Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto
Master in Food Engineering
Porto, Portugal
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English, Portuguese
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
EUR 10,556 / per course **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* Applications for Fall Semester
** Tuition values differ from the 1st to the 2nd year. Please check the tuition section for more details
Fast-track counseling
By contacting the school, you'll get access to free priority counselling for any study and application questions.
Key Summary
The ESB’s Master's in Food Engineering, is aimed at those interested in food and bioprocess engineering, risk assessment, process development and control, advanced production systems and associated environmental and social issues. This specialization leads graduates to various job opportunities in one of the most important sectors in Portugal and the European Union.
Merit scholarships
Merit scholarships are awarded to the best candidates to ESB Master's Degrees, each year, according to the following:
- Only students who apply in the 1st or 2nd application phases and who enrol on the due dates are eligible;
- These scholarships are only available to Portuguese students, nationals of an EU country or of a CPLP country;
- Tuition fee exemption in the 1st year for students with an undergraduate degree equal to or higher than 18 (on a scale of 0 to 20);
- 75% reduction of fees in the 1st year for students with an undergraduate degree equal to or higher than 17 (on a scale of 0 to 20);
- 50% reduction of the 1st year tuition fees for students with an undergraduate degree equal to or higher than 16 (on a scale of 0 to 20);
- These scholarships can only be used in conjunction with other merit awards given by UCP and with social benefits, up to the limit of 100% of the annual tuition fee; they cannot be used in conjunction with any other type of benefit.
Merit scholarships will be automatically awarded according to the defined criteria.
These scholarships can only be accumulated with other merit awards awarded by UCP and with social benefits, up to the limit of 100% of the annual tuition fee; they cannot be accumulated with any other type of benefit.
What will I study?
The multidisciplinary master program in Food Engineering will allow students to develop a complete portfolio of competencies on Advanced Food Technologies and Transport Phenomena, Safety, and Quality Analysis, Product Development, Packaging, Safety of the Food Chain, Management, Marketing, and Innovation.
How will I study?
Each curricular unit has 5 ECTS and a total contact time of 26-40 hours, organized in Lectures, Tutorials, and Laboratory classes. This structure promotes the ideal balance and interconnection between different learning paths, specifically, theoretical concepts, reasoning, practical laboratory and argumentative skills, written and oral communication capacity, and teamwork. In parallel students are continuously encouraged to develop autonomous work and self-learning, essential for successful professional activities. The master thesis work, developed in a research laboratory or in a company, is the opportunity to apply and implement the knowledge and experience previously acquired to deliver new outputs.
Graduates will become able to
Graduates in Food Engineering are trained to understand the scientific basis and develop food processing and preservation operations, know the methods used to assess and control food safety and quality, know the impact of diet on health, establish personal communication and integration relationships in multidisciplinary teams, convey conclusions and knowledge in a clear and sustained manner to specialized and non-specialized audiences, plan and carry out research projects and invest in continuing education programs.
Food Engineers develop skills allowing them to work in different professional contexts:
- Food engineer,
- Food safety engineer,
- Food scientist,
- Quality engineer,
- Research scientist
The Faculty of Biotechnology (ESB) at Universidade Católica stands out as an exceptional choice for pursuing a master's degree. It offers excellence in teaching, with a focus on integrating knowledge from hands-on experience, fostering personal development, and providing integral know-how. The institution is a leader in research, backed by strategic partnerships and a strong mentoring program. ESB encourages international mobility, ensuring a global perspective, while cultivating a multidisciplinary environment. It also serves as a starting point for entrepreneurship, with opportunities for volunteering and community involvement, making it a truly unique and holistic educational experience.
Nestled in the heart of Porto—a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its charm, culture, and vibrant energy—is a premier destination for world-class education. Students enjoy a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. In 2024, Porto continues to be renowned for its affordable cost of living, picturesque riverside views, and dynamic cultural scene. With a warm and welcoming community, Porto offers an ideal environment for both study and personal growth.
Life at Católica Porto is about more than academics—it’s about thriving in one of Europe’s most captivating cities. From exploring Porto’s rich history and stunning architecture to enjoying its lively cultural scene and strong community spirit, every moment here is inspiring. Join us and discover an education—and a city—that will shape your future.


