Master of Science in Bioscience Engineering Technology: Food Industry

The focus of the master programme is set on production processes and technologies applied in the broad food industry. Building on the bachelor's programme, certain product categories will be further explored here. The various techniques and methods to assess product quality and safety are extensively discussed. This knowledge is necessary to control the various production processes and to guarantee the desired product quality.

In addition to the traditional raw materials (vegetable and animal raw materials) and technological aspects of food production, new biotechnological applications or applications from the circular processes in the food industry are also discussed. You will also be triggered to work with the social and sustainability challenges of the food industry. You will have various opportunities to further build on your research and communication skills.

A complete curriculum consists of 60 ECTS.

In the Master's programme there are seven compulsory subjects (32 ECTS). These compulsory subjects have a cross-curricular approach that combines different knowledge domains, which allows you to think like a young professional.

In addition to these compulsory courses, you have the opportunity to compile your curriculum from a nutrition-specific list, according to your own interests, and to deepen your knowledge (at least 8 ECTS). You can also take the opportunity to take on a company internship, in a company of your choice, and gain a real workplace experience in the food industry.

The master's thesis is an important part of this programme (20 ECTS) and is normally spread over a full academic year, although deviations from this rule are possible. Within the master's thesis, you can conduct research within a research group at Ghent University or at another (international) university or conduct application-oriented research in collaboration with the food industry.

The remaining credits can be acquired by choosing from a university-wide list of choices, depending on your own interests.

If you would like to go for an international challenge, we have an offer to various international partner institutions in an exchange context, an international master's thesis or international internship.

The entire food processing chain keeps evolving significantly in terms of technology and calls for a lot of knowledge and creativity. There is therefore a need for food industry engineers in supply, processing, and trade and distribution in positions within quality assurance, product development, purchasing and sales, but also in research, education and consultancy. Employment opportunities are therefore very diverse and demand is high.

A number of our graduates have become successful independent entrepreneurs. Your product and technological knowledge makes you optimally employable as a food industry master's graduate to help to ensure food quality and safety.

Find out what kind of job you can do as an industrial engineer in testimonials from our graduates.