European Master’s in Food Studies

What to expect
Facts & figures- Food, Technology
- Full-time
- 2 years
- English
- Wageningen, Cork, Lund and Agro-Paris Tech
Is this master’s right for me?
Do you want an exciting career in the international food industry? The European Master’s in Food Studies offers a unique programme where you can develop your knowledge of food technology. This master’s is an exclusive specialisation in cooperation with the universities of Cork (Ireland), Lund (Sweden) and Agro-Paris Tech (France), and nine large industrial partners.
What makes this programme unique?

Study across Europe
Embark on a transformative journey through a series of academic modules at 4 of Europe’s top universities in your first year: Wageningen University, University College Cork in Ireland, Agro Paris Tech in France and Lund University in Sweden.

Learn from industry leaders
Collaborate with global companies such as JDE-Peet's, Nestlé, DSM-Firmenich, Unilever and Tetra Pak, and gain hands-on experience in world-class facilities.

Interdisciplinary approach
Combine insights from food technology, business and social sciences to develop a broad perspective on the global food sector.

Small-scale education
With a maximum of 20 students per year, you benefit from close guidance and strong personal attention throughout the programme.
What you will learn
This programme provides students with a robust set of multidisciplinary skills in technology, business, project management, and teamwork.

You will learn:
- Understand how food, culture, and society interact in different international contexts.
- Analyse the global food sector from technological, economic and social perspectives.
- To stand your ground in an international teamwork environment in today’s global and rapidly changing food industry.
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to evaluate food policies, innovations and sustainability challenges.
Your courses
The first year you will complete different courses and study in the Netherlands, Ireland, France and Sweden.
- September – December (Wageningen University & Research)
Food Structure and Functionality courses - January – February (University College Cork, Ireland)
Consumer Studies and Management courses - March - April (AgroParisTech, Massy, France)
Food Technology courses - May - June (Lund University, Sweden)
Product Development and Innovation courses
For more information about courses read the Food Studies Study Handbook.
In the second year you will work on your Industrial Thesis which combines the master's thesis and internship. Students will do applied research in collaboration with one of our multinational food companies' partners.
During year true you will follow an online course on Sustainability and finish your Team Project.
The programme is a specialisation within the Food Technology master. For more information about courses, read the Food Studies Study Handbook.
- Academic modules ⇒ lectures, lab practicals, study periods, tutorials, teamwork and communication training and social activities.
- Meeting companies ⇒ company visits, company presentations, meeting industrial representatives.
- Combined Thesis project and Internship ⇒ guaranteed 9-month placement at the R&D laboratory of an EMFS partner company.
- Team Project ⇒ large integrated assignment that is developed by students in teams over the entire course of the programme. It starts with the 1-week Team Building module at Wageningen University in the Netherlands to improve communication skills, practice effective teamwork and become oriented with the programmes’ students and resources. Several workshops on Entrepreneurship are included as well.
During your studies, you will receive guidance from the EMFS coordinator and study advisors at Wageningen University, A specialised coach for the team project and from the partner company that you will be working with.
Moreover, The Student Service Centre (SSC) at Wageningen University provides information for students about admission, registration, housing and more.
Accommodation in the different countries is arranged by the students themselves with the help of partner universities and companies.
This master's is an exclusive specialisation in cooperation with the universities of Cork (Ireland), Lund (Sweden) and Agro-Paris Tech (France) and therefore has no comparison.
Students about this programme
-
Student Satisfaction Score (Studiekeuze123)9
Companies participate in EMFS27
Number of EMFS editionsLife after this master’s
In its 20 years, the programme has delivered high-quality graduates that have found leading positions in the food industry worldwide. Positions that our alumni have acquired are among others:
- R&D positions in the food industry
- Quality assurance
- Management positions
- PHD at a university or research institute
Student Career Services facilitates WUR students towards the labour market. If you need help in your orientation towards your future career.
Good to know
The European Master in Food studies programme is a separate specialisation of the MSc programme Food Technology. This specialisation is open for students that hold a BSc or equivalent in Food Technology, Food Science or related, and have been admitted to the MSc Food Technology. Besides the relevant background, also the academic level, relevant work or research experience and other activities or achievements are evaluated, due to the limited placements available in this specialisation (around 20 students each year).
How to apply?
Step 1: Admission criteria for MFT at Wageningen University
Step 2: Application for the European Master in Food Studies. Read more about the Admission requirements and the application procedure at https://www.eurmscfood.nl/apply
Graduates of BSc Food Technology and BSc Biotechnology from Wageningen University can skip Step 1, as they are unconditionally accepted to MSc Food Technology – but not to the EMFS specialisation; they should still apply for the EMFS programme (Step 2). https://www.eurmscfood.nl/apply
Studying in the Netherlands costs money. Curious to see what you should expect? All information about the costs of this programme can be found on this page.
During this master you’ll study in 4 different countries. Wageningen is one of the 4 universities where you will study. Wageningen offers a diverse, enjoyable, and amiable student community. Whether it's a sporting event, a party, or a laid-back evening with friends at one of the student associations, there's always something going on. Additionally, there are parks, forests, and a river nearby, so if you enjoy the outdoors, you're in the right area.
All information about student life in Wageningen can be found on this page.
Questions about this study?
Do you have questions about the programme Food Studies? Feel free to contact us; we'll be happy to answer your questions. Do you have a quick question? Our smart search bar can quickly provide you with answers. If you have a more specific question, don't hesitate to send a message to one of the study advisers.
Study adviser Food Studies (European)
Study Adviser
Discover WUR
Discover all Master's programmes at Wageningen University & Research




