Food Science

If you are interested in understanding the science of food – which makes up a critical part of our everyday lives – then this is the course for you. The BSc in Food Science takes you on an academic journey into the science of food and considers how you might develop new, innovative food products to meet the complex demands of the modern consumer, be it in the areas of healthy eating, athletic performance or disease prevention.

Our course is the first programme outside of the UK to be accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST), which is the leading professional body for those involved in all aspects of food science and technology. The broad scope of subjects covered in the programme provides you with a unique blend of scientific and technical skills designed to enable you to develop an exciting and rewarding career in food in a variety of areas, ranging from research and development to food processing and production.

UCC has state-of-the-art food processing facilities including pilot-scale brewing, dairy processing and manufacturing, meat processing, bakery technology and packaging equipment. You will be uniquely placed to experience a blend of practical and lecture-based learning, while being taught by internationally-recognised academic staff.

We also have strong links with past graduates, some of whom occupy key positions in national and international companies, and throughout the programme these graduates return to act as guest speakers and share their experiences with you.

A strong emphasis is placed on applied aspects of food science, and the work placement allows you to get a taste of what working in the food industry is like at an early stage in your career. Many companies that host students as part of the work-placement programme recruit those students when they graduate.

Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page and refer to our International Office page for more information.

Graduate Study Options

There are many options for further study in food science and you will have a large number of courses to choose from including:

It is also possible to pursue a PhD in Food Science and Technology, or related subjects.

Career Opportunities

This degree programme will provide you with a unique blend of scientific and technical skills, workplace experience and food innovation skills. Our graduates from this course have excellent employment prospects and are highly sought after by national and international food companies. The Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) notes that the food sector is crying out for well-qualified and experienced specialists.

Our course places strong emphasis on your employability and many companies who host students as part of the work placement programme recruit those students when they graduate. Graduates from this course have a strong track record of acquiring senior positions in national and international food companies.

Graduates are equipped to work in a wide range of positions such as food production and management, quality assurance, food research and food product and process innovation and development. Our graduates develop careers as scientists, technologists, and innovators in food and related industries, such as the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector. Job titles of recent graduates include: customer service technologist, product development scientist, product innovation manager, quality control analyst, quality manager, regulatory technologist, research manager, stability and validation analyst, technical analyst and technical and development scientist.

Our graduates have a strong track record of acquiring senior positions in national and international food companies. A 2020 study by the UCC Career Services indicated that 70% of Food Science graduates had gone straight to employment. Recent employers of our graduates include: Abbott Ireland, Kerry Group, Glanbia, Dairygold, Irish Distillers, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Carbery Group, Danone, Diageo Baileys, and O’Brien Fine Foods.