Skip to Content
MSc|Postgraduate Taught

Advanced Food Safety

Entry year
2024/25
Entry requirements
2.2
Duration
1 year (Full-time)
Places available
- (Full Time)

The MSc in Advanced Food Safety is tailored towards students seeking to develop a career within the agri-food industry and related sectors, and offers the opportunity to obtain a unique internationally recognised qualification from a global leader in the fields of food safety and food security.

With an ever increasing global population, climate change challenges and changing geo-political dynamics, the world’s food production and supply chains are under increased pressure, and issues relating to food safety and food security are of key concern for all. The Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS) at QUB is one of the University’s four Global Research Institutes, and is leading the world in addressing one of the greatest threats posed by these challenges – how to ensure the continuing security and safety of our food supplies.

The MSc Advanced Food Safety programme is delivered by IGFS researchers and focuses on the new and emerging issues threatening food safety and food security, and concentrates on the utilisation of recent developments in analytical approaches to monitor and regulate food integrity, authenticity and security.

International students will be provided with access to additional free course content aimed at helping students of all levels of English language to improve their written accuracy, structure and criticality. English and Academic Skills courses focused primarily at our international students are offered throughout the academic year by qualified teachers of English for Academic Purposes. Students can also book 1:1 sessions for individual guidance on English language and academic skills at any point.

Due to the popularity of this programme, applicants are advised to apply as early as possible, and ideally no later than 30th June for courses which commence in mid-September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

Please note a deposit may be required to guarantee a place on the course. Due to high demand, applications may not be considered if the course has reached its maximum class size and will be placed on a waiting list. Please see deposit terms and conditions for more details.

Advanced Food Safety highlights

Internationally Renowned Experts

You’ll study at a University which is ranked No 1 in the UK for Agriculture, Food & Veterinary Sciences (REF 2021) and be taught and work alongside researchers at the very forefront of food safety research and learning. Delivered by world leading research staff at the Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS), the MSc programme focuses on new and emerging food safety issues and on developments in analytical approaches need to monitor and regulate food safety, authenticity and security. You will gain an understanding and practical experience in the use of conventional and emerging state-of-the art analytical technologies.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/Research/GRI/TheInstituteforGlobalFoodSecurity/

Student Experience

Advanced Food Safety MSc students will be provided with access to additional free course content aimed at helping students of all levels of English language to improve their written accuracy, structure and criticality. English and Academic Skills modules focused primarily at our international students are offered throughout the academic year by qualified teachers of English for Academic Purposes. Students can also book 1:1 sessions for individual guidance on English language and academic skills at any point.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/in-sessional-english/

World Class Facilities

Purpose-built teaching and research facilities within the Institute for Global Food Security based within the Biological Sciences Building at Queen’s University Belfast.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6FX4B65Zjk

Professional Accreditations

The programme has underwent a professional accreditation process overseen by the Institute for Food Science and Technology (IFST). This provides quality assurance that the programme offers students ‘the best possible food-related education’.

Course Structure

1.0

Introduction

You will learn about emerging issues within the field of food safety, and focus on analytical approaches to monitor and regulate food safety, authenticity and security.


You will study core topics in the field:

Food safety, health and disease;
Food authenticity and traceability;
Chemical/biological hazards in animal feed and human food;
Current and emerging analytical technologies to prevent food safety incidents.


MODULE TOPICS
You’ll be assessed by continuous assessment in the following areas:
Food Safety, Health and Disease
Advanced Food Bioanalysis
Agri-food Traceability and Fraud


Foundations for Research in the Biosciences
Literature Review
Biological Mass Spectrometry
Bio-entrepreneurship and Advanced Skills

Research Project (triple module)
You’ll complete a dissertation-based food safety related research project.

FACILITIES
As you might expect for this ever-changing field of research, you’ll gain knowledge on both conventional techniques and the latest bioanalytical instrumentation used within the field of food security and safety.

These include:

GC, HPLC and UPLC separation platforms
QqQ, ICP, qToF and IR mass spectrometer analysers
Bioanalytical / Immuno-assay detection systems
Multiplex / nanoparticle biosensor platforms
Antibody production and biomolecule binder development
FTIR, NIR, Raman and NMR spectroscopic instrumentation
Cell culture and microbiological research facilities
Proteomic and metabolomic profiling approaches
Next-generation sequencing / RT-PCR genomic tools

People teaching you

School of Biological Sciences

School of Biological Sciences

School of Biological Sciences

School of Biological Sciences

School of Biological Sciences

School of Biological Sciences

Global Food Security
mark.mooney@qub.ac.uk

School of Biological Sciences

School of Biological Sciences
https://twitter.com/QUBFoodProf

School of Biological Sciences

School of Biological Sciences

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below:

  • _

    At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.

    On the MSc in Advanced Food Safety we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.

    Across a combination of morning and afternoon classes, examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are lectures, practical laboratory experiences, self-directed study and supervised research work to enhance employability.

Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

  • Continuous assessment of coursework, and assessment of modules based solely on submitted work related to private individual study - There are no formal written examinations.

    A major component of this programme will involve the completion of a food safety related independent research project under the supervision of a member of IGFS research staff.

What our academics say

PREV
Overview

NEXT
Modules

Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2023/24). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

  • Year 1

    Core Modules

    Optional Modules

Entrance requirements

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above in a relevant area of science or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds, therefore applicants who do not meet the above academic requirements but hold a degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) and can demonstrate appropriate postgraduate experience, will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2024 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

Please note: A deposit will be required to secure a place on this course.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

  • Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
  • Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

PREV
Modules

NEXT
Careers

Career Prospects

Introduction

The Institute for Global Food Security has strong links with industry, companies and government bodies, and is internationally recognised as a leading player in food safety education and research, so completing this course will provide you with excellent employment opportunities both locally and further afield. Previous graduates have gone on to employment in; International agri-food sector companies; Diagnostic service provision companies; Research and regulatory analyst laboratories; and many have gone on to pursue further PhD-level study both at QUB and at other leading Universities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_jB4c5PHHM

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £8,800
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £8,800
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £8,800
EU Other 3 £25,800 (less a £6,000 discount for 2024 entry)
International £25,800 (less a £6,000 discount for 2024 entry)

1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

Denis Lynn Scholarship for Sustainable Food Innovation

This scholarship will be awarded by Finnebrogue Artisan and is open to students studying the Masters in Advanced Food Safety. Scholarship applications are invited via an online application form here: http://go.qub.ac.uk/denislynn. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to an on-line interview. For more details on the Denis Lynn Scholarship for Sustainable Food Innovation please see http://go.qub.ac.uk/flipbook and http://go.qub.ac.uk/bio-sci-dlynn

Students are required to buy a laboratory coat at a cost of £10.

Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications 

1.1  Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications. 
1.2  You will be required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the course.
1.3  This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.

Read the full terms and conditions at the link below:
https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/MHLS/terms-and-conditions/

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How do I fund my study?

The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.

A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.

More information on funding options and financial assistance - please check this link regularly, even after you have submitted an application, as new scholarships may become available to you.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.

PREV
Careers

NEXT
Apply

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

When to Apply

The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2021. In the event that any programme receives a high volume of applications, the university reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 30th June deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Entry Portal (DAP) against the programme application page.

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Download a prospectus