Location:

Gent, Belgium

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Academic Year

Program Overview

Program Description:

The ideal prospective student: - is keen to develop a career in food science, technology, and nutrition as related to food production, food processing, health and allied areas; - is aware of the need for increased food quantity and quality for an expanding population as well as the need for increased public awareness about healthy eating habits: - is interested in food science and, in particular, using advanced biotechnology to gain insight into the needs and implications of the technologies used in food production and processing, as well as development of new food products. Prospective students are expected to hold a Bachelor of Science degree in food science and technology, nutrition, chemistry, biological sciences or a related subject area. Prospective students should have knowledge of biological sciences, food science or food technology and have a good background knowledge of chemistry and microbiology. Basic knowledge of nutrition, statistical methods, unit operations, production techniques and management will be helpful throughout the programme.

The aim of this joint Erasmus Mundus master's programme (Sefotech.Nut) is to foster and develop knowledge and awareness of scientific trends and health issues in food science, technology and nutrition in a global context. The programme provides students with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of global food issues, international trends and food problems, particularly in the context of the increasing globalisation of the food industry. It also highlights on-going problems and concerns with regard to food safety, nutrition and environmental issues. In addition, the programme enhances the professional competencies of the student, taking cognisance of management and ethics. These skills will enable young professionals to meet current demands for highly-skilled staff in food science, technology and nutrition. The programme is organised in a modular format. Candidates are required to undertake six compulsory core modules, three of which are offered at the Dublin Institute of Technology and three at KU Leuven Campus Ghent. Candidates also select four optional modules from the listing. The optional modules are offered by the partner institutes (see below) with the strongest research and expertise in the area addressed in that module. The professional competence semester and the master's thesis can be completed at any of the four partner institutes, depending on the subject area, or at one of the associated partner institutes. This gives students the opportunity to travel to different European countries, expand their academic knowledge through exposure to different perspectives, gain intercultural communication skills, and encounter new cultures and people. The unique mix of theoretical and technological modules in combination with a practice-oriented professional competence semester and the in-depth research of the master's thesis consistently produces graduates able to implement their expertise both in academic and industrial environments. The course is jointly organised by four European partner institutions: - KU Leuven, Campus Ghent, Belgium (coordinator) - Dublin Institute of Technology, Ireland - Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Portugal - Hochschule Anhalt, Germany Additionally, the consortium includes five non-European associated members: - Tufts University, United States - The National Institute of Public Health of Mexico (NIPH), Mexico - Michurinsk State Agrarian University, Russian Federation - National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India - Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, China. This is an advanced master's programme and can be followed on a full-time or part-time basis.

Setting Description:

Situated in the heart of Western Europe, KU Leuven (University of Leuven) has been a centre of learning for nearly six centuries. Today, it is Belgium's largest and highest-ranked university and, founded in 1425, one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe. As a leading European research university and co-founder of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), KU Leuven offers a wide variety of programmes in English, all supported by high-quality, innovative, interdisciplinary research. KU Leuven is home to a vibrant community of international scholars spread out over its various campuses. 14% of the university’s 54,000 students are international representing 140 countries. KU Leuven's three doctoral schools provide internationally oriented PhD tracks for more than 4,000 doctoral students. Boasting an outstanding central location, KU Leuven offers a truly international experience, high-quality education, world-class research and cutting-edge innovation.

Cost:

https://www.kuleuven.be/studentenadministratie/inschrijvingen/en/fees/fees.html