Health Food Innovation Management

How does a health-food product go from being just an idea to being launched on the market? And how can you be sure it will satisfy all stakeholders: health professionals, consumers and business executives? What are the health benefits - and risks - of certain food products? What legal conditions does a product have to fulfill to claim health benefits on the packaging? This programme fills the need for industry professionals who also have the expertise to properly interpret data and make food healthier in ways that are scientifically sound. As such, it is genuinely unique. This is a two-year full-time programme taught in English at the Maastricht University's Campus Venlo. Lecturers come from the multidisciplinary fields of health sciences, law, business, economics and psychology and from various European institutes as well as industry players such as Unilever, Friesland Campina and DANONE. You also benefit from site visits to international food fairs, the European Commission and industrial partners in the Netherlands and elsewhere (e.g. NIZO Food Research and the Dutch Bakery Centre NBC).

Instruction modes

case study, practicum, internship, project, laboratory work, lecture, self study, literature study, research, research project, research proposal, group assignment, oral presentation, workshop, group discussion, individual assignment

Accreditation: NVAO

Erasmus Mundus program: This is an Erasmus Mundus program.

Health Food Innovation Management at Maastricht University is a forward-thinking interdisciplinary master’s program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the rapidly evolving health food sector. This program combines principles from nutrition, food technology, marketing, entrepreneurship, and management to provide a comprehensive understanding of the development, marketing, and management of innovative health-focused food products. Throughout the program, students explore the latest scientific advancements and market trends to create foods that promote health and wellbeing, aligning with consumer demands for functional, sustainable, and personalized nutrition. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, incorporating case studies, industry projects, and internships to ensure students are ready to address real-world challenges. Courses cover a range of topics including food design and development, consumer behavior, regulatory affairs, quality control, and digital marketing strategies specific to the health food sector. Students also learn about the societal impacts of health foods, such as sustainability, ethical sourcing, and public health considerations, enabling them to contribute responsibly to the industry. The program encourages innovation through entrepreneurial thinking, guiding students to develop their own health food product ideas, create business plans, and understand market entry strategies. Collaboration with industry partners and experts throughout the program provides valuable networking opportunities and insights into current industry practices. Graduates of the MSc in Health Food Innovation Management are equipped to pursue careers in product development, marketing, and management within the health food industry, or to start their own ventures focused on health-driven food products. The program is taught in English and is designed for students passionate about food, health, and innovation, aiming to make a positive impact on public health and sustainability through creative and scientifically grounded solutions.

Admission requirements

Admissions: 1. a bachelor's degree issued by a university in Food and Nutrition, Life Sciences or Biomedical Sciences including nutrition courses 2. a bachelor's degree issued by a University of Applied Sciences in Dietetics, Nutrition, Food Technology or a related domain. Additional requirements apply to these students.

Other requirements

1. vooropleiding (ISPAC: vereiste vooropleiding) Admissions: 1. a bachelor's degree issued by a university in Food and Nutrition, Life Sciences or Biomedical Sciences including nutrition courses 2. a bachelor's degree issued by a University of Applied Sciences in Dietetics, Nutrition, Food Technology or a related domain. Additional requirements apply to these students.
2. vooropleiding (ISPAC: vereiste vooropleiding) Admissions: 1. a bachelor's degree issued by a university in Food and Nutrition, Life Sciences or Biomedical Sciences including nutrition courses 2. a bachelor's degree issued by a University of Applied Sciences in Dietetics, Nutrition, Food Technology or a related domain. Additional requirements apply to these students.

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Financing studies for the Master’s Programme in Health Food Innovation Management at Maastricht University typically involve a combination of government grants, student loans, scholarships, and personal funding. As an international university located in the Netherlands, Maastricht University participates in and benefits from Dutch national scholarship programs such as the Holland Scholarship, which is available for non-EU students and provides partial funding to outstanding applicants. Additionally, the European Union offers various funding opportunities like the Erasmus+ program, which can support student mobility and project funding related to the programme.

Most students finance their studies through a mixture of personal savings, family support, and scholarships. Dutch students and residents may qualify for government student loans and grants, which can significantly reduce the financial burden. International students often secure scholarships or grants from their home countries, which can be combined with university-specific awards. The university also offers some form of financial aid or tuition fee discounts for certain categories of students, including talented applicants or those participating in specific exchange programs.

Tuition fees for the MSc in Health Food Innovation Management are published annually and vary depending on the student’s nationality; EU/EEA students generally pay lower fees compared to non-EU/EEA students. To assist students, Maastricht University provides detailed guidance on financing options, including external scholarships, part-time work possibilities, and loan options. Many students also look into private financial institutions or crowdfunding as alternative sources of funding.

It is also advisable for students to explore the possibility of employer sponsorship if they are employed or intend to undertake the programme as part of a professional development plan. In some cases, multilateral funding organizations or industry partners involved in food health innovation may offer project-based funding or scholarships for students enrolled in related fields.

In conclusion, financing a Master’s in Health Food Innovation Management requires planning and exploring multiple sources of funding. Prospective students should regularly check the university’s official website and contact the admissions office for the most current information on tuition fees, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities specifically tailored to the programme.

Health Food Innovation Management at Maastricht University is a unique interdisciplinary master’s program designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to lead innovation in the health food sector. The program focuses on the development, production, and marketing of health-related food products, emphasizing both scientific research and entrepreneurial skills. Students learn about the complex interplay between food science, nutritional health, consumer behavior, and business management. The curriculum includes modules on product development, food safety, regulatory frameworks, marketing strategies, and sustainability issues related to health foods.

Throughout the program, students engage in practical projects, internships, and collaborations with industry partners, providing real-world experience in developing innovative health food solutions. The program promotes a multidisciplinary approach, combining insights from nutrition sciences, food technology, marketing, and management, to foster the creation of market-ready products that improve health outcomes. It prepares graduates for careers in the health food industry, including roles in product development, R&D, marketing, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs.

The program is designed for students interested in the intersection of nutrition, innovation, and business, and aims to develop professionals capable of contributing to healthier food options through scientific research and innovative entrepreneurship. Students benefit from Maastricht University’s international environment, strong ties with industry, and emphasis on experiential learning. The program is typically offered in English and spans one year of full-time study. Upon completion, graduates receive a master’s degree in Health Food Innovation Management, opening doors to diverse opportunities in the rapidly evolving health food sector worldwide.