Food Safety & Biotechnology - Research

Overview

Research Strategies

This programme focuses on applied aspects of advanced and emerging analytical technologies to address current issues in food safety, nutrition and food supply. It covers the entire food chain from farm to fork and places a strong emphasis on the link between improved food safety and nutrition and improved public health.



Research Strengths

• Advanced and emerging technological and analytical platforms (biosensors, isotopic and omics)

• Animal food and feed safety

• Animal health and disease diagnostics

• Antimicrobial resistance in the food chain

• Global food security

• Food and nutrition metabolomics

• Food and nutrition quality measurements

• Food chemistry

• Food safety detection methodology

• Food traceability and authenticity

• Immunodiagnostics for food contaminant and toxin detection

• Natural compounds and their health applications

• Novel and functional foods

• Therapeutic biomolecules

Entrance requirements

Graduate

The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.



International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country 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.

How to Apply

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



Find a supervisor

If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.



To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles at https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-research/find-a-phd-supervisor/?school=Queen%27s%20Business%20School



You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.

Assessment processes for the Research Degree differ from taught degrees. Students will be expected to present drafts of their work at regular intervals to their supervisor who will provide written and oral feedback; a formal assessment process takes place annually.


This Annual Progress Review requires students to present their work in writing and orally to a panel of academics from within the School. Successful completion of this process will allow students to register for the next academic year.


The final assessment of the research degree is both oral and written. Students will submit their thesis to an internal and external examining team who will review the written thesis before inviting the student to orally defend their work at a Viva Voce.


Feedback

Supervisors will offer feedback on draft work at regular intervals throughout the period of registration on the degree

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Introduction

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

Research Strengths

Advanced and emerging technological and analytical platforms (biosensors, isotopic and omics)

Animal food and feed safety

Animal health and disease diagnostics

Global food security

Food and nutrition metabolomics

Food and nutrition quality measurements

Food chemistry

Food safety detection methodology

Food traceability and authenticity

Immunodiagnostics for food contaminant and toxin detection

Natural compounds and their health applications

Novel and functional foods

Therapeutic biomolecules