Functional Foods and Product Development

Overview

The new Master of Science in Functional Foods and Product Development Programme is in-line with the UL strategic plan by supporting and sharing expertise and knowledge through education, research, and engagement for the benefit of the graduates and the enrichment of society.

The programme is innovative, up-to-date and is paved with research excellence in food science, which is a novel and top-notch approach in UL and in IrelandThe Postgraduate Diploma/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 to assess the 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 Content

The Modules are offered in the Department of Biological Sciences (Faculty of Science and Engineering) in collaboration with other M.Sc programmes at UL. 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.

Observation : During registration, the student may choose either to complete the 90 credits and be granted a M.Sc diploma or to complete 60 credits (no completion of the research project) and be granted a postgraduate diploma.

Entry Requirements

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.

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 (long document)
• 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 (for more information click here ).