Postgraduate - Glasgow Caledonian University

MSc Food Bioscience
105
Contact: Prof K Aidoo or Prof R Tester
E: kofi.aidoo@gcal.ac.uk or r.f.tester@gcal.ac.uk
T: +44(0)141 331 8014/8514
W: www.caledonian.ac.uk/sls
Mode of Study & Duration:
Full-time: One year
Number of Places:
20
UK/EU Fees & Funding:
£4,450 per year (2008/09 fees)
Some PSAAS funded places available
Application:
Download a form from our website on
www.caledonian.ac.uk/postgrad
For further information, see page 124 or use
the paper form at the back of this prospectus
Assessment:
Each module will be assessed individually by
a combination of coursework and formal
examinations
Programme Structure:
Semester A: Food Science; Research
Methods for Biomedical Science,
Research Project Planning; Food & Applied
Microbiology
Semester B: Chemical & Instrumental
Analysis of Food; Food Toxicology;
Research Project
Semester C: Industrial Placement
There is a growing demand worldwide for highly trained graduates in food science and
technology (food bioscience) for positions in the food and food-related industries. As the food
industry expands the demand will increase. In the UK, for example, the annual turnover of the
food and drink industry is over £70bn. The MSc degree in Food Bioscience is designed to meet
the demand.
Currently, there is a major shortage of qualified food science graduates in the UK. The Institute of Food
Science & Technology (IFST) has issued a government warning that the food industry will be in trouble
should recruitment of qualified staff not be addressed. International graduates from Glasgow Caledonian
University are now eligible to remain in Scotland for 2 years after graduation to gain employment.
The MSc Food Bioscience programme covers the essential elements of food science at Master’s level.
The focus is to orientate students towards how the food industry works and provide the requisite theoretical
and practical skills to allow the student to gain employment opportunities in these businesses. Employment
opportunities are enhanced by the project and placement elements of the programme which allow for real
‘hands-on’ experience.
The programme operates on a one year, full-time modularised basis. As part of the programme,
students undertake a laboratory based research project, which will be underpinned by a taught module in
research methods. A report on the project will form part of the course assessment and will help students to
further develop their scientific writing skills as well as their knowledge base. Students are also placed in a
food company whereupon they develop interests and expertise in a relevant field of interest.
The Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences has an excellent research record and has an RAE 4
rating. Research interests in the Food Bioscience division include food microbiology, food chemistry and
composition, food texture and properties, food processing, fermentation and novel foods. Further research
concerns aspects of carbohydrate biosynthesis, chemical and physical aspects, nutritional properties and
industrial applications.
Job opportunities in this area are excellent and include the length and breadth of food companies:
food manufacturing; food processing; food produce development and research; food safety, process
development; marketing; universities and other higher education.
Entry requirements are a BSc(Hons) Food Science or technology/biological sciences or equivalent.
International Students:
International students whose first language
is not English shall be required to
demonstrate evidence of satisfactory
competence by completing an IELTS test
with a score of at least 6.0 (with no single
element below 5.5) or by holding another
recognised qualification. Please refer to pg
12 for details
Overseas Fees:
£11,000 (2009 fees)
Scholarships:
Partial scholarships are available and
applicants will be advised of these
arrangements upon receipt of an offer