Diploma in Speciality and Artisan Food Enterprises
The Diploma in Speciality and Artisan Food Enterprises is a part-time, Level 7 qualification for those starting or growing a business in the speciality and artisan food sector. Funding of up to 64% is available for eligible applicants through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Course Overview
Ireland’s artisan and speciality food sector has seen remarkable growth, driven by craftsmanship, sustainability, and consumer demand for high-quality, locally produced food. This diploma is designed for individuals who are launching or developing a food enterprise, as well as those working in the sector — from producers and retailers to culinary professionals and food writers.
Delivered part-time from October to May, the programme blends academic insight with practical experience. Participants engage in lectures, workshops, guest talks, and site visits, gaining both the scientific foundation and business acumen needed to succeed in this dynamic industry.
Accredited by NUI and worth 60 credits at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), the diploma is led by experts in food science, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
Why Choose this Course?
This diploma is ideal for:
- Entrepreneurs launching a speciality food business
- Producers seeking to add value to agricultural products
- Culinary professionals, food retailers, buyers, and journalists
Participants will:
- Explore consumer trends in taste, traceability, and sustainability
- Gain insight into the cultural and economic forces shaping artisan food
- Learn essential food science, safety, and processing techniques
- Develop business skills in marketing, finance, and regulation
- Engage with a vibrant community of peers and industry experts
Whether you're crafting farmhouse cheese, smoked fish, charcuterie, or organic produce — this course provides the ingredients for success.
Entry Requirements
No prior third-level qualification is required. Applicants should have a strong interest in the speciality food sector and a commitment to learning.
Schedule & Delivery
The programme is delivered through a blended format, combining online learning with four face-to-face sessions held at University College Cork (main campus).
Sessions typically take place every three weeks on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (9:00–17:00). The course includes:
- Lectures and practical workshops
- Guest speakers from industry, regulatory bodies, and past graduates
- A site visit to a relevant food enterprise
- Continuous assessment through module assignments
- A final work-related project to apply learning in a real-world context
The next course begins on Tuesday 7th October 2025.
Application deadline: Friday 19th September 2025
Fees & Funding
The total cost of the programme is €2,800. The fee includes tuition and all course materials.
Places are limited to a maximum number of 20.
Funding Support
Funding of 64% is available for eligible applicants with support from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Registration
To Apply for this course please follow the steps below:
When you log into the Application Portal:
Click Apply Online
Select Start a new Adult & Continuing Education Application
During your online application you will be required to upload the following documents:
- Completed Application Form (Speciality Food Artisan Enterprises Application Form)
- Birth Cert or Passport
- Passport Photograph
- English Language Test Report [if applicable]
- Supplementary Questions
You will can download the full Application guide here: Diploma in Specialty and Artisan Food Enterprises - Application Guide
Enquiries
Please contact Clair Hoare, Tel. 089 246 6996 or Email: clairhoare@ucc.ie for further information
Course Content
The syllabus is designed to integrate theory and practice across nine different modules:-
- Module 1 - Local Food Production Systems
- Module 2 - Food Chemistry and Packaging
- Module 3 - Food Processing Technology
- Module 4 - Nutrition and Sensory Science
- Module 5 - Sustainable Marketing and Business for Speciality Food Enterprises
- Module 6 - Food Microbiology
- Module 7 - Risk Analysis
- Module 8 - Speciality Food Production Assignment
- Module 9 - Food Production and the Environment
Academic Director: Professor Alan Kelly, UCC
Testimonials
Please note the Diploma in Speciality Food Production mentioned in the testimonials below is now called the Diploma in Speciality and Artisan Food Enterprises.
Click here to see some short video clips from graduates on their experience of the Diploma
Sarah Cremin from Good Fortune Cookies
Following a relocation to Cork from the UK, I began my journey in food business by studying Dip. Speciality Food Production in UCC. The course covered a broad range of subjects from Microbiology, Food Packaging and Food Culture to the essentials like HACCP and overall gave a rounded knowledge for those in business or looking to do so. Upon completion of the course, I felt I had the necessary skills and confidence to start up my own food business, a seasonal cafe in a winter event which I did for two winter seasons.
The following year led me into the food production side of things when I started Good Fortune Cookies, a cookie business in Cork City & suburbs. We bake the cookies, package them up nicely, write the card and deliver them to the door. We get orders from all over the world from those wanting to send freshly baked goodness to their loved ones in Cork which they can order so simply from our website.
I am so proud and delighted to have won bronze in Blas na hEireann in our first year in business (2021) - something I remember well being discussed with such high esteem when I was in UCC.
We are looking forward to extending our range soon and excited for what the future holds!
The Diploma in Speciality Food Production Video
Please click the image to view our video on the Diploma in Speciality Food Production
Isabella swops Jimmy Choos for farmers boots!
Isabella Rowatt moved from busy Glasglow and a life of music, rock and fashion to become a goat herder in Donegal.
She is currently completing the Diploma in Speciality Foods and spoke to Dublin Q102 today about her move to Ireland from Scotland, where she was the lead singer in a Rock Band, and now spends her days with goats!
Listen to her amazing story here.
The ingredients for success in speciality foods
Click on the following link to read an article in the Farming supplement of the Irish Independent The ingredients for success in speciality foods
Diploma students engage with Prof Alan Kelly and Dr Eoin Lettice
Pictured are students with Professor Alan Kelly and Dr Eoin Lettice during Diploma sessions in UCC. Topics under discussion above include the importance of heat treatment for food safety, and how agriculture and food production impact on the environment
Closing date for applications is Friday 19th September 2025.
Funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is available for eligible participants - 64% of the total fee.
The full brochure is available for download here: Diploma in Speciality and Artisan Food Enterprises Brochure