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.
Advanced Food Safety highlights
Internationally Renowned Experts
You’ll study at a University which is ranked No 1 in the UK for Agriculture, Food & Veterinary Sciences (REF 2021) and be taught and work alongside researchers at the very forefront of food safety research and learning. Delivered by world leading research staff at the Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS), the MSc programme focuses on new and emerging food safety issues and on developments in analytical approaches need to monitor and regulate food safety, authenticity and security. You will gain an understanding and practical experience in the use of conventional and emerging state-of-the art analytical technologies. https://www.qub.ac.uk/Research/GRI/TheInstituteforGlobalFoodSecurity/
Student Experience
Advanced Food Safety MSc 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 modules 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. https://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/in-sessional-english/
World Class Facilities
Purpose-built teaching and research facilities within the Institute for Global Food Security based within the Biological Sciences Building at Queen’s University Belfast. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6FX4B65Zjk
Professional Accreditations
The programme has underwent a professional accreditation process overseen by the Institute for Food Science and Technology (IFST). This provides quality assurance that the programme offers students ‘the best possible food-related education’.
Student Testimonials
“The interaction with world-leading food safety researchers and new technologies on this programme proved invaluable in advancing my career within my home country of China”
Xiaochen Yu
MSc Advanced Food Safety https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksoFKGG2vl0
You will learn about emerging issues within the field of food safety, and focus on analytical approaches to monitor and regulate food safety, authenticity and security.
You will study core topics in the field:
Food safety, health and disease;
Food authenticity and traceability;
Chemical/biological hazards in animal feed and human food;
Current and emerging analytical technologies to prevent food safety incidents.
MODULE TOPICS
You’ll be assessed by continuous assessment in the following areas:
Food Safety, Health and Disease
Advanced Food Bioanalysis
Agri-food Traceability and Fraud
Foundations for Research in the Biosciences
Literature Review
Biological Mass Spectrometry
Bio-entrepreneurship and Advanced Skills
Research Project (triple module)
You’ll complete a dissertation-based food safety related research project.
FACILITIES
As you might expect for this ever-changing field of research, you’ll gain knowledge on both conventional techniques and the latest bioanalytical instrumentation used within the field of food security and safety.
These include:
GC, HPLC and UPLC separation platforms
QqQ, ICP, qToF and IR mass spectrometer analysers
Bioanalytical / Immuno-assay detection systems
Multiplex / nanoparticle biosensor platforms
Antibody production and biomolecule binder development
FTIR, NIR, Raman and NMR spectroscopic instrumentation
Cell culture and microbiological research facilities
Proteomic and metabolomic profiling approaches
Next-generation sequencing / RT-PCR genomic tools
Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below:
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At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.
On the MSc in Advanced Food Safety we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.
Across a combination of morning and afternoon classes, examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are lectures, practical laboratory experiences, self-directed study and supervised research work to enhance employability.
Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
Continuous assessment of coursework, and assessment of modules based solely on submitted work related to private individual study - There are no formal written examinations.
A major component of this programme will involve the completion of a food safety related independent research project under the supervision of a member of IGFS research staff.
What our academics say
"One of the key benefits of coming to study Food Safety at Queen’s University is the access provided to state-of-the-art equipment and demonstrated application of techniques based on their use in modern food safety control and analysis.
Students will develop knowledge and gain hands on experience of both conventional routine equipment used in diagnostic laboratories and also new research equipment that in future years will be applied more widely across the sector."
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
How to write a research proposal, how to search literature database, how to generate ideas, the scientific method, Experimental design, introduction to statistics, Ethics in research, Impact in research, how to communicate science.
Learning Outcomes
Students completing this module should understand the process by which scientific research is developed through the construction of a research proposal. They should understand the process of generating ideas, formulating and testing hypotheses, the role of data analysis and statistics in experimental design, the ethical implications of research and how to develop the impact of their research on society.
Skills
Experimental design; selection of appropriate statistical tests; introduction to commonly used computer packages; time management; project planning; synthesis and collation of literature from electronic sources; personal development and planning; presenting and communicating scientific results.
Research project carrying out scientific research at an appropriate level for a Masters degree i.e. professional scientific research; preparation and presentation of written and oral reports
Learning Outcomes
After completion of the research project students will have gained experience in scientific research at a level appropriate to the Masters degree i.e. professional scientific research; they will have gained experience in data collection and analysis and they will be able to contribute to design and communicate scientific research in a written form.
Skills
Communication of scientific research; problem solving; independent learning.
Exploration of various biological and chemical agents potentially present in animal feeds and human foods and examination of associated links to human health defects/disease progression. Description of hazard and contaminant routes into the agri-food supply chain and the potential health impacts associated with the consumption of contaminated foods. Examination of the acute and chronic effects of exposure to chemical biotoxins in food and persistent environmental pollutants which bioaccumulate through the food chain. Positive aspects of food and implications for the use of food constituents such as nutraceuticals for health promotion/disease prevention purposes.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to: i) demonstrate knowledge on topical issues linking food consumption, food safety and human health risks; and ii) assess the risks associated with a range of biological and chemical contaminants within the food chain.
Skills
Transferability/Employability: Oral and written communication; obtaining information from published literature. Subject specific: increased knowledge of key aspects linking food to human health. Cognitive skills: apply acquired knowledge to task management within group working situations.
Principles behind new emerging screening technologies for rapid/early detection of feed/food contamination incidents and farm animal diseases. Overviews of applications of various test platforms to include Time of Flight mass spectrometry, biosensor-based technologies, spectrometric approaches and ELISA's in food safety analysis will be delivered and complemented by hands-on practical experience in the use of relevant instrumentation.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the module students will be able to: i) demonstrate understanding of the principles behind a range of analytical tools used in food analysis; ii) collate data obtained from a range of analytical techniques and communicate this information in a meaningful format to facilitate assessment of findings; and iii) critically evaluate different forms of testing and apply this knowledge in food-related applications.
Skills
Transferability/Employability: Oral and written communication; time keeping and awareness of laboratory health and safety; completing analysis of acquired data; reporting of experimental findings in appropriate format for interpretation; obtaining information and comparing findings from published literature; task management within group working situations. Subject specific: increased knowledge and practical skills in key aspects of food safety analysis. Cognitive skills: apply acquired knowledge to solve practical problems and relate theory to practice.
Examples of highly varied, internationally relevant and difficult to detect incidences of food fraud and compromised food traceability will be examined. The range and types of food fraud will be discussed and the means of detecting such incidences to ensure that food is safe, wholesome and authentic demonstrated. Regulatory requirements and associated challenges to the maintenance of food quality/safety will be elucidated highlighting the need for sensitive analytical techniques which can assist in such tasks. The economic consequences of food product recalls due to food contamination incidents will be assessed highlighting the need for traceability across the whole food supply chain, together with an exploration of consumer willingness to pay for improvements to aspects of food safety and traceability.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the module students will be able to: i) demonstrate knowledge of the various forms of food fraud prevalent at a local and global level; ii) assess potential impacts which incidents related to intentional and unintentional compromising of food chain integrity have on consumer confidence and food company survival; and iii) identify ways to mitigate against and monitor for compromised food integrity.
Skills
Transferability/Employability: Oral and written communication; obtaining information and comparing findings from published literature; task management within group working situations. Subject specific: Increased knowledge and appreciation of key outcomes related to incidents of compromised food integrity and associated economic consequences.
Prepare a review of the literature in the field related to your project or selected research area, using primary scientific literature.
Learning Outcomes
Students should be able to access a wide range of primary scientific literature; gain subject-specific knowledge' be able to read, comprehend, interpret and integrate scientific literature; organise a scientific topic under a series of sub-headings or categories; report in writing on a scientific topic
Skills
Literature searching; referencing of literature; scientific writing; presenting an argument; independent learning skills
Fundamentals of bio-entrepreneurship; business and financial planning; routes to market: the role of R&D in the Biotech industry; intellectual property; literature critiquing; solving quantitative problems in the molecular biosciences.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the module students should be able to understand the diverse routes by which discoveries and inventions can be taken to market and be exploited for profit. This includes the framework for the development of a business plan in the bioscience industries. They will also have gained additional enhanced skills relevant to employment in the molecular biosciences including the nature of clinical trials. Students should be able to critically evaluate the contents of research papers and solve quantitative problems in the molecular biosciences.
Skills
Transferability/employability: oral and written communication; obtaining information from diverse sources including published literature and the Internet. Teamworking. Critical evaluation of data. Subject specific: increased knowledge in key aspects of bio-entrepreneurship. Ability to solve quantitative problems. Cognitive skills: apply acquired knowledge in key aspects of bio-entrepreneurship. Cognitive skills: apply acquired knowledge to solve practical problems. Preparation of business plan report.
Biological Mass Spectrometry: Methods and Applications
Overview
Mass spectrometry forms the basis of many analytical techniques in the biological and life sciences. This module will give students a foundation in the theory of mass spectrometry and how it can be applied to the study of biological systems. This will include the fundamentals of mass spectrometry instrumentation, ionisation, and chromatography and explore applications in targeted analysis, proteomics, and metabolomics. The majority of the course material will be broadly applicable across the biological sciences, but some course topics and assessments will include material, such as case studies and literature critiques, that are directly related to their postgraduate degree programme.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
LO1: Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of mass spectrometry and associated methodologies.
LO2: Explain and critically evaluate the application of mass spectrometry for the targeted analysis of compounds in biological systems and matrices.
LO3: Describe the purpose and role of proteomics in life science research and critique the major mass spectrometry-based methods available to researchers
LO4: Define the purpose of metabolomics and consider the benefits and drawbacks of the use of mass spectrometry in its study.
LO5: Critically evaluate research papers using mass spectrometry that outlines an application in degree programme area of the student.
LO6: Analyse a raw mass spectrum and describe the methods which could be used for automated data analysis.
LO7: Identify the main uses of mass spectrometry in their degree programme area of study and describe the broader research and industry uses across the biological and life sciences.
LO8: Effectively communicate the application of biological mass spectrometry to their degree programme area of study and critically evaluate its performance.
Skills
Skills acquired and developed in this module will include transferable skills including: (T1) oral and written communication; (T2) critical analysis and evaluation of scientific data and literature; (T3) problem solving; and (T4) time management; and subject specific skills including: (S1) manual interpretation of mass spectra; (S2) understanding of mass spectrometry instrumentation; and (S3) analysis of complex data.
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.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally not later than 31st July 2025. 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.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 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.
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.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_jB4c5PHHM
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Denis Lynn Scholarship for Sustainable Food Innovation
This scholarship will be awarded by Finnebrogue Artisan and is open to students studying the Masters in Advanced Food Safety. Scholarship applications are invited via an online application form here: http://go.qub.ac.uk/denislynn. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to an on-line interview. For more details on the Denis Lynn Scholarship for Sustainable Food Innovation please see http://go.qub.ac.uk/flipbook and http://go.qub.ac.uk/bio-sci-dlynn
Students are required to buy a laboratory coat at a cost of £10.
Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications:
1.1 Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications.
1.2 You will be required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the course. The current mandatory tuition fee deposit payment is:
• £400 for Domestic (NI/ROI/GB) students
• £1000 International (Non- EU & EU except ROI).
1.3 This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.