Sept 2027 Entry
3 years
52
Only the full-time option will be offered for admission in 2027/28.
Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Early Round: 2026-10-20
Main Round: 2027-02-25
Early Round: 2026-10-20
Main Round: 2027-02-25
What's New
- Taught Postgraduate
- Undergraduate
- Undergraduate
The Doctor of Food Science and Management (DFSM) programme is designed to address the evolving needs of the food industry, whose complex challenges require professionals who possess advanced scientific knowledge and exceptional management skills. The integration of food and nutritional sciences with industry management is essential for driving innovation, sustainability and responsible practices. This programme caters to seasoned professionals who seek to advance their careers while contributing to a healthier and more resilient and efficient food ecosystem. Upon graduation, professional doctoral award holders will have demonstrated their ability to innovate in the food industry.
Specifically, the DFSM programme has four aims, namely to:
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equip professionals with advanced scientific methodologies and management competencies tailored to the intricacies of the food industry;
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foster innovative thinking, ethical decision-making and strategic leadership within a dynamic and competitive food landscape;
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empower graduates to drive positive transformation from sustainable sourcing and production to responsible marketing and consumer education; and
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cultivate a global perspective that enables graduates to navigate diverse cultural and regulatory landscapes.
This programme meets the community’s need for professionals with expertise in both science and management. After completing the programme, experienced professionals in various sectors of the food industry, including agriculture, production, distribution, retail and services, will be able to integrate advanced scientific methods and management skills, thus propelling themselves into strategic leadership roles. Students with diverse backgrounds and a shared passion for innovation are enabled to navigate complex regulations, drive sustainability and champion transformative changes. United by their commitment, graduates are poised to reshape the trajectory of the food industry. The programme’s hallmark is the prospect of exploring cutting-edge research trends in food and nutritional sciences. This holds particular appeal for food companies striving to innovate science-driven functional food products.
To obtain the DFSM degree, students are required to complete 52 credits in total in 5 Core Subjects (15 credits), 3 Elective Subjects (9 credits), 2 Residential Subjects (3 credits), 2 Thesis Subjects (24 credits) and a subject on Academic Integrity and Ethics (1 credit).
Core Subjects (3 credits each):
- Advanced Topics in Food Safety in Action
- Advanced Topics in Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals
- Business Research Analysis and Design
- Recent Topics in Food Science and Management
- Scientific Research Analysis and Design
Elective Subjects, subject to seat availability and offering pattern (any three; 3 credits each):
- Advanced Financial Management
- Current Issues in Organisational Behaviour
- Independent Studies in Food Science and Management
- Strategic Management of Information and Organisation in Digital Economy
- Strategic Quality Management
- Strategic Supply Chain and Logistics Management
Residential and Thesis Subjects:
- DFSM Residential I (1 credit)
- DFSM Residential II (2 credits)
- DFSM Thesis I (8 credits)
- DFSM Thesis II (16 credits)
Academic Integrity and Ethics in Science (1 credit)
52
Programme Director
Prof. Chen Sheng
DVM, MPVM, PhD
Deputy Programme Director
Prof. Fang Kar-Hei, James
BSc, MSc, MPhil, CBiol, PhD
General Requirement
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A Master’s degree in food science, nutrition, management, business administration, or a related discipline, with at least five years of managerial experience.
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Alternatively, applicants in senior management positions with a recognised first degree and membership of a recognised professional body in food science, nutrition, management, business administration, or a related field, or those with exceptional experience and outstanding contributions in the industry, may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
English Language Requirement
Non-native English speakers who have received their Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualifications from an institution where the medium of instruction is not English must provide results from one of the following proficiency tests to meet the minimum English language requirement for admission purposes:
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a score of 80 or above on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-Based Test taken within 2 years; or
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an overall band score of 6.0 or above in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Module taken within 2 years; or
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a passing score on an English written test organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and satisfactory performance in the admission interview.
Other English qualifications will be considered, on their individual merits, as being equivalent to the specified requirements above.
For further programme information, please contact the DFSM programme team via email: fsn.dfsm@polyu.edu.hk
Class Arrangement
Classes are normally scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays.
Please click here to download.
HK$15,950 per credit for local and non-local students. Tuition fee will not be charged for the 1-credit subject, Academic Integrity and Ethics in Science.
My experience in the DFSM programme has been inspiring and transformative. With a background in biology and dual master’s degrees in medical technology and business administration, I joined the programme with the aim of translating scientific discoveries into industrial applications to achieve a positive impact on public health.
The DFSM has helped me to see this connection from a much wider perspective. My training in food safety, functional food innovation, nutrition science, research methodology, and quality management has provided me with a more systematic understanding of how scientific evidence can support responsible product innovation, regulatory thinking, and sustainable business strategy.
What I like most is the tight integration of academic rigour and relevance. Professors are knowledgeable, supportive and open to industry-based research ideas. The diverse group of classmates from different professional and cultural backgrounds has broadened my thinking and enriched my doctoral experience.
For me, the DFSM is more than a doctoral programme. It is a platform where scientific vision, industry experience and social responsibility converge, empowering entrepreneurs and professionals in food and health-related industries to become future-oriented, research-minded leaders who can turn evidence into meaningful impact.
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