The MSc (Food Microbiology) is a full-time programme running for 12 months from the date of first registration for the programme.

Candidates must be holders of an honours BSc degree, or equivalent qualification, in a discipline with a significant element of laboratory science, with a minimum of second class honours Grade 2 or equivalent. However, candidates with equivalent academic qualifications may be accepted subject to the approval of College. 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.

Modules will be chosen with the approval of the Programme Board depending on student's background.

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)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2019/2020 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2019/2020.

Postgraduate Certificate in Food Microbiology
Students who attain a pass (40%) in each of the taught modules, but do not reach the 50% threshold across 6 of the 7 taught modules: MB4110, MB4111, MB4113, MB6014, MB6027, MB6103 and MB6010 required to progress to the research dissertation will be conferred with a Postgraduate Certificate in Food Microbiology. Similarly, students who pass the taught modules and do not wish to complete the research dissertation may opt to be conferred with a Postgraduate Certificate in Food Microbiology.

Learning Outcomes for MSc (Food Microbiology) (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Present as a dissertation original research in food microbiology and an evaluation of the associated scientific literature;
• Explain the principles of, and apply in practice, techniques used in food microbiology research;
• Gain an understanding of the practical value of food microbiology in ensuring food quality and food safety;
• Recognise the importance of food microbiology in developing new, innovative and healthy foods;
• Apply critical thinking skills to solving problems in food microbiology;
• Communicate effectively on food microbiology-related issues to different stakeholders;
• Develop the capacity to undertake lifelong learning.

Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Certificate in Food Microbiology (NFQ Level 9, Minor Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Describe and discuss the practical value of food microbiology in ensuring food quality and food safety;
• Explain the importance of food microbiology in developing new, innovative and healthy foods;
• Communicate effectively on food microbiology-related issues to different stakeholders;
• Develop the capacity to undertake lifelong learning.