Course Overview

The Master’s Degree Programme in Food Science and Technology (LM-70R) aims to educate graduates capable of:

• Managing and optimising technological processes in the food industry, including the selection and appropriate use of food additives and packaging materials;
• Developing safe, high-quality food products with optimal shelf life and desirable sensory characteristics;
• Managing scale-up processes, from the development and approval of new products to their industrial-scale production;
• Collaborating with professionals from different fields, participating in research and development projects, and contributing to food education and awareness initiatives aimed at promoting consumer well-being;
• Developing control and management systems throughout the food supply chain and designing quality management systems in compliance with current regulations;
• Identifying and applying chemical and microbiological methods for quality control and the nutritional analysis of food products;
• Promoting technological strategies for the development of innovative and sustainable food products;
• Carrying out activities related to the marketing, distribution and procurement of raw materials, finished food products, food additives, packaging materials, processing aids, machinery and equipment for the food industry.

Admission to the Master’s Degree Programme in Food Science and Technology (LM-70R) is open to applicants holding a three-year Bachelor’s degree or a university diploma in one of the following degree classes: L-26 (Food Science and Technology) or the former degree class 20 (Agricultural, Forestry and Food Sciences), L-2 (Biotechnology), L-13 (Biological Sciences), L-25 (Agricultural and Forestry Sciences and Technologies), L-27 (Chemical Sciences and Technologies), L-29 (Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies), L-32 (Environmental and Natural Sciences and Technologies), or L-38 (Animal Science and Animal Production Technologies), or an equivalent qualification, including qualifications obtained abroad.

Applicants holding degrees in other fields or degree classes may also be admitted, subject to verification that they meet the required curricular qualifications. These include at least 50 CFU (university credits) in one or more of the following scientific-disciplinary fields: AGR, BIO, CHIM, FIS, GEO, ICAR, INF, ING-IND, MAT, MED and VET.

Applicants who have not yet obtained their Bachelor’s degree may also apply, provided that they meet the applicable curricular requirements and obtain their qualifying degree or acquire the required 50 CFU in the above-mentioned scientific-disciplinary fields within the deadlines established annually by the University in its admission call for applications. Qualifications obtained abroad must be recognised as equivalent.

Applicants must also demonstrate adequate proficiency in English, corresponding to at least B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

More information at https://studenti.smartedu.unict.it

Admission is not subject to a fixed enrolment quota (https://www.unict.it/ammissioni-ai-corsi-di-laurea-magistrale/numero-non-programmato). Applicants’ initial level of preparation is assessed through an oral interview conducted by a Committee appointed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A). The interview is based on a Syllabus, as well as on motivations, ability to synthesize, mastery of the topics covered, and communication skills.

At the end of the first year, students can choose between two curricula:

• Food Process Control Technologies and Strategies;
• Food Production Safety and Sustainability.

Each curriculum offers a distinct set of courses and specific educational objectives.

The Master’s degree in Food Science and Technology (LM-70R) is awarded upon successful completion of a final examination, which consists of the preparation and defence of an original experimental Master’s thesis. The thesis is developed by the candidate under the supervision of one or more supervisors, at least one of whom must be a university lecturer or professor, who may also belong to another university.

For information on admission to the final examination and the relevant assessment criteria, please refer to the Regulations of the Degree Programme applicable to the academic year in which the student enrolled.