This industry-driven MSc in Food Manufacturing has been developed with leading food and drink industry experts. The programme is designed to enhance students expertise and practical skills in food manufacturing, sustainability, sustainable technologies, and innovation, empowering graduates to lead and manage initiatives within the food and drink sector.
The MSc in Food Manufacturing programme explores the latest food trends across the supply chain with a focus on both UK and international markets. The core modules cover key developments in food manufacturing, emphasising the role of effective management in fostering innovation and sustainability. Students can gain in-depth knowledge of food security, processing technologies, and have a chance to specialise in a range of fresh produce sectors.
This programme aims to support students in advancing their career in the food and drink industry through engaging in modules that study contemporary topics such as smart food processing, future food innovation, and leading sustainable businesses on a national and international scale.
Developed in collaboration with industry practitioners
Access to specialist industry-standard facilities
Undertake an independent research project
Hear from expert industry speakers
Develop and expand expert knowledge and practical skills
Gain a specialism in seafood, meat and dairy, or cereals and fresh produce
Find out more at this programme at our online webinar on Thursday, 27 March, 12pm - 1pm.
The programme takes a holistic, wide-ranging approach to food manufacturing and sustainability, acknowledging the need to optimise performance and quality in the food supply chain, to prepare students for opportunities across the internationally broad and fast-moving sector.
Following the taught element of the programme, students can undertake a research project to apply their knowledge in a real-life setting.
The programme is primarily delivered at our Lincoln Brayford Campus with some travel required to the National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM) in Holbeach, which is based approximately 50 miles south of Lincoln. Transport is provided between the two campuses for timetabled programme delivery.
Weekly contact hours on this programme vary depending on the structure of individual modules and the stage of study. Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent work, exploring the material covered in practicals, lectures, and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least two to three hours in independent study.
Visits to exhibitions and events, masterclasses delivered by industry professionals, and visits to industry sites are just some examples of opportunities that may be available to students throughout the course.
We're updating our curriculum ahead of September 2025 to make sure that it is up to date and responding to industry needs, however themes may include topics such as:
The University's National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM) is based in Holbeach, in south Lincolnshire. It provides specialist facilities and industry-standard equipment, including analytical laboratories with a test kitchen and sensory testing suite, a technician training centre, and processing facilities. It supports industry innovation, productivity, and growth within the sector, working closely with industry partners.
A variety of assessment methods are used during this course including essays, in-class tests, case studies, scientific reports, poster and oral presentations, and practicals. These assessments are designed to develop the skills that will be needed for a career in the sector.
This programme is designed to prepare students for a career in one of the world’s largest manufacturing industries. Food manufacturers, producers, and retailers are large employers, as are government departments that develop food policy. Graduates may pursue careers in operations, processing, marketing, distribution, and plant supervision, as well as technical, process, and product development. Some may choose to pursue research and PhD pathways.
Postgraduate Application Support
Applying for a postgraduate programme at Lincoln is easy. Find out more about the application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about the entry requirements we accept and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.
Typically, applicants are required to have, as a minimum, a lower second (2:2) class honours degree or equivalent overseas qualification.
Students' undergraduate backgrounds may be in a wide range of subjects including, but not limited to, food science and technology, biology, agri-food, supply chain management, food operations, and sustainability. If you are unsure if your background is suitable, please get in touch with the Programme Leader.
We will consider applicants from non-related degrees with relevant experience. Vocational and professional qualifications will also be considered. Applicants on this route will benefit from having a minimum of 2 years' food/drink industry experience and having been employed in a managerial or supervisory role in food manufacturing or a related industry.
GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above are required. Equivalents, including Functional Skills Level 2 or IELTS, are accepted.
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
If an applicant holds qualifications in a non-related subject area, then an interview may be conducted to assess their suitability for the course before the offer of a place can be made. It is expected that applicants will demonstrate a keen interest in food manufacturing and sustainability. To make this process accessible to all applicants, interviews will be held over Microsoft Teams in most cases.
You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.
The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
Postgraduate Funding Options
Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.
For more information about this course, please contact the Programme Leader.
Dr James Wagstaffe
jwagstaffe@lincoln.ac.uk
To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.
