Kochi: Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) has launched a five-year integrated master's programme in food science and technology for the academic year 2026-27. The programme, introduced under the four-year undergraduate programme (FYUGP) framework, aims to equip students with industry-oriented skills and research exposure in the food sector.
Course Design and Learning Model
A university official stated that the course is designed under an outcome-based education model, focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, competency development, and experiential learning. Students completing the programme can seamlessly progress towards a master's degree, with options for honours and research tracks.
Curriculum Highlights
The curriculum covers areas including food chemistry, microbiology, food processing, food engineering, nutrition, and quality assurance. It also incorporates emerging fields such as functional foods, nutraceuticals, artificial intelligence in food systems, nanotechnology, and sustainable food processing.
"The programme also gives emphasis to entrepreneurship, innovation, intellectual property rights, and digital skills. Students will undergo internships, live projects, and field-based training as part of its experiential and work-integrated learning model," said a university official.
Career Opportunities
The official noted that completion of the course would offer graduates opportunities in food processing industries, food safety and quality assurance, product development, supply chain management, and sectors such as marine bioactives and nutraceuticals. The programme also provides scope for specialisation in seafood processing and blue economy-linked food systems.
Other Programmes and Admission Details
Kufos offers a wide range of courses across its faculties, including fisheries science, ocean science and technology, fisheries management, and fisheries engineering. Postgraduate options include multiple specialisations in MFSc and MSc programmes, along with LLM, MBA, MTech, and PhD courses. The university has also earmarked two seats in all postgraduate programmes for NRI candidates. Applications can be submitted online through the official admission portal at https://www.admission.kufos.ac.in.
The university extended the last date for submission of applications for its undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programmes to May 19.
