Jenna Buhrmann
Job Title
Research & Development Food Scientist and Brewmaster
Employer
Kindred Cultures
Canadian Immigration Updates
Review details about the recently announced changes to study and work permits that apply to master’s and doctoral degree students. Read more
Overview
The Master of Food Science (MFS) program was launched in 2007 with a focus to prepare students for professional work in the food industry or government. Since its inception, the MFS program has trained up to 30 graduate students per year.
In the one-year program, you’ll gain a solid theoretical foundation in food science alongside valuable practical experience in the industry. You’ll build connections, gain teamwork and communication skills, and learn theory that you can apply globally.
Choose from a variety of courses in this flexible program and tailor your learning for the career you want and the background you already have. The emphasis in this professional program is on problem-based learning, so a thesis is not required – instead, you’ll gain valuable practical experience in a 3.5 month industry practicum.
What makes the program unique?
MFS program is the only program in Canada to offer a one-year, non-thesis Master of Food Science degree. The program is unique in combining graduate level courses with a high quality practicum experience.
Every year a number of practicum sites either hire or extend their student’s contract. Although not all practicums result in an offer for post-graduation employment, some employers use their professional networks to refer graduates to their colleagues within the food sector.
Many of our alumni have commented that the combination of courses and practicum in this program has helped them to develop skills required for the current job market. In consultation with students, alumni and industry, the program continues to evolve, incorporating current topics relevant to the food sector.
Program Structure
After completing two semesters of course work, the program culminates with a 15‑week summer practicum in which the students get hands-on experience, working on a project in an industry or government setting. Throughout the years students have helped local, national and international food sectors to solve problems and provide advances in food safety, risk assessment, product development, sensory analysis and process validation studies.
Quick Facts
Program Enquiries
If you have reviewed the information on this program page and understand the requirements for this program, you may send an enquiry
Admission Information & Requirements
1) Check Eligibility
Minimum Academic Requirements
The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:
Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.
English Language Test
Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.
Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:
TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based
Overall score requirement: 90
Reading
22
Writing
21
Speaking
21
Listening
22
IELTS: International English Language Testing System
Overall score requirement: 6.5
Reading
6.0
Writing
6.0
Speaking
6.0
Listening
6.0
Other Test Scores
Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:
The GRE is not required.
Prior degree, course and other requirements
Prior Degree Requirements
Undergraduate degree in Food Science or related subject.
Course Requirements
The following subjects are prerequisites for the program and normally are taken before entering the program.
Non Food Science Courses:
- Organic Chemistry - 2 courses
- Biochemistry - 2 courses
- Calculus - 1 course
- Physics - 2 courses
- Statistics - 1 course
- Microbiology- 2 courses
And in the area of Food Science: four courses (12 credits) from the following six core courses or equivalent.
Having 4 four courses (12 credits) from the following six core courses or equivalent will be an asset. However, strong candidates who have not taken these courses will be given the opportunity to take up to two courses to fill the knowledge gap while in the program.
- Food Process Science (FNH 309)
- Food Chemistry I (FNH 301)
- Food Analysis (FNH 302)
- Food Laws, Regulations, & Quality Assurance (FNH 403)
- Micro Organisms in Food Systems (FNH 313)
- Principles in Food Engineering (FNH 300)
2) Meet Deadlines
September 2025 Intake
Application Open Date
15 September 2024Canadian Applicants
Application Deadline: 10 January 2025
Transcript Deadline: 10 January 2025
Referee Deadline: 15 January 2025
International Applicants
Application Deadline: 10 January 2025
Transcript Deadline: 10 January 2025
Referee Deadline: 15 January 2025
3) Prepare Application
Transcripts
All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.
Letters of Reference
A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.
Statement of Interest
Many programs require a statement of interest, sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.
Supervision
Course-based programs do not have a thesis component. While they may assign academic advisors to students, they do not require applicants to reach out to individual professors / faculty members to seek commitment as their thesis supervisor. Please do not contact faculty members for the purposes of thesis supervision if you are applying to this program.
Citizenship Verification
Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.
4) Apply Online
All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.
Research Information
Program Components
The MFS practicum is a 6 credit course offered in the third term of the program. All students are placed in practicum sites at the beginning of May, after they have completed all required courses, including a practicum-preparatory workshop.
Tuition & Financial Support
Tuition
| Fees | Canadian Citizen / Permanent Resident / Refugee / Diplomat | International |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $116.25 | $168.25 |
| Tuition * | ||
| Installments per year | 3 | 3 |
| Tuition per installment | $4,667.44 | $15,623.61 |
| Program Fee | $14,002.32 | $46,870.83 |
| Int. Tuition Award (ITA) per year (if eligible) | Not applicable | |
| Other Fees and Costs | ||
| Student Fees (yearly) | $1,116.60 (approx.) | |
| Costs of living | Estimate your costs of living with our interactive tool in order to start developing a financial plan for your graduate studies. | |
| Deposit to accept offer (if admitted) | ||
| Deposit requirement | $1000.00 | $1500.00 |
* Regular, full-time tuition. For on-leave, extension, continuing or part time (if applicable) fees see UBC Calendar.
All fees for the year are subject to adjustment and UBC reserves the right to change any fees without notice at any time, including tuition and student fees. Tuition fees are reviewed annually by the UBC Board of Governors. In recent years, tuition increases have been 2% for continuing domestic students and between 2% and 5% for continuing international students. New students may see higher increases in tuition. Admitted students who defer their admission are subject to the potentially higher tuition fees for incoming students effective at the later program start date. In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct.
All fees for the year are subject to adjustment and UBC reserves the right to change any fees without notice at any time, including tuition and student fees. Tuition fees are reviewed annually by the UBC Board of Governors. In recent years, tuition increases have been 2% for continuing domestic students and between 2% and 5% for continuing international students. New students may see higher increases in tuition. Admitted students who defer their admission are subject to the potentially higher tuition fees for incoming students effective at the later program start date. In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct.
Financial Support
Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options.
Program Funding Packages
Professional / course-based programs usually do not provide merit-based funding. However, the MFS program offers merit-based scholarships.
Employer support
Organizations may provide their employees with tuition benefits as part of an employment package to support lifelong learning of their workforce.
Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)
Professional / course-based programs usually do not provide merit-based funding. Some programs may offer bursaries.
Financial aid (need-based funding)
Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans.
All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.
Foreign government scholarships
Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.
Working while studying
The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.
International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.
A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement.
Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals
Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.
Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.
Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.
Cost Estimator
Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.
Career Options
Alumni on Success
Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats
These statistics show data for the Master of Food Science (MFS). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.
ENROLMENT DATA
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applications | 110 | 147 | 309 | 182 | 152 |
| Offers | 53 | 56 | 64 | 62 | 51 |
| New Registrations | 40 | 42 | 37 | 40 | 36 |
| Total Enrolment | 41 | 42 | 37 | 40 | 36 |
Completion Rates & Times
This program has a graduation rate of 99% based on 117 students admitted between 2015 - 2018. Based on 155 graduations between 2020 - 2023 the minimum time to completion is 1.02 years and the maximum time is 1.02 years with an average of 1.02 years of study. All calculations exclude leave times.
Disclaimer
Admissions data refer to all UBC Vancouver applications, offers, new registrants for each registration year, May to April, e.g. data for 2022 refers to programs starting in 2022 Summer and 2022 Winter session, i.e. May 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023. Data on total enrolment reflects enrolment in Winter Session Term 1 and are based on snapshots taken on November 1 of each registration year. Program completion data are only provided for datasets comprised of more than 4 individuals. Graduation rates exclude students who transfer out of their programs. Rates and times of completion depend on a number of variables (e.g. curriculum requirements, student funding), some of which may have changed in recent years for some programs.
Further Information
Specialization
Food Science offers opportunities in the areas of food analysis, food biotechnology, food chemistry, food microbiology, food process science, food quality evaluation, food safety and toxicology, and wine biotechnology.
Program Website
Faculty Overview
Academic Unit
Program Identifier
VGMMFS
Classification
September 2025 Intake
Application Open Date
15 September 2024 Canadian Applicant Deadline
10 January 2025 International Applicant Deadline
10 January 2025 Program Enquiries
If you have reviewed the information on this program page and understand the requirements for this program, you may send an enquiry
Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update contact details for application inquiries, please use this form.
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