MASTER OF FOOD STUDIES AND GASTRONOMY

Offered in partnership with the University of Toulouse - Jean Jaures, School of Tourism, Hospitality Management and Food Studies (France), this Master of Food Studies and Gastronomy enables students from diverse backgrounds to incorporate the social and cultural aspects of food into their professional practices.

This exciting and dynamic programme encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, nutrition, public health, gastronomy, cultural heritage, tourism, food security, sustainability, and food safety. With our exceptional reputation, this programme consistently attracts applicants who are ready to redefine food systems, preserve cultural heritage, and pioneer sustainable policies that address humanity's most pressing nutritional challenges. This reflects not only the programme's academic excellence but also its unique ability to transform passionate food enthusiasts into influential professionals.

Duration

1 to 2-year (Full Time)2 to 3-year (Part Time)

Study options

Full Time or Part Time

Programme Structure

The Master in Food Studies and Gastronomy is a coursework programme inclusive of 9 modules, a research/dissertation project, and an internship.

Year 1

• Food Studies and Gastronomy: Theories and Practices
• Research Methods for Food Studies
• Food Systems: Social Organisation and Design
• Gastronomy, Heritage and Tourism
• Modernization of Food and Gastronomy
• Food Consumer Studies
• Data Collection and Analysis for Food Studies
• Food Cultures and Health

Year 2

• Food Globalisation
• Global Immersion Field trip in Food & Cultures
• Dissertation
• Internship

Dissertation

The Dissertation constitutes an opportunity for the students to dive deeper in the area of its interest and demonstrate highly sought after skills of translating a societal and/or industrial concerns to an academic research, conducting an enquiry and, thereafter results of their investigation to recommendations for societal and/ or industrial actors.

The Dissertation includes:

• Presentation of proposal at the Graduate Research Seminar (GRS)
• Submission of a 20,000 to 24,000 words dissertation
• Final presentation at the oral defense

Global Immersion Fieldtrip in Food & Cultures

The Global Immersion in Food & Cultures is a 10-day fieldtrip to support students towards their employability and career growth by identifying the roles and issues of some of the main players of the glocal food system (food industry, institutions, research centres, non-governmental organisations etc.).

Internship

• Integration of theory into practical applications is complemented with a 20-week internship.
• Students are encouraged – but not limited – to undergo their internship at an organisation of their choice, either nationally or internationally in sectors such as Food Service and Agri-Business; Heritage, Tourism and Local Development; Nutrition & Public Health; and Hospitality.
• Students with relevant work experience can be exempted from the internship.

Who Should Join This Programme

• Bachelor's Degree holders who want to expand their knowledge in cultural, social, and political aspects of food.
• Working professionals in the food-related industry who aspire to advance their careers.
• Individuals with backgrounds in culinary arts, hospitality and tourism, food science, nutrition and public health, agriculture, sustainability, marketing, communication, social sciences and humanities.

FUTURE CAREERS

Graduates are expected to venture in the academia, industry, government and non-governmental organisations, or major food industries at the local, regional or global level. Dependent on their initial background, when successfully completed this programme, graduates could advance to any of these exciting careers, including:

• Food & Beverage business and market analysts
• Training and consultancy in food organisations
• Food & Beverage consultant and advisor
• Media, social, and cultural analysts
• Operation and management in the Food & Beverage industry
• Food and gastronomy researchers in think tanks, research centres
• Regulatory affairs officer, and quality assurance professionals
• Research Departments of governmental or non-governmental organisations

• A Bachelor’s degree (Level 6, MQF) in the field or related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.50, or its equivalent, as accepted by the HEP Senate; OR
• A Bachelor’s degree (Level 6, MQF) in the field or related fields or its equivalent but not meeting a CGPA of 2.50 can be accepted subject to a minimum of five (5) years of working experience in a related field; OR
• Students without a qualification in the related fields or relevant working experience requires to undergo and pass a bridging module; OR
• Students without a related degree but with relevant working experience requires to fulfil the following conditions:
      a) CGPA above 2.50 must have at least one (1) year of relevant working experience; or
      b) CGPA 2.00 to 2.50 must have at least five (5) years of relevant working experience;
• In addition, students will need to undergo a rigorous internal assessment
• English Requirement for International students:  IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 60 (Internet Based Test) (May join IEN preparatory course and achieve the IELTS score) The validity of the IELTS or equivalent is within 2 years from the date of the examination.

Notes

• All information is subject to change. The above entry requirements serve as a guideline. Readers are responsible for verifying the information by contacting the university's Admissions Department.

STUDENT PASS / VISA REQUIREMENTS (INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS)

All international students who plan to study full-time in Malaysia are required to obtain a Student Pass (Student Visa) before starting their studies.

• You must receive an official Offer Letter from the university before applying for a student pass

• The university will submit your Student Pass application through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) on your behalf

• A Visa Approval Letter (VAL / eVAL) is required before travelling to Malaysia

• Studying on a tourist or social visit visa is not permitted

• Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months from your intended intake date

• Visa processing time depends on EMGS and Malaysian Immigration approval

• After arriving in Malaysia, all students must complete a medical check-up at an EMGS-registered clinic

• Your Student Pass will be issued only after medical clearance and document verification

• Continuing students must renew their Student Pass before it expires

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR STUDENT PASS APPLICATION

The following documents are commonly required for all international students:

• Valid passport (clear scanned copy of all pages, including blank pages)

• Passport-size photograph with a white background

• Official Offer Letter from the university

• Academic certificates and transcripts related to your programme

• English language proficiency certificate (IELTS / TOEFL or equivalent), if required

• Proof of acceptance or tuition fee payment (if requested by the university)

• Student Pass / Visa processing fee as determined by EMGS

• Completed EMGS Health Declaration Form (if applicable)

Please note: All documents not originally in English must be submitted together with certified English translations.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS (IF APPLICABLE)

Some students may be asked to provide extra documents depending on their situation:

• Release Letter and Visa Cancellation Letter (for students transferring from another institution in Malaysia)

• School Leaving Certificate (for foundation or diploma applicants)

• Sponsorship or Scholarship Letter (if your studies are funded)

• Proof of financial support to cover tuition fees and living expenses

• Statutory Declaration (if there are name differences across documents)

• Resume or Character Reference Letter (commonly required for applicants above 23 years old)

• Police Clearance Certificate (if requested by EMGS or embassy authorities)

• Copy of previous Malaysian visa or Resident Pass (if applicable)

AFTER ARRIVING IN MALAYSIA

Once you arrive in Malaysia, you will need to:

• Complete a medical examination at an EMGS-approved clinic

• Submit your passport for Student Pass endorsement

• Receive a temporary Special Pass (if applicable) while your Student Pass is being processed

• Collect your Student Pass and complete university registration

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Student Pass requirements are set by Malaysian Immigration and EMGS and may vary by nationality
• The university’s International Office will guide you through each step of the process
• Students are strongly advised to prepare documents at least 2–3 months before intake
• Requirements may change, so always follow the latest instructions provided by the university