MSc Food Microbiology

at University College Cork

The MSc in Food Microbiology is a structured one-year full-time course that includes a six-month lab-based research dissertation. The aim of this course is to educate you to an MSc level in food microbiology, emphasising areas in which UCC engages actively in research, e.g. food biotechnology, food fermentation, food safety, food for health. The course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to both the Irish and international food industries.
 

Students take 90 credits as follows:
 

Part I

Core Modules

• MB6006 Library project in Food Microbiology (5 credits)

• MB6027 Research Frontiers in Food Microbiology (5 credits)

• ML6005 Molecular Techniques in the Life Sciences (5 credits)

• PG6001 STEPS - Scientific Training for Enhanced Postgraduate Studies (5 credits)

• MB6010 Analytical Food Microbiology (10 credits)
   

Elective Modules

Students select 25 credits from the following:

• FE6110 Food Markets and Policy (5 credits)

• MB4110 Food Fermentation and Mycology (5 credits)

• MB4111 Microbial Food Safety (5 credits)

• MB4113 Food Biotechnology (5 credits)

• MB6014 Hygienic Production of Food (5 credits)

• MB6103 Functional Foods for Health (5 credits)
   

Part II

• MB6011 Dissertation in Food Microbiology (35 credits)

Candidates must be holders of a minimum Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours BSc degree (NFQ, Level 8), or equivalent qualification, in a discipline with a significant element of laboratory science. However, candidates with equivalent academic qualifications may be accepted subject to the approval of College under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). The number of places is limited and selection will be made on the basis of the candidate's performance in his/her primary degree or interview.
 

Minimum Requirements and Accepted English Language Tests & Examinations

The minimum English language entry requirements for admission onto a postgraduate programme at UCC are outlined below. These requirements are for postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English. If Gaeilge (Irish) is your first language these requirements do not apply to you.
 

There are a small number of programmes with a higher minimum English language entry requirement and we list these below under Programmes with a Higher Minimum English Language Requirement.

IELTS*    

• 6.5 Overall

• 6.0 Individual Skills (academic version)
   

TOEFL iBT    
 

• 90 Overall

• Listening 20

• Reading 19

• Speaking 21

• Writing 20

The EU fee for this course is €6,880.
 

The Non-EU fee for this course is €22,600.

The MSc in Food Microbiology is designed to equip graduates to work in a range of management, research and innovation roles within the Irish and international food, beverage and associated industries. Graduates will be in a position to support new product development, innovation and quality assurance functions in the dairy, meat, consumer foods, soft and alcoholic beverages and food ingredients sectors. Graduates will also be equipped to work in a range of other areas such as contract food-testing laboratories, the regulatory and consumer protection sectors. Graduates also have the option of proceeding to further studies at PhD level.