Master in Food Systems, full-time, second cycle

Master studies, full-time, conducted in English, at the Faculty of Management at the University of Warsaw

Master In Food Systems (MFS) studies are conducted in the discipline of Management and Quality Sciences (leading discipline, Social Sciences) and Food and Nutrition Technology (supplementary discipline, Agricultural Sciences).

The studies cover 4 semesters. Classes will be conducted according to the following schedule:

• 1st and 4th semester - at the Faculty of Managenement at the University of Warsaw, ul. Szturmowa 1/3
• 2nd and 3rd semester - at two of the selected by student partner universities: University of Reading, University of Studi di Torino, Universität Hohenheim or Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.

The studies are charged with possibility to apply for a scholarship.

Master in Food Systems is an integrated master's program offered by the Faculty of Management in cooperation with the partner universities mentioned above. The MFS program promotes in-depth knowledge about value chain management in the food system. Students study consecutively at 3 universities in total, starting (and finishing) at the Faculty of Management at the University of Warsaw. Each academic institution offers semester blocks focused on distinctive areas of the food system. Modules are taught in a variety of formats, combining online and offline lectures with case studies, co-creation and problem-solving activities, business plan development and master thesis. At each semester students implement modules offered by a given university in situ and one common module shared by students from all partner universities. The shared modules are as follows:

• 1st semester - the "Introduction to the food system" module (in the SPOC format - a specialized private online course) that will facilitate the selection of the mobility path.
• 2^nd and 3^rd semesters - off-site modules (several days) in the form of lectures and workshops.

The 4th semester is entirely devoted to the master's thesis and research project for the master thesis.

Students receive master degree diplomas of the University of Warsaw with a supplement specifying with path description.

Students achieve learning outcomes in the area of knowledge, skills and competences resulting in the following graduate profile:

As to acquired knowledge, the graduate:

1. has in-depth knowledge of the nature of the discipline of "management and quality sciences" and its place in the social sciences system and its objective and methodological connections with other scientific disciplines, including the discipline of food and nutrition technologies;
2. learns and understand the terminology and methodology of research in the discipline of “management and quality sciences” as well as in the discipline of food and nutrition technologies;
3. knows and understands the fundamental dilemmas of modern civilization related to the food system, including management of innovations and new technologies, marketing as well as production and consumption;
4. knows the procedures and practices of effective food system organizations’ management.

In the field of skills, the graduate:

1. can use the theory of discipline in management and quality sciences, food and nutrition technologies and complementary sciences to recognize, diagnose and solve problems related to key functions in organization in food systems;
2. can correctly interpret social, political, legal and economic phenomena and their impact on the functioning of food system organisations and the entire economy;
3. can independently and collectively prepare analyzes, diagnoses and reports on complex and unusual problems;
4. has an in-depth ability to prepare oral presentations and conduct debates with the use of basic theoretical approaches and various sources;
5. speaks a foreign language at B2 + level and uses specialist terminology in written and oral presentations;
6. has the ability to interact, work and lead in a group;
7. understands the need to supplement and expand the acquired knowledge and skills.

As to social competences, the graduate:

1. is able to critically assess complex situations and phenomena related to the functioning of organizations, sector and the entire economy;
2. can think and act in an entrepreneurial way on a global scale;
3. shows sensitivity to ethical, social and cultural differences and is ready to develop industry ethical standards.

Potential job vacancies for graduates:

marketing, production management and logistics, processes optimisation for production and logistics, new products developers, analysts of the broadly understood agri-food sector, consultants and advisers, specialists in food quality assurance and in food security management. The MFS promotes entrepreneurship and self-employment by enhancing start-ups development.

To apply please follow the link: https://mfs-apply.eitfood.eu/

email: mfs@wz.uw.edu.pl

Admission rules

Eligibility criteria – via MFS web page (consortium level): https://mfs-apply.eitfood.eu

Mandatory criteria:

• knowledge of English at the minimum level B2

• completed at least the first level of study (bachelor's, master's, engineer's or equivalent)

Admission procedure at the University of Warsaw

STAGE I

• grade on the bachelor's, master's, engineer's or equivalent degree - weight 25%

• number of ECTS points for subjects in the field of agricultural sciences (agricultural, biological / life, food, chemistry, food safety, nutrition), management and quality (0-100 points, no more than 100 points) - weight 50%

• Experience in the area of entrepreneurship (at 25% weight) will include (0-100 points for documented activities a-d; the number of points awarded for each activity will be determined by its relevance as an entrepreneurial experience):

a. The exposure of the candidate to the food private sector either as work experience or as founding or managing a company (e.g. letters of references, certificates, commercial register extract);

b. Academic achievements in the area of entrepreneurship (e.g. statement of research or implementation, proof of project participation, transcript of records;

c. Vocational training (certificates of trainings, traineeships);

d. The experience of the candidate to entrepreneurial venture or a family business, or the involved in managing a student society or some other organised form of activity (letters of references, certificates; commercial register extract).

A ranking list will be based on the number of points achieved during the stage I. The candidates will be presented in the order from the top to the lowest score.

STAGE II

The number of candidates entering a second stage (qualification interview) will be maximum twice as the number of course vacancies (15) with the number of points from the first stage - at least 50.

The interview conducted in English will verify the following criteria:

•  communication skills in English (fluency of expression, vocabulary in the field of food and nutrition and food production, participation in the discussion) - up to 50 points, the minimum to pass - 30 points

• entrepreneurial potential (creativity, innovation mindset ) - up to 30 points, the minimum to pass 10 points

• knowledge about the food system (general knowledge about the food sector, awareness of social issues related to food and nutrition, specificity of production and food products) - up to 20 points, the minimum to pass 10 points.

The ranking list is based on:

•  the total of points acquired at the first stage (60%)

• the total of points acquired at the second stage (40%)

The maximum number of points to be scored in two stages: 100

The minimum number of points required for qualification: 50

Information on documents certifying knowledge of English language. >> Check! <<

Deadlines

Date of the qualification interview: 2nd-4th of September, 2019

Announcement of results: 6th of September, 2019

Reception of documents:

• I round: 6th-10th of September, 2019
• II round (in case of not fulfilling the limit during I round): 11st-12nd of September, 2019
• III round (in case of not fulfilling the limit during II round): 13rd of September, 2019
  

Payments

Application fee

Student's ID payment (ELS)

The studies are payable - tuition fees

Required documents

List of required documents submitted by candidates qualified for studies

Additional information

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