Undergraduate Diploma Food Science

Academic year 2022/23

MUV College offers courses in food science at levels 5 and 6 of the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) – equivalent to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).  The College prepares students to obtain a Food Handling Certificate prior to the commencement of the study programmes.

Undergraduate Diploma

This one-year, full-time course leads to a diploma (60 ECTS) at level 5 of the Malta and European Qualifications Framework (MQF / EQF).  It may also be taken part-time, over a period of two or three years.  The programme consists of the following study-units:

Students who complete the programme may proceed to the higher diploma in food science.

Description of the study-units

1. Agri-Food Law

The study-unit presents the current regulatory framework that applies to all aspects of the industry, both on a national and EU level. It provides an overview of the laws and regulations that relate to food handling, from the origin and production phase, to promotion, distribution and market conditions. It covers legislation enacted to protect the agri-food sector, including labelling and designations of origin or quality, as well as rules for consumer protection, environmental safeguards and safety issues, such as practices for storage, traceability and quality control of the products.

2. Food Chemistry

This unit introduces the chemical principles of food systems. It covers the biochemical process that takes place inside living organisms, when food is eaten. Students learn of the substances present in fresh or processed foods and the chemical reactions brought about when these are digested. This will give them a better understanding of the practical effects of eating different foods.

3. Kitchen Operations

Students learn the basic practices associated with food preparation and cooking carried out in the kitchen. They become familiar with common culinary techniques, and get to know how kitchen operations are conducted to ensure proper hygiene and correct health and safety procedures. The logistical and functional aspects of all kitchen work are also discussed.

4. International Cuisines

This course introduces important cuisines from different regions of the world, describing their characteristic styles of cooking practices and traditions. It explores the food culture of the nations that have developed distinct culinary techniques and analyses the significance of their contribution to gastronomy. The global influence of typical food and wine products from these regions will also be discussed.

5. Hygiene and Microbiology

This unit addresses issues related to food hygiene and microbiology, providing basic knowledge on specific microbes that impact the production of food and beverages. It aims to enable students to apply correct practices of hygiene and food safety, and to implement processes that lower the risk of contamination.

6. Food Quality Labelling and Certification

The course refers to the European and national food quality certifications and labelling requirements. It provides an introduction to the rules and standards established to guarantee the authenticity of food and wine items, and it also illustrates some characteristics of the production and processing of typical agri-food goods.

7. Sustainable Gastronomy

The course addresses issues of sustainability in the food industry. It provides information on sustainable gastronomic practices and management, in order to enable students to reduce the negative environmental impacts of their activities, while keeping and enhancing their socio-economic benefits.

Internship

Two annual work placements – each of 150 hours – give students the possibility to practise their skills and carry out relevant duties at one of the establishments approved by MUV. This enables the student to gain first-hand experience at an actual workplace, serving as an introduction to the demands that one will have to satisfy to work in the industry. The conditions of this educational component will be regulated by a Learning Agreement, and a Work Placement Certificate will be awarded to the student upon completion of the internship.

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Further information on the course

MUV College places the student at the centre of its teaching practices.  It strives to enhance accessibility to its programmes, promoting diversity, equal opportunities and lifelong learning.  Its courses are designed in collaboration with partners from the industry in order to ensure their relevance to the labour market, prioritising professional and vocational learning outcomes.  They therefore emphasise a practice-based approach, integrating work placements, initiatives involving the local community and mobility opportunities, whenever possible.  Teaching will seek to promote interactivity among the students, interdisciplinarity between different programmes, and innovative methodologies which make the best use of the digital resources available. 

Apart from attending the lectures, students will have the opportunity to work together on projects related to the topics in question.  The practical units include hands-on sessions, workshops and tutorials, practical exercises and case discussions, sensory tasting of food and beverages, software trials, research, and other activities to complement the lectures. 

Visits will be organised to various food and wine businesses:  catering facilities, restaurants, hotels, bakeries, wineries, farms and agri-food producers.  Entrepreneurs and experts will be invited to share their experiences and give presentations to the students, who will also benefit from two internships throughout the year.

Who the course is for

Courses in food studies are aimed at both young people who have completed their upper secondary education, as well as lifelong learners who may be interested in pursuing catering and hospitality management careers.

Careers

The Undergraduate Diploma in Food Science provides a good basis for individuals interested in taking up food related careers. It offers an essential scientific preparation for employment in the food service professions or related industries, such as tourism and hospitality, or agri-food production.

 Entry requirements

1. Maltese applicants are to be in possession of the Matriculation Certificate, or equivalent qualifications. A pass in the Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) examination in English Language and Chemistry, or equivalent, is necessary.

Non-Maltese applicants are to be in possession of qualifications that the MUV College Admissions Board considers to be comparable to those indicated for Maltese students.

Should applicants not be in possession of a pass in Chemistry at SEC level, they would be required to take a short foundation course in the subject organised by the College itself, prior to the start of the diploma programme. English lessons will also be offered to students who may need to improve their level of the language, as deemed necessary by the Admissions Board.

Mature students (aged 21 or older) may be accepted even if they lack formal qualifications, but the Admissions Board will need to ascertain their eligibility through an interview. 

2. All applicants need to be in possession of a Food Handling Certificate.

The College will prepare interested students through a six-week foundation course, covering food handling, basic chemistry and English, prior to the start of the diploma programme.

Admission

Students wishing to join the Diploma course may enrol for the October or the February intake, and may choose either the full or the part-time option. They would need to fill in the online Application Form and submit it, along with copies of the certificates or documents requested, to the Admissions Officer. All applications will be processed within two weeks of submission.

 Fees

Fees are to be paid in advance for each semester, according to the dates indicated on the invoice issued by the College, but students may request to pay in instalments.

Non-EU students applying for a study visa need to pay the registration and half the annual tuition fee upon receiving their Offer Letter from the College. Should the visa application be rejected, only the registration fee of €200 will be charged and all provisional payments made for tuition and accommodation (less any bank charges) will be reimbursed to the student.

Accommodation

The College offers different accommodation options in self-catering apartments or hostels, with rates for a shared room starting at €200/month.

Contact details

By email:  admissions@muv.edu.mt or info@muv.edu.mt