KU Leuven

Master of Food Technology

The objective of the Master of Food Technology is to provide a multi-disciplinary and specialized professional education in food technology, with special emphasis on postharvest and food preservation engineering on the one hand and food science and technology on the other.

About the Programme

The Interuniversity Programme in Food Technology (IUPFOOD) is an academic master of science programme that intends to equip its alumni with the scientific, technical and managerial knowledge, skills and attitudes which they require to contribute successfully to solving problems related to food security through the production of safe foods of high quality.

Two technological dimensions of crucial importance in food processing and preservation are the key objectives and programme options: 

• Postharvest and food preservation engineering, with focus on the role of postharvest and food preservation unit operations in delivering safe and nutritious foods, in particular plant based foods, to the end consumer.
• Food science and technology, with focus on the transformation (processing) of raw materials in products for human consumption or in intermediate ingredients for further use in the food industry.

Throughout the programme emphasis is given to six learning tracks:

• Food product technology
• Food quality assurance and safety
• Food process and preservation engineering
• Scientific independent research
• Communication and management
• Scientific integrity

During the first stage of the Master's programme, you will spend the first semester at UGent and the second semester at KU Leuven. The second stage courses of the majors 'Postharvest and Food Preservation Engineering' and 'Food Science and Technology' are taught respectively at KU Leuven and UGent. At both universities, optional courses and thesis research topics are offered. www.iupfood.be

After graduation you are equipped to become a food technology professional with the necessary technical and managerial knowledge, skills and attitudes to successfully contribute to solving problems related to food security. The programme focuses particularly on developing countries where food/nutrient security is and will continue to be a major concern and key challenge. 

Strengths

The IUPFOOD programme is a master's programme that builds on KU Leuven’s and UGent’s combined expertise in research and education in the field of food technology. The interuniversity character of the programme, offering two learning environments, creates clear added value which is highly appreciated by students and alumni.

The programme is oriented towards international students with a diverse educational background. The programme structure and content is very well adapted to this diverse educational background of incoming students, including students from the South. The programme structure, the selection criteria used and the availability of refresher courses at the start of the programme remediate for the diverse background of the students.

Alumni, in particular those from the South, consider the programme to be highly relevant for their personal development, their professional career and the development of their home country.