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Beyond being a source of enjoyment, food is vital for human life. It forms the foundation of our survival and significantly influences the world economy. Microorganisms are crucial for ensuring food preservation and safety, promoting health through nutrition, and advancing food biotechnology - all rapidly expanding sectors across global markets. UCC's School of Microbiology has earned international recognition in food microbiology through its research excellence and the contributions of its alumni in the food sector.
UCC's MSc in Food Microbiology explores both traditional and contemporary aspects of the field, addressing food safety and spoilage, fermentation processes, biotechnological applications, food production hygiene, dietary health impacts, pathogenic microbe mechanisms, and gut microbiome functions in human wellbeing.
This intensive one-year program features a structured curriculum with a six-month laboratory research project. We strive to provide advanced education in food microbiology, focusing on UCC's key research areas like food biotechnology, fermentation science, safety protocols, and nutritional health. The program equips students with expertise to make meaningful contributions to both Ireland's and the world's food industries.
Applicants must have a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in a discipline with a significant element of laboratory science.
Consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may also be given to applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements but who have other relevant experience. To demonstrate other relevant experience, applicants will be assessed on the following criteria and an interview may also be required.
Duolingo English Test: DET 120 (with a minimum score of 110 in each individual section)
IELTS: 6.5 Overall; 6.0 Individual Skills (academic version)
TOEFL iBT: 90 Overall; Listening 20; Reading 19; Speaking 21; Writing 20
Cambridge Examinations:
C2 Proficiency
C1 Advanced
B2 First
176 overall with no less than 169 in each element of the test
Pearson PTE: Minimum score of 63 with no section score below 59