Master of Science in Food and Nutritional Product Development

Consumer trends and global markets for the foods we eat are continually changing. The food choices made by consumers are often influenced by a number of key factors such as nutritional value, health benefits, production practices, food security and sustainability. In light of this, the duty lies with the Food Industry to develop and deliver safe quality foods that meet consumer demands. Product development is at the core of any thriving food business, ensuring continued innovation, market growth, competitiveness and sustainability. Highly skilled food product development specialists are paramount to this success.This course looks to address the needs of those in the Food Industry who are keen to expand their understanding and effectiveness in developing nutritional food products to ensure they are at the forefront of food innovation. This course also provides the skills and knowledge to recent graduates to aid them in pursuing a career in food product development.With the Food Industry becoming increasingly fast paced and globalised, employers require staff members that are knowledgeable, skilled and confident in the area of product development. This course will provide students with the necessary tools to not only understand the practices employed during successful food product development, but also give them the confidence to apply these in an industrial setting, to further the success of the Food Industry.The expansive eligibility criteria for applicants to this course affords successful candidates the opportunity to study alongside, and interact with, people from diverse educational, cultural and societal backgrounds as well as those at differing stages of their professional careers. It is envisaged that this interaction will aid students in developing a well-rounded perspective(s) on many of the themes and challenges facing product development in the Food and Beverage sector.The specific objectives of the programme are to provide graduates with the skills to:Demonstrate thorough understanding of food science, nutrition, concepts of product development, innovation and entrepreneurship in order to apply them on the production of food products and nutraceuticals.Demonstrate interdisciplinary knowledge in food science, nutrition, sensory evaluation, innovation and entrepreneurship to help them develop new food products and nutraceuticals.Research and develop novel food products within the Food Sector.Develop food products covering the nutritional needs of different population groups.Understand and maintain an in-depth working knowledge of the legislation to guide innovation and product development.Formulate, present and defend scientific information in a variety of forms to stakeholders in the food industry including internal personnel and the public.Interpret, synthesise and integrate core aspects of a food and drink production process from concept to launch.Critically assess the incorporation of functional ingredients and use novel technologies during the development of food products and nutraceuticals.Work effectively in a food and drink environment by acting autonomously and thinking independently when developing food products nutraceuticals.Participate effectively in a complex team of professionals from a variety of background to solve complex problems in product development.Critically review scientific literature, conduct research in food product development, and present their research findings to different stakeholders.Identify knowledge gaps in the area of food and nutritional product development and source and undertake self-learning to fill the gaps.Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods used in food product development to apply in the planning, execution and dissemination of a rigorous research projectDemonstrate fundamental concepts and essential analytical methods pertaining to the design, analysis and interpretation of food and nutritional product development research