Basque Culinary Center

Master's Degree in Sensory Analysis and Consumer Science

The Master’s Degree in Sensory Analysis and Consumer Science is designed for students and professionals aiming to specialize in food perception, consumer behavior, and sensory methodologies.

This Master’s is Ideal For:

Graduates in:

• Gastronomy and Culinary Arts
• Food Science and Technology
• Human Nutrition and Dietetics
• Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Pharmacy
• Psychology and Behavioral Sciences
• Anthropology and Sociology
• Applied Statistics and Data Analysis
• Business Administration and Management (specialized in marketing and consumer research)
  • Gastronomy and Culinary Arts
  • Food Science and Technology
  • Human Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Pharmacy
  • Psychology and Behavioral Sciences
  • Anthropology and Sociology
  • Applied Statistics and Data Analysis
  • Business Administration and Management (specialized in marketing and consumer research)

Professionals from diverse backgrounds who seek to integrate sensory methodologies into research, product development, or consumer behavior analysis.

Researchers and academics aiming to apply interdisciplinary approaches in food perception, psychology, and market studies.

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The Program integrates advanced theoretical knowledge with hands-on applications, equipping students with essential competencies in sensory analysis and consumer science. The program also includes a Master’s Thesis (TFM).

1st Year

1st Semester

• Introduction to Research Methodologies in Sensory Analysis
• Sensory Methodology Applied to Consumer Studies
• Statistics Applied to Sensory Analysis
• Project Management
• Sensory Analysis Applied to R&D

2nd Semester

• Methodology for Training Sensory Panels
• New Technologies Applied to Sensory Sciences
• Ethics and Regulations in Sensory Analysis
• Sensory Marketing
• Neuroscience, Physiology, and Genetics
• Psychology and Sociology Applied to Consumer Studies

2nd Year

3rd Semester

• Master's Thesis

Master's Thesis

During the second year, you will undertake a Master’s Thesis (TFM) in leading companies, laboratories, or technology centers, both nationally and internationally. This project will allow you to apply the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the program in a real professional context.

Some of the areas where you can develop your Thesis include:

• Consumer behavior and preference research.
• Design of sensory-innovative food products.
• Studies on sustainability and its impact on consumer experience.

Graduates of the Master’s Degree in Sensory Analysis and Consumer Science are prepared for strategic roles across sensory analysis, consumer research, product innovation, and education sectors. Career pathways include:

Food Industry

• Participate in R&D teams to design and optimize innovative food products.
• Collaborate on the creation of food quality control systems.
• Lead food sustainability projects by integrating sensory analysis into R&D innovation processes.

Consulting and Sensory Analysis

• Provide strategic consulting on regulatory compliance, product design, packaging, and consumer preference analysis.

Research

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative consumer studies at research institutes, technology centers, or universities.
• Innovate new consumer-focused sensory methodologies, emphasizing emotional response and immersive experiences.
• Develop new approaches to understanding consumer behavior, food choices, and the impact of sociocultural contexts.

Entrepreneurship

• Launch startups and innovative projects integrating sensory analysis and product design in the food and beverage sectors.

This wide range of opportunities will empower you to drive innovation and contribute to sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving global market.

Master Sensory and Consumer Sciences

• Apply qualitative and quantitative methodologies to study food perception.
• Integrate psychological, sociocultural, and technological approaches to analyze consumer behavior.

Promote Innovation and Sustainability

• Design sensory strategies to develop innovative food products addressing societal challenges such as climate change and population aging.
• Create sustainable and environmentally responsible food systems aligned with evolving consumer demands.

Understand and Influence Consumer Behavior

• Apply interdisciplinary approaches to research, innovation, and product control projects, combining scientific, psychological, and sociocultural perspectives.

Lead Interdisciplinary Teams

• Manage and collaborate across fields such as gastronomy, nutrition, food technology, and marketing to deliver holistic solutions in the food sector.

Drive Knowledge Transfer and Professional Leadership

• Strengthen the link between academic research and industry practice.
• Apply advanced sensory methodologies in industry, academia, and entrepreneurial ventures.

The Master’s Degree in Sensory Analysis and Consumer Science is delivered through a learning-by-doing methodology, combining practice, experimentation, and collaborative learning. This approach ensures you acquire essential competencies and progressively apply them to specialized real-world scenarios.

Key Methodology Elements

• Case Studies and Simulations: Analyze real industry challenges through individual and group projects, developing innovative solutions in sensory marketing and product development.
• Team Projects and Strategic Market Insights: Collaborative activities that strengthen interdisciplinary teamwork, focusing on consumer study design and market analysis.
• Masterclasses and Seminars: Sessions with leading sensory science professionals exploring emerging trends, innovations, and strategic applications.

Key Learning Experiences

• Sensory Panel Training: Advanced organoleptic evaluation techniques for assessing and validating food and beverage products.
• Simulations: Practical experience in designing and executing sensory evaluation protocols.
• Master’s Thesis: A final individual project integrating scientific research and professional application to address real-world challenges.