European Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems Engineering, Technology and Business
Ghent, Belgium
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 8,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* non-EEA fee | 4000 EUR ; EEA fee
Introduction
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The European Master of Sustainable Food Systems Engineering, Technology and Business offers an education that is at the same time broad and in-depth. The programme aims to develop and foster knowledge and awareness of scientific trends in food science, safety and quality, food product, process design and sustainable production, computational methods and risk analysis within a global context, as well as to identify key concerns about ecological and community issues relating to food systems and their production.
The course seeks to expand the scope of theoretical research and policy debates over sustainable agriculture and food production. It offers a better understanding of food systems and ecological dynamics and offers strategies in terms of regenerating natural systems. Understanding and development of key issues in food legislation and regulations and application of quality management systems in the supply chain are integral components of the course. The focus on social concerns arising from food production, marketing, economics and consumption practices are addressed in an international context.
The European Master in Sustainable Food Systems Engineering, Technology and Business is a two-year programme, organised in a clear modular format consisting of compulsory and optional modules in year one and two, and with an evaluation at the end of each module.
- You will start your studies at KU Leuven for fundamental courses on Science, Sustainability, Safety, and Simulation.
- In the 2nd semester, you will continue your studies at UCP and UAnhalt
- In the 3rd semester, you move to UCD for advanced modules on (Computational) Risk & Safety, Energy & Food Chains, and Innovative Food Processing & Technology
- In the last semester, you will work on a scientific project in one of the partner institutions or in an approved workplace that will culminate in your master’s thesis. It is strongly encouraged to take an optional professional competence module in the summer between Stage 1 and Stage 2.
Curriculum
Mandatory Courses
Mandatory Courses at KU Leuven
- Food Science Fundamentals
- Food Safety and Quality Fundamentals
- Sustainable Food Product and Food Process Design Fundamentals
- Computational Food Science, Technology, and Engineering Fundamentals
Mandatory Courses at Universidade Católica Portuguesa
- Environmental Practices and Sustainability
Mandatory Courses at Hochschule Anhalt
- Business and Economics in Food Industry
- Sustainable Production of Plant-based Food Products: Cereals
- Sustainable Production of Food from Animal Origin: Meat and Dairy
Mandatory Courses at University College Dublin
- Predictive Modelling and Risk Assessment
- Hyperspectral Imaging and Data Analysis
- Waste to Energy Processes and Technology
- Innovative Food Processing and Technology
- Chemometrics 1
Project Thesis
- Project-Thesis KU Leuven
- Project-Thesis Universidade Católica Portuguesa
- Project-Thesis Hochschule Anhalt
- Project-Thesis University College Dublin
Elective Courses
- Introduction course Dutch
- Professional Competency Module KU Leuven
- Professional Competency Module Universidade Católica Portuguesa
- Professional Competency Module Hochschule Anhalt
- Professional Competency Module University College Dublin
Ideal Students
The ideal prospective student is:
- Keen to develop a career in food science and technology related to sustainable food systems: food production, food processing, and food engineering
- Aware of the need for increased food quality and quantity for an expanding world population
- Interested in sustainable food systems from both a technological and computational point of view
- Proficient in spoken and written English language.
Admissions
Program delivery
The courses are fully taught in English.
Program Tuition Fee
Why study at KU Leuven
What sets us apart as a university?
A highly ranked university
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.
Research-based education
Education at KU Leuven is research-based, which means students will learn from the same professors who are performing the ground-breaking research you read about in the press. New insights are instantly integrated into classes and students are encouraged to perform their own research. In our FabLab, students can use a number of high-tech machines to create whatever they want – all free of charge.
Affordable tuition fees
Higher education is highly valued in Belgium and therefore subsidised by the government. This allows KU Leuven to keep tuition fees relatively low, which gives you a price/quality ratio very few top-100 universities can match. We take pride in keeping our programmes as accessible as possible to allow the brightest students from around the globe to join our courses.
International student life with respect for diversity
According to Times Higher Education, KU Leuven is in the top 50 of most international universities worldwide with staff and students from over 150 different nationalities. For all our international students, the Pangaea student centre is their home away from home. Our university also strives for diversity and inclusion and wants to work together on a pact for more respect.
Info Sessions
Rankings
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.
Accreditations
Gallery
Career Opportunities
The programme prepares competent employees for varied sectors of work including food production, food processing, agribusiness, and positions at educational institutions, government departments, and private companies.
You will be highly skilled and prepared for work at the highest professional level, able to solve problems and present research.