Master's Degree in Food Research, Development and Innovation
Barcelona, Spain
Master degree
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
Spanish
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
EUR 19 / per credit *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* 19.37 euros per credit (82 euros for students who are not EU nationals and do not currently reside in Spain). Fees for the academic year 2025-2026
Key Summary
In this master's degree, students will develop the ability to analyse the various processes involved in research, development and innovation activities in the food industry.
There is a need for specialists in research, development and innovation who can develop new ideas, form part of multidisciplinary teams and adapt to the continuous changes taking place in the field of food and nutrition.
In Spain, the agrifood sector accounts for 16% of net sales. Furthermore, sales of some innovative foods are increasing at a much greater rate than conventional foods. An analysis of market prospects and of the potential success of a product demonstrates that it is essential to work simultaneously with an integrated approach in areas as diverse as consumer sciences, marketing techniques, nutrition, health and technology, among others. It has also been found that products with various innovative features are more profitable in the short- and long-term. In addition, it is increasingly important for innovation to integrate a concern for psychosocial considerations, in other words, it is crucial to consider the added value that consumers can immediately appreciate (for example, environmental aspects and ease of use). Therefore, the approach to research, development and innovation in the food industry should be focused on the interaction between all of the factors that influence a consumer's perception and acceptance of a product.
The languages of instruction for this program are Spanish 98%; English 2%.
Compulsory courses
- Experimental Design
- Design and Formulation of New Foods
- Bioactive Components: Functional Ingredients and Foods
- New Technologies in Food Processing and Preservation
- Economic Management of Production, Marketing Strategies and Project Management
- Information and Documentation: Legal Regulation and Intellectual and Industrial Property
- Final project
Elective courses
- Sensory Analysis of Foods
- Interpersonal Communication and Conflict Resolution
- Eco-Innovation in Food
- Marketing and Communication Strategies in the Food and Nutrition Sectors
- Sources of Information for Scientific Research in Food Technology
- Nutritional Genomics: New Tools in Food Development
- Microorganisms and Food Safety
- Nutrition and Health: Research, Development and Innovation Applied to Health Care
- In-company placement
The University of Barcelona consistently ranks among the top institutions nationally, in Europe, and worldwide. Its performance in the most prestigious international rankings reflects excellence in teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and global engagement.
- Ranked 1st nationally in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)
- Ranked 1st nationally in the THE (Times Higher Education) World University Rankings
- Ranked 1st nationally and 68th in Europe in the QS World University Rankings
- Ranked 1st nationally and 27th in Europe in the Best Global Universities Rankings
Studying at the University of Barcelona means joining a world-class academic community recognized for its innovation and impact.
This master's degree is designed to meet the increasing need for qualified specialists in research, development and innovation activities in the field of food and nutrition. The course seeks to train specialists who can join multidisciplinary teams working in research, development and innovation, both in the food industry and in other professional areas (universities and other research centres, administrations, etc.).
The degree syllabus has been created for students who would like to work in R&D&i in the food industry and for those who wish to work in scientific research in universities or technology and research centres.
The main career opportunities are in research and development departments in the agrifood industry. This industry is currently growing faster than other sectors, and should continue to expand in the near future. In Catalonia, there is a high concentration of agriculture and food companies, which explains why it is important for the University of Barcelona to offer training in this field.
For students interested in a career in research, the master's degree offers the training needed to become a research professional in the food and nutrition sector and to join research teams in universities or in other centres and institutions.