Food Technology & Nutrition | Master

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 Application Deadline: March 31, 2024

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Short Facts
  • Time model & language: Full-time and Part-time | German
  • Duration of study: 4 semesters | 120 ECTS
    2nd and 3rd Semester I international year I English
  • Prerequisites: Bachelor or equivalent degree in relevant studies or studies comprising a certain level of relevant ECTS points
  • Academic Degree: Master of Science in Engineering | MSc or M.Sc.
  • Tuition fee: EUR 363,36 / semester plus membership fee for the Austrian Students’ Union (ÖH) for EU and EEA citizens

Before studying

As a commencing student you may have many questions: What does the desired course of studies teach me? How do I apply? What are the requirements for admission to studying at MCI, and what is the application deadline? What are my career options after graduation? Below you will find all the answers and information you may need.

Overview

Students with white coats working in a labratory.

The degree is designed for graduates of Bachelor’s programs in natural science, ecotrophology, nutrition science, technology, or engineering, seeking to obtain an advanced education in the food and nutrition technology sector.

The Food Technology & Nutrition Master’s program at MCI provides advanced knowledge of the technology, analysis, authorization, trends and economic foundations of the food and nutrition sector. The program is available both in full-time and part-time mode.

The curriculum has been developed based on the current conditions and requirements of the business world. The aim of the program is to equip students with a thorough knowledge of food and nutrition, production techniques and processes, the identification and characterization of nutritional properties, as well as the effects of specific food products. The program, thus, provides a perfect foundation for future engineers to position themselves on the labor market as qualified experts and to make a valuable contribution to the economic success of a business.

Contact
Prof. Dr. Katrin Bach | Head of Department & Studies Master's Program Food Technology & Nutrition
Prof. Dr. Katrin Bach Head of Department & Studies +43 512 2070 - 3800

If you have any questions about the study program, please contact us.

Consultancy situation between MCI staff and future student

Admission

Applications for admission are accepted on a rolling basis. The required documents are to be submitted online. Applicants are welcome to apply for multiple programs of study, as long as a plausible rationale is given. The final decision may be taken by the end of the application procedures.

 

Application
deadline

Interview
Date 1 Nov 12, 2023 Nov 20, 2023
Date 2 Feb 4, 2024 Feb 12, 2024
Date 3 Mar 31, 2024 Apr 8, 2024
Date 4 May 26, 2024 Jun 3, 2024

 

Admission to the Master program in Bioresource & Food Engineering is open to graduates of relevant Bachelor and Diploma programs and graduates from other relevant post-secondary educational facilities.

This Master program is an ideal follow-on from such Bachelor programs as Food & Bioresource Technologies, particularly with the specialization in Food Technologies. Admission will also be considered for graduates of study programs whose curricula offer an adequate degree of relevance. Relevant fields include biology, pharmaceuticals and biochemistry. The Program Director decides on the relevance of such previous qualifications.

Recognition of previous qualifications in the master program:
Applications for recognition of examinations or credits obtained through other study programs or previous scientific experience must be submitted to the Program Director. A decision will only be taken in cases where the application for admission has met with a positive decision. Recognition of credits or previous experience is only granted for individual classes in the program.

In just two steps to your desired study program at MCI:

Step 1 – Online application: CV & motivation

A complete online application consists of a CV, a letter of motivation, information on educational background, qualifications, professional career, social achievements and academic as well as professional goals. We would like to know why you are applying to study at MCI.

You may apply for more than one degree program at the same time, provided you can conclusively explain your respective motivations in your letter of motivation.

Step 2 – Online admission interview

In the second step, all applicants will be invited to an online admission interview.

In this interview, we want to get to know you. We are particularly interested in your motivation to study at MCI as well as your professional and personal goals you want to achieve with the help of your studies.

Within three weeks after the admission interview, we will inform you about the admission decision.

Two students doing focused work in laboratory

While studying

MCI study programs stand out due to the quality of their content, relevance to the business world, and their international orientation. The close cooperation with partners from  industry and integrative internships enable students to gain practical experience as early as in their Bachelor’s studies. In addition to providing expert knowledge, MCI places great importance on encouraging personal development and the development of social and intercultural competencies.

Food Technology & Nutrition

The program combines in-depth knowledge of food technology with the field of nutrition in an integrative way, thus, generating a range of interdisciplinary career options. A particular focus is placed on the methods of analysis and quality assurance, on the legal conditions of authorizing foods, of food production and the packaging of food constituents, as well as on food trends.

Based on electives in the second and third semesters in the modules Quality management and Innovations in the Food Industry, students have the opportunity to set their own focus.

To meet the growing requirements of the business world and industry, the program places great emphasis on business-related training. It also includes contents of quality, project, and process management and promotes the development of individual competence in the fields of methodology, social skills, and team work. In addition, the program teaches methods of academic research and writing as well as their professional application in relevant industrial projects. In the third and fourth semester of the program, students are given the opportunity to study at one of MCI’s many partner institutions worldwide. They may also choose to write their Master’s thesis abroad.

Facts

Time model & language
Full-time and Part-time | German
Academic year
Winter semester: beginning of October - end of January
Summer semester: beginning of March - end of June
Structure
1st - 3rd semesters: core program
2nd and 3rd emester: Electives: Quality Management and Innovations in the Food Industry
2nd and 3rd semester: International Semester (optional)
4th semester: Master thesis and exam
Tuition fees
For students from EU & EEA countries: EUR 363,36 / semester plus membership fee to the Austrian Student Union (ÖH). Details & information for students from third countries can be found at admission.

Module overview

Subject%
Food Technology & Nutrition 37,5%
Current industry projects 12,5%
Scientific working incl. Master thesis 35,8%
General management 7,5%
Electives: Quality Management and Innovations in the Food Industry 6,7%

Curriculum

 1234
Food Chemistry 3 I 5      
Food Production & Packaging 3 I 5      
Food Biotechnology   3 I 6    
Food Ingredients & Nutritients   6 I 8    
Food Medicine     4 I 6  
Trends in Food Science, Nutrients & Technology     3 I 5  
Analytics and Regulatory Framework 5 I 7      
Food Approval   3 I 4    
Quality Control     5 I 7  

 1234
Quality Management*        
Introduction to Supply Chain Engineering   3 | 2    
Food Microbiology   3 | 2    
         
Innovations in the Food Industry*        
Business Model Innovation     5 | 3  
Trends in Food Science, Nutrient & Technology     5 | 3  
         
*you can only choose one
       


Semester Credit Units| ECTS-Credits

 1234
Applied Industrial Projects 1 3 I 5      
Applied Industrial Projects 2   3 I 5    
Applied Industrial Projects 3     3 I 5  

 1234
Scientific Methods 1 3 I 5      
Scientific Methods 2   2 I 4    
Scientific Methods 3     2 I 4  
Master Thesis       4 I 30

 1234
General Management 1 2 I 3      
General Management 2   2 I 3    
General Management 3     2 I 3  

The Master program Food Technology & Nutrition is a full-time or part-time degree program. 

Full-time

In full-time studies, lectures and seminars are held on weekdays, with blocked units allowing for an intensive immersion into individual topics.
The classes usually take place from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 12:15 and / or from 13:30 to 16:45. In exceptional cases, the times may vary and the lessons and / or examinations may take place outside the specified times or possibly on Saturdays.

Part-time

A part-time study program is organized in such a way that students can pursue full-time employment. The content and scope of the part-time study program correspond to those of a full-time study program.

The courses and seminars usually take place on Friday afternoons (around 1pm to 10pm) and on Saturdays (8am to 5pm).

 

Graduates of the program are conferred the academic title of Master of Science in Engineering, in short MSc or M.Sc. This is attested by a leaving certificate, the Master diploma, the international diploma supplement, and further documents where relevant. MCI Alumni are entitled to combine their academic degree with the brand “MCI” to provide trust and orientation in an increasingly intransparent international education market. Example: BSc (MCI).
Source: GZ BMWF-52.330/0195-I/6/2013

Dr. Schär Merit Scholarship

Dr. Schär is a South Tyrolean family business founded in 1982. The Dr. Schär group specializes in the development, production and sales of innovative foods for special dietary needs. To promote talented students in the fields of food technology, Dr. Schär provides two MCI students per year with a EUR 500.— scholarship.

COURSE-SPECIFIC SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS

 

Handl Tyrol Merit Scholarship

HANDL TYROL is an Austrian family business based in Pians/Tyrol, which has specialized in the production of original Tyrolean bacon, raw sausage, and roast specialties since 1902.

For MCI students who are interested in sustainable, innovative, but also forward-looking ideas, HANDL TYROL GmbH annually awards three performance scholarships worth EUR 1,000 each. The selected scholarship holders also have the exclusive opportunity to spend a day behind the scenes at Handl Tyrol.

COURSE-SPECIFIC SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS

Cooperation & Career Partners (Selection)

  • Adler Lacke
  • Dr. Schär
  • Handl Tyrol
  • Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt
  • Landwirtschaftliches Versuchszentrum Laimburg, Südtirol
  • Leukocare
  • Lonza
  • Novartis/Sandoz
  • Oroboros Instruments
  • Rauch Fruchtsäfte
  • Wacker Chemie

Double Degree Programme of MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® and the University of Seville in "Food Technology, Industry and Nutrition".

The programme comprises 5 semesters, with MCI students completing the first year in Innsbruck; semesters three and four are spent at USE. For students of the USE, the course of studies is designed in the opposite way: For them, the Master's programme first starts in Seville and is continued in the second year at the MCI. In the fifth semester, the Master's thesis is again written by all students in Innsbruck and the Master's examination is taken by representatives of both institutions.

Exchange Program for University Studies

The Master's program Food Technology & Nutrition is also a member of the "Central European Exchange Program for University Studies" (CEEPUS) and thus creates a valuable network for students with universities and colleges from 16 countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

Christian Rinderer, MSc; Applied Material & Method Research, Global Operations, Red Bull GmbH

The part-time format of the Master Degree program in Food Technology & Nutrition enables practical knowledge from professional life to be combined and consolidated with academic content. During the weekends, lecturers from the business world, external universities and MCI internal experts convey a diverse picture of the world of food in a concentrated manner. The personal contact between the lecturers and staff of the study program and the students is particularly appreciated, which despite the demanding months, ensures that the fun of learning is not lost.

Christian Rinderer, MSc; Applied Material & Method Research, Global Operations, Red Bull GmbH

Michael Durach; Head of Mustard & Delicatessen; Develey Senf & Feinkost GmbH

In the MCI we have found a university partner with a similar philosophy and understanding: Exciting and enriching for both sides is the practical exchange, whether through cooperation with students from the Food Technology & Nutrition program or through joint research projects or supervision of master's theses.

Michael Durach; Head of Mustard & Delicatessen; Develey Senf & Feinkost GmbH

Karl Christian Handl MBA; CEO Handl Tyrol GmbH

Handl Tyrol GmbH has once again been able to successfully implement projects in the field of innovation and development on several occasions with the "Food Technology & Nutrition course" at the MCI together with professors and students. Always an enriching and inspiring experience.

Karl Christian Handl MBA; CEO Handl Tyrol GmbH

Research & Development

At the Entrepreneurial School®, providing a consistent link between science and practice has top priority. Therefore, we provide our students plenty of opportunity to put their newly acquired knowledge to practice, even during their studies. The collaboration with companies and organizations of different sizes and sectors forms one of the cornerstones of the MCI concept. Such cooperative work does not only benefit our students, but also, ­to a large extent our partners.

Food Science & Biotechnology

Innovations from the fields of food technology, biotechnology, functional & convenience foods and bioengineering will have a decisive impact on future viability. The growing demand in this area offers the opportunity to expand research activities in a targeted manner. The central topic here is the solution of current questions that arise along the value chain, from the production of plant raw materials and algae to technological utilization and product characterization. Novel approaches from engineering and natural sciences are used.

After studying

Studying at MCI is an investment in a successful future. Through close cooperation with industry and the practical orientation of all courses, MCI graduates are in particularly high demand on the job market and have several job offers even before graduation.

Professional Opportunites

  • food economics
  • animal feed industry
  • food safety (e.g. at EFSA, AGES etc.)
  • quality assurance and analysis
  • chemical and pharmaceutical industry
  • clinical nutrition research
  • innovation management
  • product development
  • consulting and engineering
  • freelancing
  • development work and business formation

MCI Alumni & Friends

MCI Alumni & Friends provides a dynamic service platform promoting contacts, image, professional careers, and personal development of MCI and its graduates. We are delighted with all the graduates who choose to stay in touch even long after completion of their studies, and allowing us to be a part of their various careers:

Success Stories

Questions and answers

The full-time and part-time Master’s programs cover precisely the same topics. The difference lies in the organization of on-campus sessions. While full-time program courses generally take place Monday through Friday, courses in the part-time program are scheduled on Fridays, Saturdays and, in some cases, on Thursday evenings. This should facilitate the combination of work and study for students interested or required to work while they study. In order to enable full-time and part-time students to exchange experience, we also arrange for individual classes in both time models to be held on a Fridays or Saturdays.

No. You may attend this part-time course, despite working in an unrelated profession.

Students of this study program have the choice within their curriculum, but also as part of their extracurricular activities, to choose between modules, specializations, additional courses, electives, etc. Additionally, the semester abroad at one of our numerous partner universities as well as projects and final papers, enable our students to make their study program a truly unique experience.    

Yes. The second and third semester can be spent at one of our partner institutions or you may also choose to complete the fourth semester as a research semester to write your Master’s thesis at a foreign institution such as the National University of Singapore.

Yes. All second and third semester courses are held in English. MCI also regularly invites international experts to give talks and presentations in English as guest lecturers.

Classes in the full-time course take place during the day Monday through Friday. Complementary online modules may be scheduled or in exceptional cases classes may be organized on Fridays or Saturdays, if need be.

Classes in the part-time course usually take place on Thursday evenings, Fridays, and Saturdays to enable students to work while studying. Complementary classes may be organized in blocks or online modules may be scheduled, if need be.

Students attend this course from the first to the third semester. The course applies a problem-based learning approach to teaching students about problems encountered in the industry or in industrial projects carried out at MCI. A relevant question will be raised at the beginning of each class. Examples include: “How can low-fat mayonnaise be stabilized?” or “How can we detect contamination in starter cultures?” With each question, you will be introduced to a new subject. Afterwards, you will work in teams to prepare and present solutions to the problem in question. This is to prepare you for similar tasks in your later career.

Attendance is mandatory in all classes. If you miss 25% of a course or more, this will have an effect on your final grade.

Exemption from mandatory attendance may be granted if a valid reason is given (e.g. sickness, visit to authorities or other personal reasons). Please submit your written request including relevant proof to the department for approval.

The entire admission process can be completed online. This means that you can also participate in the admission process from abroad. However, please make sure you have a sufficiently good internet connection.

The electives for the second and third semesters can be determined independently of each other in the previous semester. Students will receive more-detailed information about the content and the exact procedure at the beginning of their studies.

In principle, students must choose one elective subject in the second and third semesters. If students wish to attend both electives of a semester for their own sake, this must be approved on a case-by-case basis by the degree program.