Food Safety, Master of Science

On-campus program @ Fresenius University of Applied Sciences 

👉 The full-time Master's degree programme in Food Safety (M.Sc.) at Hochschule Fresenius is aimed at graduates with prior knowledge in food technology or nutrition who aspire to leadership positions. The curriculum includes chemical substance analyses, food toxicology, food contact materials, specialised food law, and product liability law. Students benefit from more than ten elective modules, including crisis communication and the uniquely German specialisation in alkaloid-containing beverages such as coffee, cocoa, and tea. The practice-oriented training allows flexible choice of the location for the final thesis. The Master of Science degree is officially recognised and accredited. The study location is Idstein, with start dates in the summer and winter semesters.

At a Glance

🏫 University Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, UAS based in Idstein (Germany)
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences is one of Germany's largest private universities with campuses in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Idstein, Cologne, Munich and Wiesbaden. It offers practice-oriented bachelor's and master's degree programs in the fields of chemistry & biology, business & media, health & social affairs and design, as well as training and continuing education. Studies are possible on a full-time, part-time and distance learning basis.
🎓 Field of Study Natural Sciences
📜 Degree Master of Science (M.Sc.)
⏳ Duration 4 Semesters
🎯 ECTS 120 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Specialised Food Law and Product Liability Law, Applied Bioanalytics, Applied Quality Management, Sensory Analysis, Technology and Chemistry of Selected and Novel Foods, Special Food Analytics, Current Aspects of Food Safety, Articles of Daily Use and Cosmetics, Food Toxicology, Elective Modules, Master Thesis including Colloquium
📚 Electives Crisis Communication, Personal Development and Time Management, Process Optimization, Extraction of Valuable Substances from Fruit and Vegetables
📍 Location Idstein
📅 Enrollment Winter or summer semester
🔗 More Info https://www.hs-fresenius.de

Requirements and Target Group

The Master's degree programme in Food Safety (M.Sc.) is aimed at graduates of a first university degree in the fields of food technology, nutritional sciences, chemistry, biology or related natural science disciplines who wish to deepen their expertise in a targeted manner. The programme is particularly suitable if you intend to work in responsibility for quality assurance, product development, regulatory affairs or research concerning the safety of food, consumer goods and cosmetics. Practitioners from the food industry who want to qualify for management positions also belong to the target group.

Which formal criteria must you meet?

To gain admission to the Master’s in Food Safety, you need:

  • a first professional university degree (e.g. Bachelor of Science) in a relevant subject such as food technology, nutritional sciences, chemistry, biology or a comparable natural science programme
  • evidence of having earned at least 180 ECTS credits on completion of your first degree
  • if applicable, a minimum grade – check with Hochschule Fresenius whether a specific grade point average is required

If you do not have a Bachelor’s degree but hold a master craftsman’s certificate or a comparable professional qualification, the university will review your individual admission eligibility within the framework of state regulations (studying without a school-leaving certificate is possible, see the university’s FAQ). The programme starts every summer and winter semester. The language of instruction is German.

You should have a strong interest in scientific questions, particularly topics such as bioanalytics, food law and quality management. Solid prior knowledge in chemistry, biology or food technology is helpful. Analytical thinking, accuracy in evaluating complex issues and the ability to work in a team are required. Responsibility is essential for work in the field of food safety, as your decisions have a direct impact on consumer and health protection. For leadership positions or work in an international environment, communication skills and good self-management are advantageous.

What content can you expect in the Master’s programme Food Safety?

In the Master’s degree programme Food Safety at Hochschule Fresenius, you will acquire in-depth knowledge of the scientific and legal dimensions of food safety. The curriculum covers the analysis of chemical substances, food law issues, and quality management in production and trading companies.

You will develop skills in sensory analysis, food analytics, bioanalytics, as well as the assessment of articles of daily use and cosmetics. Important topics include food toxicology, specialised food law, product liability law, and current aspects and challenges of food safety.

Elective modules offer opportunities to engage with crisis communication, personal development, process optimisation, or resource recovery from plant-based raw materials. A unique feature nationwide is the focus on the technology of alkaloid-containing beverages such as coffee, cocoa, and tea.

How is the Food Safety degree programme structured?

The four-semester Master’s programme is organised as a full-time on-campus study and comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits. You will engage with mandatory modules covering bio- and food analytics as well as legal content, alongside freely selectable specialisations.

Teaching mainly takes place at the Idstein campus. Practical laboratory phases, project-based tasks, and a close integration of theory and practice are embedded in the curriculum. The Master’s thesis with colloquium completes the programme and can be conducted flexibly at Hochschule Fresenius, Hochschule Geisenheim, other universities in Germany and abroad, or in cooperation with companies.

The programme starts each summer and winter semester and is taught entirely in German.

What career opportunities does the Master’s in Food Safety open up?

With a Master of Science degree in Food Safety, a variety of professional fields are open to you. Possible areas of activity include:

  • Quality management in food, feed, and cosmetics companies
  • Product management for the development and market launch of new consumer goods
  • Food research and development of safe manufacturing processes
  • Supervision and consultancy in authorities and testing institutions
  • Crisis communication and process optimisation in the food industry

Graduates often work in interdisciplinary teams, in nationally and internationally active companies within the food sector, in regulatory affairs, or as experts for consumer protection.

Where do you study Food Safety?

The Master’s programme Food Safety is offered at the traditional main campus of Hochschule Fresenius in Idstein. The laboratories of the Department of Chemistry & Biology are located in Building A in the centre of Idstein. The spatial organisation combines historic building fabric with modern laboratory equipment.

For selected practical phases and research projects, you can also access the network and facilities of the cooperating Hochschule Geisenheim. The close connection to companies and research institutions in the Rheingau-Taunus district offers you numerous opportunities for projects and the Master’s thesis.

What costs and financing options should you expect?

The Master’s programme Food Safety at Hochschule Fresenius in Idstein is tuition-free. There are no monthly or semester-related tuition fees. Additionally, you benefit from free offers in the areas of personal development, language courses, start-up support, and networking events.

For your living expenses, classic financing options are available: you can apply for BAföG, use a scholarship, or take out a student loan. The university supports you with individual advice on all questions related to study financing. Further information can be found in the offerings of the student advisory service.

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