MSc Food Science

Duration: 4 Semester

Objectives: Research on an appropriate subject within one of the following departmental research programmes: food processing, food fermentation, food processing waste management, food molecular biology, cereal quality, cereal science, near-infrared spectroscopy, sensory science and food microbiology.

Structure and content

The programme entails one year of master’s studies, or two years of master’s studies if the student holds only an applicable bachelor’s degree. In the latter case the student must follow the research component of the programme and the prescribed modules for the particular honours programme. Where a suitable honours degree is held, the programme consists only of a research component. Students holding the BSc Food Sc degree follow only the research component of the MSc Food Sc programme. No additional modules need to be followed.

Learning outcomes

The programme equips the student at the highest academic level to enter the research or professional market. Professional people who, at national and international levels, individual or as member of a team, will play a meaningful research, teaching and/or policymaking role are delivered. The faculty of Agrisciences thus aims to produce students with who:

• Possess the ability to gather knowledge, integrate it, interpret and apply it and to think and act in a problem-solving manner
• Communicate effectively with role players from different environments and backgrounds
• Possess sufficient skills to function as scientists, whether independently or in team context
• Can interpret and utilise relevant subject literature
• Possess the ability to efficiently utilise suitable resources and means in the working environment

Recognition and accreditation

SU is a public higher education institution (in terms of the Higher Education Act, 101 of 1997). All the qualifications offered by SU are approved by the Minister of Higher Education and Training. All the programmes leading to qualifications offered by SU are accredited by the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) of the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and all qualifications are registered by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

The MSc Food Science was registered by SAQA in July, 2009

Tuition Language

English