities but provides a wide range of experience particularly in key skill areas to prepare you for your future career in different areas of the food industry.

You'll gain experience in critical analysis, literature searches, poster presentations, data handling, and analysis and practical skills. Assessments comprise of written assignments, laboratory logs and poster presentations, and there are two exams. Students undertake a research project and submit a final dissertation that is defended in an oral exam.

The course is fully accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST). Students are encouraged to join the IFST as associate members and to attend meetings or industrial visits that the Institute organises. They may transfer to full membership after graduation and a period of professional experience. Membership of IFST allows access to specialist publications, meetings and an international network of food scientists and technologists.

What our students say

“I am proud to have gone through London Metropolitan University and to have been taught by staff who were patient, knowledgeable, motivating and relentless in their support. Their insightful encouragement, infectious enthusiasm and zeal set the stage for me to obtain an MSc with Distinction in Food Science for which I am very pleased. Rudolf Fombum