Course Details

Course Code(s):
MSFFPDTFAD/MSFFPDTPAD
Available:
Part-Time
Full-Time
Intake:
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
September
Duration:
1 Year Full-Time / 2 Years Part-Time
Award:
Masters (MSc)
Qualification:
NFQ Level 9 Major Award
Faculty: Science and Engineering
Course Type: Taught, Professional/Flexible
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

Contact(s):

Name: Associate Professor Daniel Granato
Email: Daniel.granato@ul.ie Telephone: +353 (0) 61232609 Web: Biography
Apply Now

Read instructions on how to apply

Express Interest

Register your interest here for more information or to be notified when applications are open.

Brief Description

The Master of Science in Functional Foods and Product Development is an innovative, evidence-based interdisciplinary programme, with research excellence in food science at its centre. Students will explore the theoretical and practical science & technologies behind the development and validation of functional foods, ranging from conceptualization of food development to human interventions and food efficacy. The course program offers a wide variety of Modules that will aid the student to design in vitro (i.e., chemical and cell-based protocols) and in vivo (i.e. yeasts, animals, and human interventions) protocols. Additionally, the student will be able to analyse data and make inferences about the effectiveness/functionality of the ingredient and/or food models developed.

Programme Highlights

-Hands-on experience in sensory and consumer analysis

-Practical experience in developing foods and ingredients

-Practical experience in modelling and optimisation of foods and ingredients

- Emphasis on project management, innovation, business and entrepreneurship

-Focus on the EFSA regulations on Novel Foods and Health Claims

-Experimental research project as a promoter of your analytical skills

Learn more about Course Director, Associate Professor Daniel Granato. 

The M.Sc in Functional Foods & Product Development offered at the University of Limerick (UL) is delivered either over 1 year (full time) or 2 years (part-time). This innovative evidence-based interdisciplinary programme explores the theoretical and practical science and technologies behind the development and validation of functional foods, ranging from conceptualization of food development to human interventions

The Postgraduate Diploma, NFQ level 9 minor award, is open for application on the link below

Functional Foods and Product Development Postgraduate Diploma | University of Limerick (ul.ie)

The Modules are offered in the Department of Biological Sciences (Faculty of Science and Engineering) in collaboration with other M.Sc programmes at UL. They cover a wide range of topics: from EFSA regulation to Clinical trials: sensory analysis, product development, fermentation-based products, functional lipids and protein-based ingredients, nutraceuticals and epidemiology. 

Modules are focused on translational research methods: from idea mining to efficacy in vivo. 

The lectures will be supplemented with additional reading material, assignments, and discussion forums. Through the applied research project, students will develop their scientific and technical skills on different topics, such as analytical and organic chemistry, food technologies, regulatory issues, and oral/writing abilities.

Students may choose either to apply and complete the 90 credits and be granted a M.Sc award or to apply to the Postgraduate Diploma programme and complete 60 credits (no completion of the research project).

Full Time

Autumn Spring Summer
FT6011 Advanced Industrial Food Fermentations and Functionality (6 credits)

 

 FT6012 Industrial by-products and functional foods (6 credits)

 

 FT6003 Research Project (for M.Sc only) (30 credits)

 
FT6021 Protein-based ingredients and functional foods (6 credits)

 

 BY6002 Nutraceuticals and Disease (6 credits)

 

  
FT6031 Clinical Implications of Functional Foods (6 credits)

 

 FT6022 Lipid-based ingredients and functional foods (6 credits)

 

  
FT6041 Product Development and Sensory Properties (6 credits)

 

 PH6032 Scientific Communication and Literature Review (6 credits)

 

  
MP6051 Managing Creativity and Innovation ( 6credits)

 

 FT6002 Nutritional Epidemiology & Translational Research Methods (6 credits)

 

  

 

Part-time Year 1

Autumn Spring
FT6041 Product Development and Sensory Properties (6 credits) BY6002 Nutraceuticals and Disease (6 credits)

 
MP6051 Managing Creativity and Innovation (6 credits)

 

 FT6022 Lipid-based ingredients and functional foods (6 credits)

 
  PH6032 Scientific Communication and  Literature Review (6 credits)

 

 

Part-time Year 2

Autumn Spring Summer
FT6011 Advanced Industrial Food Fermentations & Functionality (6 credits)

 

 FT6012 Industrial by-products and functional foods (6 credits)

 

 FT6003 Research Project (for M.Sc only) (30 credits)

 
 

FT6021 Protein-based ingredients and functional foods (6 credits)

 

 FT6002 Nutritional Epidemiology & Translational Research Methods (6 credits)

 

  
FT6031 Clinical Implications of Functional Foods (6 credits)

 

    

Content of the modules can be found by using the search option on the Book of Modules

Applicants should normally have a primary degree (Level 8 - NFQ or other internationally recognized equivalent) with a minimum second-class hons, in a relevant branch of Food Science and Health Sciences (i.e., Nutrition and Pharmacy) or Food, Biosciences, Bioprocessing/Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering. Degrees in Chemistry, Food Technology, Food Engineering, and Biology are also accepted.

Applicants who do not meet the requirements above may be considered under the University of Limerick Recognition of Prior Learning policy. 

Please note that applicants may be called for interview as part of the application process. 

WHAT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION:

  • Qualification transcripts and certificates
  • An up-to date Curriculum Vitae outlining your work experience (with details of each role you have held) and your technical skills
  • A copy of your birth certificate or passport
  • If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice
  • If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
  • English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
  • English language competency certificate
  • Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements

Full Time:

EU - €7,164 

Non- EU - €18,000

Part Time:

EU - €4,488 per annum 

Non- EU - €11,200 per annum 

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)

 

Please click here for information on funding and scholarships.

Graduates from this course can choose a career in the areas of Food technology, Nutrition, Food chemistry and their related positions in research and development. Graduates will be able to work across a diverse range of environments to include food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries, and in academia (i.e., PhD studies). Graduates may be eligible to progress to further post-graduate research, leading to potential career options in research institutions and academia.

Food Science Testimonial

 

Still Curious?

The team from the faculty of Science & Engineering regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.

Online Information Sessions