IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management Syllabus 2026: Year-wise Subjects, Credits and Study Blocks
Part of IGNOU Syllabus: IGNOU Syllabus 2026: Programme-wise Course Structure
IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management syllabus structure: 76 of 80 credits listed so far
The IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management programme has a total of 80 credits. The July 2026 prospectus lists 76 of these credits across the first and second years. The remaining 4 credits are not yet published.
The first year of the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management programme consists of 36 credits. The second year accounts for 40 credits. It includes MVP 008, a 3-credit MOOC on Novel Technologies for Food Processing and Shelf-Life Extension, and MVPP 002 Dissertation, which carries 16 credits. PG Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management holders who enter directly into the second year must complete an additional 4-credit project, MVPP 004 Project Work -2. The minimum duration for the programme is 2 years, with a maximum duration of 4 years. The programme fee is Rs. 13,200/- per year for the July 2026 session.
MSc Food Safety & Quality Management structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year | 8 courses | 36 |
| 2nd year | 8 courses | 40 |
IGNOU's July 2026 prospectus lists the courses for the 1st year and 2nd year (76 credits). The courses for the remaining 4 of the programme's 80 credits are not listed in it yet.
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management 1st year subjects: Food Fundamentals and Chemistry, Food Microbiology
The first year of the IGNOU MSc in Food Safety and Quality Management programme covers foundational subjects and introduces practical applications. These courses lay the groundwork for understanding food composition, processing, and microbial safety.
The curriculum progresses to regulatory and management aspects, with MVP 002 Food Laws and Standards and MVP 003 Principles of Food Safety and Quality Management. These courses cover Indian and global food regulations, risk analysis, and HACCP. The heaviest course in the first year is MVPP 003 Project Work -1, which carries 8 credits. Practical components include MVPL 001 Food Safety and Quality Auditing and MVPL 002 Chemical Analysis and Quality Assurance, which connect theoretical learning to laboratory and auditing skills.
IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management 1st year: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MVP 001 | Food Fundamentals and Chemistry | 4 | |
| MVPI 001 | Food Microbiology | 4 | |
| MVP 002 | Food laws and Standards | 4 | |
| MVP 003 | Principles of Food Safety and Quality Management | 4 | |
| MVP 004 | Food Safety and Quality Management Systems | 4 | |
| MVPL 001 | Food Safety and Quality Auditing | 4 | |
| MVPL 002 | Chemical Analysis and Quality Assurance | 4 | |
| MVPP 003 | Project Work -1 | 8 | Project |
MVP 001 Food Fundamentals and Chemistry: study blocks
- Block 1: Introduction to Food Science
- Block 2: Food Chemistry
- Block 3: Food Analysis
- Block 4: Food Processing and Preservation
MVPI 001 Food Microbiology: study blocks
- Block 1: : Fundamentals of Food Microbiology
- Block 2: : Analytical Techniques in Microbiology
MVP 002 Food laws and Standards: study blocks
- Block 1: : Indian Food Regulatory Regime
- Block 2: : Global Scenario
- Block 3: : Export & Import Laws and Regulations
- Block 4: : Export & Import Laws and Regulations
MVP 003 Principles of Food Safety and Quality Management: study blocks
- Block 1: Food safety and quality management Systems
- Block 2: Risk Analysis
- Block 3: HACCP
- Block 4: Other Food Safety Practices
MVP 004 Food Safety and Quality Management Systems: study blocks
- Block 1: Management Systems, Auditing and Accreditation
- Block 2: ISO 9001:2000
- Block 3: ISO 22000:2005
- Block 4: Laboratory Quality Management System
- Block 5: Retailer Standards
IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management 2nd year subjects: Food Toxicology and public health, Food Biotechnology
The IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management second year focuses on advanced topics and practical application. The second year includes core subjects like MVP 005 Food Toxicology and Public Health, which carries 4 credits and covers toxicants from natural and man-made sources. Another 4-credit course is MVP 006 Food Biotechnology, exploring food fermentation and applications in food production.
The heaviest course by credits in the second year is MVPP 002 Dissertation, which accounts for 16 credits. This dissertation is a significant component of the programme.
IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management 2nd year: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MVP 005 | Food Toxicology and public health | 4 | |
| MVP 006 | Food Biotechnology | 4 | |
| MVP 007 | Recent trends in Food Technology and safety | 4 | |
| MVP 008* | MOOC on Novel Technologies for Food Processing and Shelf-Life Extension | 3 | |
| MVP 009 | Research methodology | 4 | |
| MVPS 001 | Seminar | 1 | |
| MVPP 002 | Dissertation | 16 | Dissertation |
| MVPP 004** | Project Work -2 | 4 | Project |
MVP 005 Food Toxicology and public health: study blocks
- Block 1: Introduction to Food Toxicology
- Block 2: Toxicants From Natural and Man- Made sources and Contaminants
- Block 3: Derived Food Toxicants
- Block 4: Food Safety and Public Health
MVP 006 Food Biotechnology: study blocks
- Block 1: Basics of Food Biotechnology
- Block 2: Food Fermentation
- Block 3: Application of Biotechnology in Food Production
- Block 4: Advances in Food Biotechnology
- Block 5: Challenges in Food Biotechnology
MVP 007 Recent trends in Food Technology and safety: study blocks
- Block 1: Advanced Technologies and Food Safety
- Block 2: Emeging Trends in Food Microbiology
- Block 3: Technological Advances in Food Safety
- Block 4: Advances in Food Analysis
- Block 5: Trends and Challenges in Food Safety
MVP 009 Research methodology: study blocks
- Block 1: Science and Scientific Approach
- Block 2: Research Designs
- Block 3: Data Collection, Sampling, Tests and Measurements
- Block 4: Data Analysis and Reporting
IGNOU student services
IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management assessment: assignments, term-end exams and pass marks
The IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management programme assesses learners through assignments and term-end examinations. Assignments are compulsory for all courses. Learners must submit their assignment responses before they can take the Term-End Examination for that course.
Assignments for the current session are available for download on the IGNOU website. Tutor Marked Assignments must be submitted to the Coordinator of the learner’s Learner Support Centre. If an assignment is failed, it must be re-submitted; once passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
Term-end examinations are held twice a year, in June and December. These examinations take place at centres across India and abroad. There are two daily exam sessions: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM. The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course. For project and practical exams, the fee is Rs. 300 for up to 4 credits and Rs. 500 for above 4 credits, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle.
Learners may write their exam in Hindi even if they are registered in the English medium, except for language programmes. Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post. Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars are not eligible for re-evaluation. A copy of an answer script costs Rs. 100 per course.
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management study material: printed blocks and eGyanKosh
Learners receive printed self-instructional study material for the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management programme. This material is provided as a print book or an e-book. Learners who choose the soft copy option receive a 15% discount on the programme fee of Rs. 13,200 per year for the July 2026 session.
The self-learning material for over 3923 courses across 384 programmes is also available on eGyanKosh. For example, MVP 001 Food Fundamentals and Chemistry has four study blocks: Introduction to Food Science, Food Chemistry, Food Analysis, and Food Processing and Preservation. MVPI 001 Food Microbiology has two study blocks: Fundamentals of Food Microbiology and Analytical Techniques in Microbiology. MVP 002 Food laws and Standards covers Indian Food Regulatory Regime, Global Scenario, and Export & Import Laws and Regulations across four blocks.
Counselling sessions are held according to the schedule set by the Learner Support Centre. Technology-enabled support is also available through Gyan Darshan, Gyan Vani, Swayam Prabha, and web-based platforms.
Study support: IGNOU study material status; IGNOU previous year question papers and IGNOU regional and study centres.
Notices and Documents from IGNOU
Common IGNOU Questions
What is the total fee for the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management programme?
The total programme fee for the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management is Rs. 26,400 for the minimum two-year duration, based on the July 2026 prospectus. This amount excludes the non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300, the University Development fee of Rs. 400, and examination fees.
How many credits are in the first year of the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management?
The first year of the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management programme has a total of 36 credits. These credits are distributed across eight courses, including a project work worth 8 credits, which is the largest component in the first year.
Which courses in the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management programme involve project work?
MVPP 003, 'Project Work -1', is in the first year and carries 8 credits.
Is there a specific MOOC required for the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management?
Yes, successful completion of the MOOC 'Novel Technologies for Food Processing and Shelf-Life Extension' is required for the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management. This MOOC, offered by Prof. Hari Niwas Mishra, IIT Kharagpur, on the SWAYAM platform, is listed as MVP 008* and carries 3 credits in the second year.
Can I exit the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management programme early with a diploma?
Yes, the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management is a modular programme that offers an exit option. Learners can exit with a PG Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management (PGDFSQM) after successfully completing the first year of the M.Sc. programme.
What are the study blocks for MVP 001 Food Fundamentals and Chemistry?
The eGyanKosh study blocks for MVP 001 Food Fundamentals and Chemistry cover four main areas. These are Block 1: Introduction to Food Science, Block 2: Food Chemistry, Block 3: Food Analysis, and Block 4: Food Processing and Preservation.
What is the maximum duration to complete the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management?
Learners have a maximum duration of four years to complete the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management programme. The minimum duration for completion is two years, allowing flexibility for study pace.
How many credits are covered in the listed syllabus for the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management?
The July 2026 prospectus lists courses covering 76 credits for the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management programme. The programme has a total of 80 credits, meaning the courses for the remaining 4 credits are not yet published in this prospectus.
What is the fee per year for the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management?
The programme fee for the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management is Rs. 13,200 per year, according to the July 2026 prospectus.
Can PG Diploma holders in Food Safety and Quality Management join the second year of the M.Sc. programme?
Yes, holders of a PG Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management (PGDFSQM) can enter the second year of the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management programme. They must also meet the specified science/technology graduation criteria and apply for credit transfer as per university norms after admission.