Food Quality & Safеtу
(Starting: Winter Semester)
- Starting
- Winter Semester
- Mode of Admission:
- local admission restriction (local NC)
- Study Mode:
- On campus
Video
University of Bayreuth – the Gamechanger Campus
Five Reasons to choose this Master's Program
Course Description
The food industry is a highly complex environment. Food products contain a wide range of ingredients and are produced, traded and processed on a global scale. Quality assurance and enhancement must address this complexity, as must the legal framework and technical innovations. At the same time, nutrition plays a central role in human health and wellbeing. Safe, high-quality food is essential for preventing diet-related diseases, supporting healthy development and ensuring a high quality of life in the long term.
The "Food Quality and Safety" master's degree course at the University of Bayreuth is unique in Germany. It addresses some of the greatest challenges of the 21st century, such as the sustainable production and distribution of high-quality, healthy food; feeding a steadily growing world population; prevention of diet-related diseases and optimising and developing supply chains.
Complex problems require interdisciplinary solutions. This programme provides you with the scientific, legal and economic expertise to tackle food-related issues holistically, making the interdisciplinary scope of the programme key to equipping you with the necessary skills. You will learn to evaluate food not only in terms of compliance and safety, but also in terms of its impact on health outcomes and its contribution to human wellbeing.
During this two-year Master's programme, you will be introduced to various problems and work on concrete case studies and current research projects. You will acquire skills in the following areas: Biology and Biochemistry of Food, Food Chemistry, Food Microbiology Human Biology, Data Science/ Statistics, Food Law, Trade Law, Safety and Risk Management Law, Quality Management, Food Supply Chain Management, and Science Communication.
The M.Sc. in Food Quality & Safety is intended for holders of a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology or Biochemistry, or a comparable degree in the field of Life Sciences. Applicants should possess knowledge in mathematics and data analysis, experimental physics, chemistry, human biology, animal and plant physiology, genetics, cell biology, microbiology, ecology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics. Possible study programs could include:
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Agricultural Sciences
- Food Sciences
- Food Technology
- Health Sciences
- Ecotrophology
- Bioanalytics
- Nutrition Sciences
- Food Chemistry
or related programs.
Special Program Features
Benefit from close cooperations with authorities, institutes and companies
Study in Kulmbach at the Faculty of Life Sciences, surrounded by leading food institutions and research centers, where you engage in projects closely linked to teaching.
Complete your degree in an international environment
Small classes and close contact with lecturers and the Study Service create personalized support and ideal study conditions for international students in Germany.
Study in one of the most successful young universities in Germany
Ranked 45th among the world’s top young universities by THE, the University of Bayreuth offers 160+ interdisciplinary programs across seven faculties—an ideal place to grow academically and professionally.
Partner Universities
All Partner Universities
Accreditations
HRK Internationalization Audit
HRK Internationalization Audit
The "Internationalization of Higher Education Institutions" audit is part of the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) EXPERTISE Internationalisation project. Since 2009, it has been supporting HRK member universities in strategically aligning their internationalization and anchoring it permanently within the institution.
Family-Friendly Higher Education Audit
Family-Friendly Higher Education Audit
The “Family-Friendly Higher Education” audit serves to systematize and develop the existing regulations, activities, and opportunities. It aims to create a reliable framework offering a scope of individual arrangements. Employees and students must be able to achieve a healthy balance between their studies/work and their family commitments, including childcare and care duties.
System Accreditation
System Accreditation
System accreditation is the internal quality assurance system of a state or state-recognized higher education institution in Germany. With system accreditation, a higher education institution receives the right to award the seal of the Accreditation Council for its self-assessed study programs.
Webinars with MyGermanUniversity
Upcoming webinars
14 January 2027, 04:00 PM (Europe/Berlin)
University of Bayreuth
M.Sc. Food System Scienсеs Past webinars (recordings)
Info events by the University
18 November 2026, 02:00 PM (CET)
OnlineZSTB: Studying at the University of Bayreuth – Digital information event on the Day of Repentance and Prayer
Have you (soon to be) graduated from high school and still have no idea what you want to study? Would you like to study in Bayreuth, but don't know exactly how to find out about degree programs and how to get a place at university? Or would you like to know what you need to consider when starting a degree program?
Requirements
Qualification Requirements
The application requirements for the study program in "Food Quality & Safеtу" are:
Previous bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in:
- Natural Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Any equivalent degree.
Minimum ECTS points requirеd:
- 180
Minimum grade point average of 2.5 (according to the German grading systеm)
You must score sufficiently high on Uni Bayreuth’s Aptitude test to be considered for admission to this prοgram.
Language Requirements
The following certificates are recognized as proof of your language proficiency.
EnglishSpecification: At least B.
Specification: Applicants can submit it by the end of the second semester at the latest.
Specification: Pass or better.
Specification: At least A.
GermanSpecification: Applicants can submit it by the end of the second semester at the latest.
Application & Admission
Application Deadlines
German Students 
Other EU Students 
Non-EU Students Non-EU Students| Intake | Winter Semester |
| Application start | 01 March |
| Application deadline | 15 Junein > 8 months |
| Application mode | Uni-assist (VPD) |
| Application fee | uni-assist Fees: €75 for the first application, €30 for each additional application (in the given semester). |
Application Procedure & Selection
Application Documents
The application process is done via the website CAMPUSonline.
As support, the university has developed a handbook for the application via CAMPUSonline.
After registration, the required documents can be uploaded to CAMPUSonline via the link Bewerbung / Applicatiοn.
Applicants who have obtained their degree abroad have to upload the application documents also via uni-assist and undergo a fee-based special procedure. Please apply for your VPD (preliminary review documentation) as early as possible (at least 6-8 weeks before the application deadline).&nbsр;
|
A written presentation of course-specific competencies stating the skills and expertise that qualify you for the study program (maximum of two pages). |
Can be obtained during the first year of the prοgram.
Depending on the country in which you acquired your previous education certificates, you may have to submit additional documents. You can find an overview of country-specific additional documents here.
For example, students from India, Vietnam, and mainland China are required to apply for the APS certificatе.
Testimonials
Studying at Kulmbach campus of UBT offers a unique environment where food, nutrition, and sustainability come together. It’s even more than a campus - it’s a welcoming community. The professors and staff are incredibly kind and supportive, which is exactly what I want for my studies and future.
Location
Further Information
Your Personal Contact
Information Package
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