UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG · HONG KONG
Master of Science in Food Safety and Toxicology
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
6.0
IELTS
€27k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
Established in 2009 by the School of Biological Sciences, this Master of Science program provides comprehensive, multi-disciplinary training in food safety and toxicology. It covers general toxicology, food toxicology, regulatory toxicology, and food safety management, with a special emphasis on the food safety perspective. The program aims to equip students with both foundational knowledge and practical skills to assess potential human exposure to hazardous chemicals and pathogens from environmental sources and food intake, with specific attention to food safety evaluation and regulation.
Curriculum
The program offers a comprehensive training in a multi-disciplinary field. Detailed syllabuses are available for the 2024-25 academic year.
- Year 1
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Master of Science in Food Safety and Toxicology program?
- A Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification is required. Basic knowledge in physiology, biochemistry, chemistry, or molecular biology is expected. Preference is given to candidates with relevant work experience in food, chemical, pharmaceutical, or public health sectors.
- What is the tuition fee for this Master's program?
- The tuition fee for the 1-year full-time program is HKD 250,000 per year. An additional non-refundable application fee of HKD 600 also applies.
- How do I apply for the Master of Science in Food Safety and Toxicology program?
- Applications are submitted online through the HKU Taught Postgraduate Admission system. You will need to create an account, complete the online form, pay the application fee, and upload supporting documents.
- What English language proficiency tests are accepted, and what are the minimum scores?
- Accepted tests include IELTS with a minimum overall band of 6.0 (no subtest lower than 5.5), or TOEFL with a score of 80 or above. GCE, IGCSE, and Cambridge Test of Proficiency in English Language with a Grade C or above are also accepted.
- What is the duration of the Master of Science in Food Safety and Toxicology program?
- The program is a 1-year full-time Master of Science degree.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeA Bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification. Basic knowledge in physiology, biochemistry, chemistry, or molecular biology is expected. Preference is given to candidates with two or more years of relevant work experience in food, chemical, pharmaceutical, or public health sectors.
IELTSMinimum overall band of 6.0 with no subtest lower than 5.5
TOEFLScore of 80 or above
GCEGrade C or above
IGCSEGrade C or above
Cambridge Test of Proficiency in English LanguageGrade C or above
For qualifications from institutions where the language of instruction is not English, one of the listed English language proficiency tests is required. Note: Starting from the 2026 intake, IELTS and TOEFL must be taken within two years prior to September 1 of the admissions year.
Fees
Tuition (international)HKD 250,000 per year
Tuition (home)—
Living—
The tuition fee is for the 1-year full-time program. An application fee of HKD 600 (non-refundable) and caution money of HKD 350 are also applicable.
How to apply
1. Establish Your AccountRegister an account on the online system using a valid email address. A new username is required for each program if applying to more than one.
2. Complete the Online Application FormFill in all required sections of the application form. The system may log out after 20 minutes of inactivity. Save progress frequently.
3. Pay Application FeesPay the non-refundable application fee (HKD 600). Once payment is complete, application details cannot be changed. An acknowledgement email with an application number will be sent.
4. Provide Supporting DocumentsUpload transcripts, diplomas, certificates, and other supporting documents via the admissions portal within two weeks of submitting the online form and before the application deadline. Documents not in English must include a certified English translation.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Master of Science in Food Safety and Toxicology program?
+
A Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification is required. Basic knowledge in physiology, biochemistry, chemistry, or molecular biology is expected. Preference is given to candidates with relevant work experience in food, chemical, pharmaceutical, or public health sectors.
What is the tuition fee for this Master's program?
+
The tuition fee for the 1-year full-time program is HKD 250,000 per year. An additional non-refundable application fee of HKD 600 also applies.
How do I apply for the Master of Science in Food Safety and Toxicology program?
+
Applications are submitted online through the HKU Taught Postgraduate Admission system. You will need to create an account, complete the online form, pay the application fee, and upload supporting documents.
What English language proficiency tests are accepted, and what are the minimum scores?
+
Accepted tests include IELTS with a minimum overall band of 6.0 (no subtest lower than 5.5), or TOEFL with a score of 80 or above. GCE, IGCSE, and Cambridge Test of Proficiency in English Language with a Grade C or above are also accepted.
What is the duration of the Master of Science in Food Safety and Toxicology program?
+
The program is a 1-year full-time Master of Science degree.