Analytical, Sensory and Consumer Science (Food And Drink) MPhil

Overview

This is a potential research degree area, subject to the approval of the University. If you are interested in undertaking a research degree in this area.

The food and drink industry is extremely important to the UK/Scottish economy and Abertay research within the Division of Engineering and Food Science is at the forefront of new developments and knowledge transfer in food innovation and sustainability.

Current research projects cover a range of food science and technology topics. These include: evaluation of novel yeasts for whisky fermentations, legumes as sustainable raw materials for foods and beverages, non-thermal food preservation processes, ultrasound extraction of food bioactives, Maillard reaction products, food antioxidants, E-cigarette emissions, sensory science using electromyography and chemistry of oak maturation of spirits.

Experts in the Division are also researching aspects of human nutrition and public health and have been contributing to Scottish Government policy on food and dietary issues specifically pertaining to Scotland.

We collaborate closely with industry and external research institutes and have excellent laboratory and pilot plant facilities for research and new product development, together with a state-of-the art sensory suite for consumer evaluation of novel food and drink products.

Our research degrees

You have the option of studying an MSc by Research, an MPhil or a PhD.

When deciding which degree is right for you, you should consider the level of commitment required, the duration, cost and your career aspirations.

That being said, our research degrees are flexible. You can begin an MSc or an MPhil and then seek to transfer to a PhD without having to start your project all over again. You can also switch from full-time to part-time study, and vice versa.

MPhil

The award of Master of Philosophy demonstrates a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems and/or the application of original thought, much of which is at (or informed by) the forefront of your field of study or area of professional practice.

How long is an MPhil?

If you are studying full-time, you are expected to complete the award in 24 months. The minimum period to receive this award is 12 months and the maximum is 48 months.

If you are studying part-time, you are expected to complete the award in 48 months. The minimum period to receive this award on a part-time basis is 24 months and the maximum is 72 months.

The minimum entry requirement for all our research degrees is an Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) at undergraduate level in an appropriate discipline and/or a Master’s degree. In some cases, appropriate professional or experiential learning may be considered in combination with a lower classification of Honours degree.