Bachelor in food technology

The food industry is a field of continuous expansion and development. Consumers desire a wider range of products, both fresh and semi-cooked/pre-cooked food, and often food that is somewhat exotic.

A growing awareness of threats against food safety has led to an increased demand on the food industry in terms of being innovative and updated on the current academic discussion, as well as conducting research and development. The food technologist plays a central part in meeting these challenges.

Admission requirements
A general university admission certificate is required. A one year preparatory course is available to applicants without the necessary requirements. This is a technological education, and so scientific subjects such as Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics constitute a substantial part of the first year. If you have a general university admission certificate with low scores in the scientific subjects, we recommend that you first complete the preparatory course.

Key aspects of the programme
The programme includes all aspects of food production, both small scale production and corporate, such as raw material technology, product development, the production process, food safety, quality control, sensory evaluation and nutrition assessment.

Unique to the programme is the fact that applied knowledge is much emphasised. In their second year, the students spend six months in training at companies within the food industry. The school has established trainee agreements with companies and research institutions throughout the country. The students are encouraged to seize this opportunity to experience other parts of the country.

As a student, you are to some extent able to specialise your education, first through your choice of trainee position, and second through your choice of topic for the third year dissertation project. The dissertation project is executed in collaboration with companies large or small, research facilities or the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.

Job opportunities
A food technologist can find employment in various areas within the food industry, such as production supervisor, laboratory supervisor, quality supervisor, product developer or sales executive, with the Norwegian Food Safety Authority or within other research institutions.

Education beyond certification
On completion of the programme, you will be awarded with the title of Bachelor of Food Technology. This fulfils the entry requirements of the two-year study for the degree of Master of Food Science at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (formerly the Agricultural University of Norway), and for the international Master of Food Safety at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science. Other universities or university colleges, both domestic and international, may also offer postgraduate opportunities.