Ranking
10th
Complete University Guide 2025
Food Safety, Hygiene and Management MSc / PGCert / PGDip
- Delivery formatIn person
- Start dateSeptemberDurationMSc: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time; PG Diploma: 1 year part-time; PG Certificate: 6 months part- time
- AwardMaster of Science / Postgraduate Certificate / Postgraduate Diploma
- Entry requirementsA 2:1 Honours Degree in a relevant science subject
- Fees£11,740 (full-time) / £5,870 (part-time)
Page contents
Page contents
Course overview
Take your career to the next level with advanced academic training in food safety and food control. Develop your expertise in the relationship between food and public health. Explore the scientific, political and legislative factors that influence food safety and security around the world.
Boost your employability in a field that has worldwide career opportunities. Access to safe food concerns us all. You'll be well placed for food safety roles in government authorities, food testing laboratories or food manufacturing.
The comprehensive curriculum delves into the workings of the food sector, offering insights into production, distribution, and quality control. Simultaneously, the course emphasizes the pivotal responsibility of food inspectors in upholding rigorous standards to safeguard consumers. Gaining knowledge from both perspectives equips me with a holistic understanding of the food ecosystem, positioning me to contribute effectively to maintaining high standards of safety and hygiene within the industry.
Course Structure
This course can be taken over 1 year in a full-time mode or 2 years part-time. You could also take the course as a Postgraduate Diploma over 1 year part-time, or as a Postgraduate Certificate over 6 months part-time.
This semester focuses on the fundamental keystone core modules of Food Control, Food and Microbes and Food Safety Management Systems which also underpins the CIEH accreditation requirements. Teaching is delivered predominantly through lectures, laboratories and workshops. It is assessed using a comprehensive mix of authentic coursework and an examination.
Course highlights
Our course focuses on the mechanisms of Food Control and Food Safety Management. As well as a high level of technical knowledge, you’ll learn to critically analyse data and published information, apply scientific principles and legislation to practical situations. You'll become experienced at locating and interpreting government guidance, and develop an advanced understanding of common food safety management systems.
- Learn from leading specialists with strong links with government authorities and the food industry
- Develop in-demand skills to advance your career in food safety and security
- Study in a School with a first class reputation in learning, teaching and research
Study a programme accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)
Learn from world experts in the field of Food Safety
The course is particularly suitable for those with relevant food related knowledge and/or experience including:
- Hygiene managers or supervisors already working in the food industry.
- Staff working in competent authorities or enforcement; for example, Environmental Health Officers or Food Safety Officers.
- Staff in diagnostic or food microbiology laboratories.
- Students who have completed relevant undergraduate degrees such as Food Technology and wish to find employment in the food industry or local government.
- Food hygiene and management trainers or consultants.
Course delivery
Various learning and teaching methods are used on the programme, including traditional lectures, computer-based learning, student-based learning such as case studies and directed learning, laboratories and visits. The MSc requires candidates to complete a research project and submit a thesis.
Module information
This Masters course consists of 180 credits, two-thirds from taught modules and one-third from your research project. This programme can also be taken on a part time basis, including Masters, PG Diploma or PG Certificate options.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Year: 1
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Code | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Control | 04 26443 | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Food and Microbes | 04 26444 | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Food Processing and Manufacture (thermal processing) | 04 32832 | 10 | Semester 2 |
| LM Food Safety Management Systems | 04 32830 | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Major Project | 04 29678 | 60 |
Choose 50 credits from the following list:
| Module Title | Code | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Contamination of Food and Water | 04 26439 | 10 | Semester 2 |
| LM Applied Food Microbiology | 04 26225 | 10 | Semester 2 |
| LM Food Chain Security | 04 23638 | 10 | Semester 2 |
| LM Food Fraud | 04 27439 | 10 | Semester 2 |
| LM Food Standards | 04 31692 | 10 | Semester 2 |
| LM Investigating Food Borne Outbreaks | 04 29679 | 10 | Semester 2 |
| LM Novel Food Processing | 04 32831 | 10 | Semester 2 |
| LM Principles of Nutrition | 04 27443 | 10 | Semester 2 |
| LM Water and Health | 04 29680 | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Sustainability in the Food Industry | 04 26437 | 10 | Semester 1 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours Degree
In a relevant science subject (e.g. biology, microbiology, food science, environmental health etc)
Candidates holding other qualifications may be admitted to the programme after an interview and submission of evidence of academic competence and experience in a relevant field.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 Listening, 21 Speaking and 19 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 25 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £11,740
Full-time
- £5,870
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only; for those studying courses over two or more years, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 31 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non-tier 4 applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Career opportunities
"Employment prospects for candidates who successfully complete the MSc in Food Safety, Hygiene and Management are wide ranging. A significant number of alumni work for government authorities as food safety specialists where they participate in the delivery of official food controls. Some have also chosen to work in food laboratories (private or public) as official food examiners. Other graduates prefer to find employment in the food industry where their grounding in legislation and safety give them an advantage over pure science graduates."
Several students have decided to work advising businesses on food safety and HACCP. Some have joined existing companies and others have set up as independent consultants, offering training as well as advice. Other candidates have decided to use their knowledge working in food microbiology labs while some have remained in academic life as researchers. Three past students have acquired lectureships at Universities and are themselves teaching food safety while several more act as examiners or have visiting lectureships.
"It’s very useful in terms of introducing people to the food safety related matters regardless of what background they are from, and ideal for people having or seeking careers in industrial or governmental environment. Also, obtaining a HACCP certificate is very valuable.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham has developed into a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.