European Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems Engineering, Technology and Business

This two-year European Master's promotes a transversal and multidisciplinary approach to a broad range of topics related to the 4S pillars: Science, Sustainability, Safety, and Simulation.

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 program aims to develop and foster knowledge and awareness of scientific trends in food science, safety, and quality, food product, process design, 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 is addressed in an international context.

The European Master in Sustainable Food Systems Engineering, Technology, and Business is a two-year program, organized in a clear modular format consisting of compulsory and optional modules in years 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.

Student Profile

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.

The program 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.

The courses are fully taught in English.

• Credits: 120 ECTS
• Degree Type: Master
• Specifications: Master of Science.

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 research. In our FabLab, students can use several 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 programs 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 center 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.

Learn more about why you should choose KU Leuven.

KU Leuven combines the best of both worlds by hosting both online and live info sessions. You choose how, where and when to get your information in your search for the right program

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.