Food Hygiene

Food Hygiene is a comprehensive academic program designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills related to food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards. Offered by Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, this program prepares graduates to address crucial challenges in the food industry, ensuring public health and safety. Throughout the coursework, students explore subjects such as microbiology, food technology, risk assessment, hygiene management, and regulatory frameworks. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical applications, including laboratory work, internships, and project-based learning. Graduates will be equipped to monitor, evaluate, and improve hygiene practices within various food production, processing, and distribution environments. They will be capable of developing, implementing, and auditing food safety management systems aligned with national and international standards. The program also fosters skills in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, preparing students for leadership roles in food safety management companies, governmental agencies, or research institutions. Emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach, Food Hygiene combines scientific principles with real-world industry requirements. Students benefit from modern laboratories, expert faculty, and partnerships with industry stakeholders, ensuring their education is grounded in current practices and innovations. Upon completion, graduates will be prepared to contribute effectively to the assurance of food quality and safety, making a vital impact on public health in Latvia and beyond. This program is suitable for individuals interested in a challenging career dedicated to ensuring the integrity of the food supply chain while promoting health and safety standards across the food sector.

The study programme is aimed to educate highly qualified and creative specialists – Professional Masters with specialization in food hygiene with competence to work in the establishments of food chain as well as in the state services. The Master study programme provides proficiency on safety and harmlessness of food chain, quality criteria of foodstuffs, knowledge on elaboration and maintenance of safety systems of the food establishments, as well as ability for scientific research on food safety. The programme is completed with the elaboration and defense of the Master thesis.

• Bachelor’s degree or the second level professional higher education in the following groups of study programmes: veterinary medicine, medicine, food technology, agriculture, biology or chemistry.
• English requirements: IELTS score 6.0, TOEFL score 547, TOEFL-iBT score 76.

Funding for the Food Hygiene program at Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies is primarily provided through the state budget, aligning with Latvia's national policies on higher education and scientific research. Students enrolled in this program are often eligible for various forms of financial support, including state-funded places, scholarships, and grants aimed at promoting study in specialized fields like food safety and hygiene. The university collaborates with national agencies to ensure that students have access to scholarships based on academic achievement, financial need, and specific criteria related to their field of study.

Additionally, students may have opportunities to participate in research projects funded by European Union structural funds or national research programs focused on public health, food safety, and hygiene standards. Such involvement not only supports their academic and professional development but can also provide stipends or additional financial benefits. The university encourages students to apply for external scholarships, including those offered by industry partners, scientific organizations, and international bodies dedicated to food safety and public health initiatives.

The tuition fee structure varies depending on the student’s citizenship status. For EU students, tuition fees are usually subsidized or partially covered by the government, while non-EU students often pay tuition fees that cover the costs of instruction, facilities, and associated academic resources. The university also offers information and support regarding part-time employment options and internships, which can supplement students’ financial needs during their studies.

In summary, the financing of the Food Hygiene program at Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies is supported by a combination of government funding, scholarships, research grants, and external funding opportunities. These sources collectively ensure that students can access quality education in food hygiene and safety, with support mechanisms designed to promote equal access and reduce financial barriers to higher education in this vital sector.

The graduates work in all kind of establishments of food chain. Master`s degree entitles graduates to continue studies in a respective doctoral programme in the universities in Latvia or abroad.