Food Innovation, MSc

University of Greenwich

The aim of the module is to develop students’ academic communicative competencies in line with the educational conventions of UK HEIs and to facilitate transition into that culture. In addition, it aims to support international postgraduate students in developing their understanding of the demands of studying at postgraduate level in a UK university and their ability to use English for academic purposes in a Postgraduate UK environment.

New Product and/or Process Development is a time intensive and costly process, so it is important that students develop the ability to reflect on the significance and inter-relationship of consumers’ and markets needs when involved with the design and development of new food products. Students will develop an awareness of the reasons for developing New Food Products and novel processes and what stages are necessary to bring a concept to the marketplace. They will be required to explore the principles required in the formulation and preparation of new food products. As global legislation requires that documented evidence is in place to demonstrate good practices the final element of this Module will be to understand the requirements of a Product manual and to apply an innovative approach in the formulation of a manual, reflecting the activities that have been systematically followed within the product development laboratory.

This module is designed to provide students with the background to studying about and managing the process of food innovation. The step-by-step approach will guide students to develop an understanding of the conceptual tools required for food innovation and value addition at all stages of the food chain. Students will develop an awareness of consumers’ requirements and will be able to make informed decisions regarding the food ingredients and/or products that they bring to market. Students will explore the logistics of the food chain and integrate this within the concept of developing a wholesome food that meets market requirements.

The aims of this module are to: • Enable the students to understand the nature of research and the value of different routes to knowledge; • Equip students with the confidence and ability to make judgements and decisions required in research and to assess critically the information they obtain; • Enhance the students’ research abilities enabling them to undertake academically and/or professionally merited MSc dissertations, characterised by evidence of high quality structure, content, organisation and presentation; • Enhance the students’ ability to work independently on the preparation of research proposals and reports.

The project is a key element of study in any programme leading to a Master’s award. It is the point where the knowledge and understanding acquired during the taught module is synthesised and applied to the student’s area of interest. Students reaching this stage will have acquired some experience of investigative technique and report writing through the completion of the module covering Research Methods. This module will build upon that experience and develop a rigorous approach, appropriate to the level of the award. The dissertation will be required to show not only a thorough grasp of the relevant academic underpinnings as stressed in the learning outcomes.