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

Limit of vacancies:  ( in the 1st intake,  in the 2nd intake).

The Master in Food System Programme is conducted within the consortium of EIT FOOD ivzw (EU) and: Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego, Universität Hohenheim, University of Reading, Università degli Studi di Torino, Aarhus University and Lund University.

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 Management at the University of Warsaw, Szturmowa Street 1/3

- 2nd and 3rd semester - at two of the selected by student partner universities: Universität Hohenheim, University of Reading, Università degli Studi di Torino, Aarhus University and Lund University

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.

Number of places: 15, including: 5 places in the first phase of qualification, and 10 places in the second phase of qualification.

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 for candidates with Polish and foreign diplomas

Recruitment includes:

syndicated level: stages I and II

local level (UW): stage III

Stage I - Qualification - consortium level

Qualification involves submitting an application by the candidate on the consortium website: https://mfs-apply.eitfood.eu/.

The application documentation must include:

1. Confirmation of knowledge of the English language at a level not lower than in the case of studies in English at the University of Warsaw (in accordance with the requirements set out in the recruitment resolution). Detailed information is available on the consortium website https://mfs-apply.eitfood.eu.

2. Completed at least the first degree of studies (bachelor, master, engineer or equivalent) entitling to study at the master's level; a degree in agricultural science, biological/life science, food science, chemistry, food safety, nutrition and/or economics or management. Relevant degrees in other fields may be considered by the admissions committee on a case-by-case basis.

The score in the first stage of qualification is awarded on the basis of:

1. final grade GPA/ average grade from the studies completed by the candidate;

2. assessment of the candidate's entrepreneurial potential, made on the basis of the completed form.

In the application form, candidates are asked to provide examples of their creativity, coping with difficult and stressful situations in pursuit of goals, coping with ambiguous situations, critical thinking skills. The form should be completed in accordance with the guidelines provided on the MFS application portal - https://mfs-apply.eitfood.eu.

Only candidates who obtain the minimum number of points indicated on https://mfs-apply.eitfood.eu will be invited to an interview.

On the basis of the points obtained in the first stage, a ranking list is created, prepared according to the decreasing number of points.

Stage II - interview - consortium level

The number of candidates going to the second stage (interview) will not be more than twice the final number of vacancies in the courses.

The interview conducted in English will verify the following criteria (detailed guidelines will be posted at https://mfs-apply.eitfood.eu/):

- communication skills in English (lexical comprehensibility, fluency, contribution to conversation structuring, ability to use communication strategies),

- entrepreneurial potential (creativity, ability to deal with difficult or stressful situations, ability to deal with ambiguity, ability to think critically),

- knowledge of the food system (general knowledge of the food industry, awareness of social problems related to food and nutrition, specificity of food production, processing and food products).

The ranking list is created based on the sum of points from both stages of qualification.

Maximum number of points to be scored in two stages: 100.

The minimum number of points is announced on the syndicated website https://mfs-apply.eitfood.eu

Stage III Qualification procedure at the University of Warsaw

On the basis of the points obtained in the consortium procedure, a ranking list is prepared according to the decreasing number of points, on the basis of which candidates will be qualified for studies at the University of Warsaw within the applicable limit of places.

Deadlines

Announcement of results: 22nd of July, 2024

Reception of documents:

• I round: 24th-25th of July, 2024
• II round (in case of not fulfilling the limit during I round): 21st-23rd of August, 2024
  
• III round (in case of not fulfilling the limit during II round): 28th-30th of August, 2024

Payments

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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