Start Dates in October and January
The MSc by Research in Food Manufacturing Management is a manufacturing management-focussed programme. Tailored for individuals seeking a postgraduate qualification through comprehensive independent primary research in the field, applicants with a strong degree in engineering, business, management, economics, food and agriculture, or human psychology can apply. Students will undertake supervised research in Food Processing and Manufacturing Management, and present their findings in a thesis.
The programme integrates aspects of food manufacturing operations, business, data analytics, production, and manufacturing management to cultivate the critical-thinking and research skills essential for postgraduate studies. There is an emphasis on management and human-centred research in the context of food processing and manufacturing. This programme offers students the autonomy to shape the focus of their research, receiving dedicated one-to-one support from experienced supervisors.
Students delve into lean manufacturing principles, food business strategies, supply chain innovations, and manufacturing management, applying these to enhance operational efficiency, food safety performance, employee engagement, and sustainable food production within the manufacturing environment.
Conduct independent, original, and academically significant research
Benefit from training courses to develop key research skills
Supervision and support from academic staff
Present at talks and seminars to showcase your work
Enrol in January or October each year
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the vast majority of time will be spent in independent study and research. Students will have the opportunity to meet with their supervisor monthly (for full-time students, bi-monthly for part-time).
Additionally, students can participate in ongoing training sessions on research methods and skills organised by the University's Doctoral School. This comprehensive approach ensures a robust learning experience for aspiring researchers in the field of Food Processing and Manufacturing Management.
Students have the flexibility to conduct their research either at the main campus, Brayford Pool Campus in Lincoln, or at the National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM) located at Holbeach Campus. While students may choose either campus, the expectation is that most of the research and support activities will take place at the NCFM campus.
Situated just 50 miles from Lincoln, the NCFM campus is strategically positioned in the heart of the UK's largest food manufacturing cluster. This unique location provides students with invaluable proximity to industry connections and access to exceptional specialist food facilities. It is worth noting that the NCFM campus does not offer residential facilities; therefore, postgraduate students are encouraged to secure their own local accommodation.
This dual-campus setup ensures that students can leverage the resources and industry ties offered by the NCFM campus while enjoying the broader academic environment at the main campus in Lincoln, enhancing their overall research experience.
The key to success on a postgraduate research programme is to find a research topic that you are passionate about and identify a supervisory team that has expertise in this area. The flexible nature of this Master's provides students with the opportunity to undertake research in an area that interests them or is relevant to their current employment.
NCFM's research expertise include food chemistry, microbiology, product development, quality and safety systems, food manufacturing digitalisation (including robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning and virtual/augmented reality), sustainability, and technical management.
Research conducted by postgraduate students in the Centre has had practical applications in improving safety, quality, and efficiency in food manufacturing. Previous research project areas have included food safety and quality assurance, sensory analysis, packaging systems, food manufacturing technologies, resource efficiency, process automation, and robotic applications.
A research degree is usually awarded based on the quality a student's thesis and may include an oral examination (Viva Voce) to present and successfully defend their chosen research topic to a group of academics. Students are also expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding.
Postgraduate Research Application Support
Find out more about the application process for research degrees and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page, which also features contact details for dedicated support with your application.
To support your experience within the postgraduate research community, new students are encouraged to enrol in October or January. In addition to meeting peers across the University who are starting their research programme at the same time, there is access to a central training programme designed around the first three months of study, and targeted support aligned to each stage of the postgraduate research journey. Alternative enrolment dates may be agreed with your supervisor on an individual basis.
First or upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject.
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills
You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below. Research students may be required to pay additional fees in addition to cover the cost of specialist resources, equipment and access to any specialist collections that may be required to support their research project. These will be informed by your research proposal and will be calculated on an individual basis.
Loans and Studentships
Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate research, from Master's and Doctoral Loans, to research studentship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.
A research programme provides the opportunity to become a true expert in your chosen field, while developing a range of valuable transferable skills than can support your career progression. A research-based degree is also the most direct pathway to an academic career. Research degrees are a great chance to expand your network and meet diverse people with similar interests, knowledge, and passion.
The University’s Doctoral School provides a focal point for Lincoln’s community of researchers, where ideas and experiences can be developed and shared across disciplines. It also offers support and training to help equip you for both academic and non-academic careers.
For more information about this course, please contact:
Dr Oluseyi Moses Ajayi
majayi@lincoln.ac.uk
Through our research, we are striving to change society for the better. Working with regional, national, and international partners, our academics are engaged in groundbreaking studies that are challenging the status quo. We also understand the importance of providing the best possible environment for pursuing research that can support our communities, improve lives, and make a tangible difference to the world around us.
