Faculty of Science
CODE
15059
SUBCODE
15059-DFT-DPT
ENTRY

Sept 2024 Entry

STUDY MODE
Mixed Mode
DURATION

3 years (Full-time)
5 years (Part-time)

CREDIT REQUIRED

51

FUND TYPE
Self-Financed
  • Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Application Deadline
Local - Mixed Mode
Sept 2024 Entry: Closed
Non-local - Mixed Mode
Sept 2024 Entry: Closed
About Programme
How to Apply
Aims & Characteristics

The Doctor of Food Science and Management (DFSM) programme is designed to address the evolving needs of the food industry, whose complex challenges require professionals who possess advanced scientific knowledge and exceptional management skills. The integration of food and nutritional sciences with industry management is essential for driving innovation, sustainability and responsible practices. This programme caters to seasoned professionals who seek to advance their careers while contributing to a healthier and more resilient and efficient food ecosystem. Upon graduation, professional doctoral award holders will have demonstrated their ability to innovate in the food industry. 

 

Specifically, the DFSM programme has four aims, namely to 

  1. equip professionals with advanced scientific methodologies and management competencies tailored to the intricacies of the food industry; 

  2. foster innovative thinking, ethical decision-making and strategic leadership within a dynamic and competitive food landscape; 

  3. empower graduates to drive positive transformation from sustainable sourcing and production to responsible marketing and consumer education; and 

  4. cultivate a global perspective that enables graduates to navigate diverse cultural and regulatory landscapes.

Recognition & Prospects

This programme meets the community’s need for professionals with expertise in both science and management. After completing the programme, experienced professionals in various sectors of the food industry, including agriculture, production, distribution, retail and services, will be able to integrate advanced scientific methods and management skills, thus propelling themselves into strategic leadership roles. Students with diverse backgrounds and a shared passion for innovation are enabled to navigate complex regulations, drive sustainability and champion transformative changes. United by their commitment, graduates are poised to reshape the trajectory of the food industry. The programme’s hallmark is the prospect of exploring cutting-edge research trends in food and nutritional sciences; this holds particular appeal for food companies striving to innovate science-driven functional food products.

Curriculum

To obtain the DFSM degree, students are required to complete 51 credits in total in 5 Core Subjects (15 credits), 3 Elective Subjects (9 credits), 2 Residential Subjects (3 credits) and 2 Thesis Subjects (24 credits).

 

Core Subjects (3 credits each):

  • Advanced Topics in Food Safety in Action
  • Advanced Topics in Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals
  • Business Research Analysis and Design
  • Recent Topics in Food Science and Management
  • Scientific Research Analysis and Design

 

Elective Subjects (any three; 3 credits each):

  • Advanced Financial Management
  • Current Issues in Organisational Behaviour
  • Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Frameworks for Food Industry
  • Future Food and Marketing Strategies
  • Independent Studies in Food Science and Management
  • Strategic Management of Information and Organisation in Digital Economy
  • Strategic Quality Management
  • Strategic Supply Chain and Logistics Management

 

Residential and Thesis Subjects:

  • DFSM Residential I (1 credit)
  • DFSM Residential II (2 credits)
  • DFSM Thesis I (8 credits)
  • DFSM Thesis II (16 credits)

 

For details, please refer to the following website: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/fsn/study/taught-postgraduate-programmes/

Credit Required for Graduation

51

Programme Leader(s)

Prof. Chen Sheng
DVP, MPVM, PhD

Subject Area
Food Science and Management
Entrance Requirements
  • Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in food science, nutrition, management, business administration, or a related discipline, with at least five years of managerial experience.

  • Alternatively, applicants in senior management positions with a recognised first degree and membership of a recognised professional body in food science, nutrition, management, business administration, or a related field, or those with exceptional experience and outstanding contributions in the industry, may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

  • Non-native English speakers who have received their Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualifications from an institution where the medium of instruction is not English must provide results from one of the following proficiency tests to meet the minimum English language requirement for admission purposes: 

    • a score of 80 or above on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-Based Test taken within 2 years; or 

    • an overall band score of 6.0 or above in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Module taken within 2 years; or

    • a passing score on an English written test organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and satisfactory performance in the admission interview.

Enquiries

For further programme information, please contact the DFSM programme team via email: fsn.dfsm@polyu.edu.hk

Other Information

Classes are normally scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays, or weekday evenings, within an academic year.

Initial Registration Credits

6

Tuition Fee

HK$12,000 per credit for local and non-local students

Additional Documents Required
Curriculum Vitae

Required

Transcript / Certificate

Required

Employer's Recommendation

Optional

Personal Statement

Optional

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