Food Science and Technology - master 24 months Postgraduate Programme By University of Milan |TopUniversities

Programme overview

Main Subject

Food Science

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

The Master's degree in Food Science and Technology (STAL), in line with the educational objectives set by the program, aims to train specialists in the field of food science and technology with in-depth interdisciplinary knowledge. Graduates will be able to perform complex tasks to effectively respond to the demographic, cultural, and technological changes that continually challenge the food production context. Educational priorities include areas such as food safety, quality, integrity, and sustainability, in line with the bioeconomy principles established by the United Nations. These are integrated with the efficiency and productivity of the food sector, in line with the application of automation and digital technologies characteristic of Industry 4.0.


The program provides the theoretical, methodological, and practical foundations to prepare graduates, on the one hand, to support the resilience and optimization of traditional high-quality food production, and, on the other hand, to design and develop innovative food products. The education received will allow graduates to perform managerial tasks in the food industry and in companies related to the production, processing, preservation, and distribution of food products, packaging, and auxiliary products. This includes work in large-scale retail, public and private bodies conducting analysis, control, certification activities, as well as those involved in scientific investigations to protect and enhance food products, training institutions, and freelance work in the field of Food Technologists. The program also provides access to PhD programs in food science and technology, both nationally and internationally.


The program develops, in particular, solid knowledge and skills in the following areas and sectors:


Food production, packaging, preservation, and distribution processes.

Food safety, integrity, and quality.

Integration of tradition and innovation in food production.

Development of new food products considering consumer needs and preferences.

Chemistry, biochemistry, and human nutrition with an applied focus on the food sector.

Communication in interdisciplinary settings, including economic contexts.

Management and use of microbial resources in various food and nutritional applications.


Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding

The core knowledge and understanding that the graduate in Food Science and Technology will acquire include:

Chemical, physical, and structural properties of food.

Theoretical and applied knowledge of European legislation on food hygiene and safety.

Knowledge of voluntary standards in food quality and safety certification.

Knowledge of new processing technologies that are alternatives to traditional ones, with a focus on innovative features and potential applications.

Knowledge of methods for sizing and analyzing production plants.

Knowledge of techniques and equipment for food and beverage packaging.

In-depth knowledge of product and process design, optimization, and quality control strategies using digital innovation, industrial automation, and Quality by Design.

Understanding of the relationship between structure and formulation/production of food products.

Knowledge of statistical tools necessary for the design, optimization, and monitoring of products and processes.

Understanding of national and international regulatory frameworks governing packaging machinery and equipment.

Understanding the role of consumers in the design and optimization of food and processes.

Knowledge of traditional and emerging sensory methods for evaluating acceptability and preference.

Economic, political, and managerial knowledge of the food sector, from both a system-wide and company perspective, with a particular focus on innovation.

Knowledge of the structural peculiarities of macromolecules and the properties of micromolecules in food matrices.

Understanding the biochemical and chemical aspects of the main food transformation processes and the changes that occur in the final product, particularly concerning potential impacts on food quality in terms of nutritional and health-related aspects.

Ability to understand the use of food to meet the nutritional needs of consumers.

Understanding common nutritional issues related to food consumption.

Knowledge of nutritional and biochemical aspects of food in the context of the daily diet, essential for defining new formulations that contribute to maintaining health, especially for sensitive consumers.

Understanding regulations and directives related to the use of food in the nutritional sector.

Knowledge of conventional and innovative technological and biotechnological processes.

Knowledge of methods for evaluating and controlling food shelf life.

Knowledge of analytical methods and techniques (chemical and physical) for evaluating the composition and structure of food.

Knowledge of the complexity and diversity of microbial resources involved in ensuring food safety, quality, health, and sustainability in the agri-food system.

Knowledge and understanding of methodological approaches necessary for studying microbiomes associated with food, food production environments, and the human microbiota.

Knowledge and understanding of managing microbial resources to improve food processes and products, including enhancing biological value and extending shelf life through predictive microbiology approaches.

Knowledge and understanding of recovering by-products for the enhancement of components with biological activity of interest in the food sector.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Food Science

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

The Master's degree in Food Science and Technology (STAL), in line with the educational objectives set by the program, aims to train specialists in the field of food science and technology with in-depth interdisciplinary knowledge. Graduates will be able to perform complex tasks to effectively respond to the demographic, cultural, and technological changes that continually challenge the food production context. Educational priorities include areas such as food safety, quality, integrity, and sustainability, in line with the bioeconomy principles established by the United Nations. These are integrated with the efficiency and productivity of the food sector, in line with the application of automation and digital technologies characteristic of Industry 4.0.


The program provides the theoretical, methodological, and practical foundations to prepare graduates, on the one hand, to support the resilience and optimization of traditional high-quality food production, and, on the other hand, to design and develop innovative food products. The education received will allow graduates to perform managerial tasks in the food industry and in companies related to the production, processing, preservation, and distribution of food products, packaging, and auxiliary products. This includes work in large-scale retail, public and private bodies conducting analysis, control, certification activities, as well as those involved in scientific investigations to protect and enhance food products, training institutions, and freelance work in the field of Food Technologists. The program also provides access to PhD programs in food science and technology, both nationally and internationally.


The program develops, in particular, solid knowledge and skills in the following areas and sectors:


Food production, packaging, preservation, and distribution processes.

Food safety, integrity, and quality.

Integration of tradition and innovation in food production.

Development of new food products considering consumer needs and preferences.

Chemistry, biochemistry, and human nutrition with an applied focus on the food sector.

Communication in interdisciplinary settings, including economic contexts.

Management and use of microbial resources in various food and nutritional applications.


Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding

The core knowledge and understanding that the graduate in Food Science and Technology will acquire include:

Chemical, physical, and structural properties of food.

Theoretical and applied knowledge of European legislation on food hygiene and safety.

Knowledge of voluntary standards in food quality and safety certification.

Knowledge of new processing technologies that are alternatives to traditional ones, with a focus on innovative features and potential applications.

Knowledge of methods for sizing and analyzing production plants.

Knowledge of techniques and equipment for food and beverage packaging.

In-depth knowledge of product and process design, optimization, and quality control strategies using digital innovation, industrial automation, and Quality by Design.

Understanding of the relationship between structure and formulation/production of food products.

Knowledge of statistical tools necessary for the design, optimization, and monitoring of products and processes.

Understanding of national and international regulatory frameworks governing packaging machinery and equipment.

Understanding the role of consumers in the design and optimization of food and processes.

Knowledge of traditional and emerging sensory methods for evaluating acceptability and preference.

Economic, political, and managerial knowledge of the food sector, from both a system-wide and company perspective, with a particular focus on innovation.

Knowledge of the structural peculiarities of macromolecules and the properties of micromolecules in food matrices.

Understanding the biochemical and chemical aspects of the main food transformation processes and the changes that occur in the final product, particularly concerning potential impacts on food quality in terms of nutritional and health-related aspects.

Ability to understand the use of food to meet the nutritional needs of consumers.

Understanding common nutritional issues related to food consumption.

Knowledge of nutritional and biochemical aspects of food in the context of the daily diet, essential for defining new formulations that contribute to maintaining health, especially for sensitive consumers.

Understanding regulations and directives related to the use of food in the nutritional sector.

Knowledge of conventional and innovative technological and biotechnological processes.

Knowledge of methods for evaluating and controlling food shelf life.

Knowledge of analytical methods and techniques (chemical and physical) for evaluating the composition and structure of food.

Knowledge of the complexity and diversity of microbial resources involved in ensuring food safety, quality, health, and sustainability in the agri-food system.

Knowledge and understanding of methodological approaches necessary for studying microbiomes associated with food, food production environments, and the human microbiota.

Knowledge and understanding of managing microbial resources to improve food processes and products, including enhancing biological value and extending shelf life through predictive microbiology approaches.

Knowledge and understanding of recovering by-products for the enhancement of components with biological activity of interest in the food sector.

Admission Requirements

4+
42+
To be admitted to the degree program, applicants must hold a degree from the L-26 class (or the corresponding class under Ministerial Decree 509/1999), or another foreign qualification recognized as equivalent, or a three-year university diploma. The university independently evaluates foreign academic qualifications in accordance with Articles 2 and 3 of Law 148/02 to issue the corresponding Italian degrees. Graduates from other classes can also access the Master's degree program, provided they meet the following minimum requirements: at least 50 ECTS (CFU) in the following Scientific Disciplinary Sectors (SSD):
MAT/01-09 FIS/01-08 CHIM/01, CHIM/02, CHIM/03, CHIM/06, CHIM/10 AGR/01 AGR/15 AGR/16 BIO/10 BIO/09, MED/49
Admission Requirements Among these, the candidate must have acquired at least: · 9 CFU (ECTS) in SSD AGR/15 · 6 CFU in SSD AGR/16 · 6 CFU in SSD MED/49 or BIO/09
If the candidate does not meet these specific curricular requirements, they may, upon recommendation from the Academic Board, attend individual courses offered by the University before undergoing the evaluation of their academic preparation.
Proficiency in English at a B1 level or higher under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required for admission.
Verification of Academic Preparation Graduates from the Bachelor's Degree in Food Science and Technology (L-26 class) with a final grade of 80/110 or higher (or a weighted average of 21/30 in case the candidate has not graduated) are admitted directly to the Master's program. For graduates in L-26 with grades below 80/110 or from other degree classes, the adequacy of their academic preparation will be assessed through an exam or interview (including online formats) conducted by a commission appointed by the Academic Board. Core Knowledge for Adequacy Assessment · General and Food Microbiology: Basic knowledge of the role of microorganisms in food processing and preservation. · Food Technologies: Knowledge of fundamental unit operations and processes for the preservation and transformation of raw materials of plant and animal origin. · Food Processing Equipment: Basic knowledge of machinery for food transformation and preservation. · Economics and Marketing Principles. · Food Chemistry and Analysis: Basic understanding of food composition, analytical techniques, and consumer protection considerations. · Nutrition and Human Nutrition Fundamentals. If the candidate lacks the specific curricular requirements, they may attend individual courses offered by the University upon the Academic Board's recommendation. Once the required preparation is achieved, the candidate can proceed to the adequacy verification exam.

2 Years
Oct

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