MSc Food Process Engineering
Heriot-Watt UniversityEdinburgh, United Kingdom
Course overview
The MSc Food Process Engineering program offers a unique opportunity to specialise your chemical, process engineering, food science, or biology expertise within the dynamic food and drink sector. You'll learn core theories from chemical engineering, process engineering, brewing, distilling, bioscience, and biology, all specifically tailored to prepare you for a rewarding process engineering career in this vital industry.
The comprehensive course structure allows you to explore a wide array of topics, including food and beverage biotechnology, processing, chemistry, toxicology, microbiology, nutrition, and biochemistry. You'll also analyse emerging food products and the entire life cycle of food production. The "Future Foods" course and your summer dissertation provide an excellent chance to customise your learning by focusing on individual research projects in a subject of your choice.
Upon completing the program, you'll possess the comprehensive knowledge and deep understanding of essential subjects required by the food and drink industry. You'll master the fundamental principles, concepts, theories, and methods, and stay abreast of current and emerging developments, equipping you for a successful career post-graduation.
Key highlights
- Applies chemical, process engineering or bioscience knowledge to food and drink
- Covers chemical engineering, process engineering, brewing and distilling
- Includes bioscience and biology alongside core engineering theory
- Prepares graduates for process engineering careers in food and beverage
Entry requirements
- Degree: 2:2 — to include related subject; or above
Scholarships
Alumni Discount Scheme
A 20% discount is applicable to postgraduate taught courses across all of our global campuses.
Up to 20% of feesCoaching Scholarships Programme
Varies – up to a 100% Tuition fee Reduction (dependent on experience and number of coaching hours across the year).
Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence
The Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence awards the successful recipient(s) with a 20% reduction on their tuition fees.
Up to 20% of feesRemission of Fees (Families of Staff)
Please contact the provider.
Staff Scholarships
Please contact the provider
The Brodie Family Scholarship (PGT)
The Brodie Family Scholarship provides financial support of £2,500 per year (or £2,000 per year for students enrolled in a five-year programme) to four undergraduate students.
The Island Scholarship Programme - Orkney Campus (UK) (International)
The New Dawn Energy Scholarship
The New Dawn Energy Scholarship provides £1900 towards living costs to two students enrolling on our MSc in Petroleum Engineering in September 2026.
Up to £1,900
Careers this course leads to
- Food process engineer
- Process engineer (food and beverage)
- Brewing process engineer
- Distillery process engineer
- Food production manager
- Process development engineer
Career opportunities
Graduates of this program are well-prepared for diverse careers, including:
- Production/Operations Manager
- Quality Assurance (QA) and Food Safety Manager/Specialist
- Research and Development (R&D) Scientist/Engineer
- Food Process Engineer
- Technical Sales and Support.
Cost of study
For international students enrolling in the MSc Food Process Engineering programme at Heriot-Watt University for the 2025/2026 academic year, the tuition fee is £25,480.
Admission
You can submit your application for this course through UCAS or by completing the university's international application form. Should you need any support throughout the process, our trained counsellors are here to help.
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