Advanced Food Safety

Overview

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.

Core Modules

Food Safety, Health and Disease (20 credits)

Advanced Food Bioanalysis (20 credits)

Agri-Food Traceability and Fraud (20 credits)

Research Skills and Bio-entrepreneurship (20 credits)

Research Project: Advanced Food Safety (60 credits)

Literature Review: Advanced Food Safety (20 credits)



Optional Modules

Biological Mass Spectrometry: Methods and Applications (20 credits)

Bioinformatics and Systems Biology (20 credits)

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.



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 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.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally not later than 31st July 2026. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.



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

1 year full-time.

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

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.