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1. Study
2. Adult Continuing Education
3. Study At ACE
4. Certificate/Diploma
5. Food Science and Technology

Course Fact File

Code	DFSCT
Duration	2 years
Teaching Mode	Part-Time. See Additional Teaching Mode Information for more info.
Qualifications	Dip
NFQ Level	Level 7
NFQ Award Title	Special Purpose
Fees	€3,450 Yr 1 €3,450 Yr 2 See Fees and Costs for full details.
Closing Date	31 August 2026
Venue	Blended - Online lectures with in person workshops. See Additional Teaching Information Mode for Further Details.
Start Date	September 2026

Course Outline

The Diploma in Food Science and Technology is a part-time course over two years. The course gives you an understanding of food science, microbiology, food processing technology, nutrition and food business. It will allow you to upgrade your knowledge, skills and competencies. Particular emphasis is placed on linking basic principles with their practical application in industry.

• In year one you will take modules in Food Chemistry, Food Microbiology, Food Technology, Food Engineering and Nutrition.
• In year two you will take modules in Food Chemistry, Food Microbiology, Food Process Technology, Quality Systems and Food Business.
• You also complete an individual assignment each year designed to integrate and apply the knowledge and understanding acquired on the course to a chosen topic.

The Modules for the Diploma are as follows:

Year 1

• FC1800 Food Chemistry I
• FS1800 Food Microbiology I
• FT1800 Food Technology
• FN1800 Food Engineering
• NT1800 Nutrition
• FS1802 Work Related Assignment I

Year 2

• FC2800 Food Chemistry II
• FS2800 Food Microbiology II
• FT2800 Food Process Technology
• FS2801 Quality Systems
• FS2802 Food Business
• FS2803 Work Related Assignment II

Please note:

Diploma programmes are offered subject to a minimum number of eligible applicants registering for the programme. Following completion of year 1 of this programme, should a sufficient number of eligible students not wish to progress from year 1 to year 2 of this programme as to make the year 2 viable, students will graduate with a certificate at that point. Programme viability is determined by reference to fee income and applicable costs in running the programme.

Course Queries

For Academic Queries and Course Content Queries please contact the Programme Coordinator Nadia Grasso at ngrasso@ucc.ie. 

For Online Application Support please click here. 

Additional Teaching Mode Information

Lecture Schedule:

There will be 10 Friday and Saturday Sessions from October until May.

Most of the Lectures will be held online with some In Person workshops on Campus. 

Course Practicalities

This course takes place on the weekend with seminars from October to May

Why Choose This Course

The Irish food and drinks sector is one of Ireland’s most important indigenous industries. It has been identified as having a key role to play in Ireland’s export-led economic recovery. This is the only Diploma in Food Science and Technology in Ireland that is offered on a part-time basis.

Requirements

Programme Entry Requirements: 

Applicants should hold:

• NFQ/FETAC Level 5 qualification or have appropriate experience/qualifications in a food related area as deemed relevant by the Academic Director and Programme Manager.
• Applicants should have at least two years experience work.

 

Fees and Costs

Programme fees are as follows: 

Year 1	€3,450
Year 2	€3,450

No payment is required at the application stage.

Funding available:

Taste 4 Success Skillnet funding of 35% may be available for member companies and other eligible participants.

How To Apply

Before you apply, please prepare the following items which you will need during your application:

• Proof of Identity (Birth Cert, Passport or Driver's Licence)
• Passport-style Photograph
• Motivation statement explaining your interest in the course (min 500 words, max 1000)
• A list of any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training undertaken (relevant to this programme) in addition to your qualifications.
• English Language Test Report (if required)
• Supporting documentation if required for RPL

 

Start Your Application

Create an account or login to UCC Apply (click the 'Apply' button below).

1. Start a new application
   • WHEN ASKED FOR APPLICATION TYPE - YOU MUST CHOOSE: ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION
2. During the application on the tab titled Academic Level, under Level Selection, select the following options:
   • Academic Level: Adult Continuing Education (ACE at UCC)
   • Course Type: ACE Part-time Courses
   • Academic Programme: Food Science and Technology - Dip

A step-by-step visual application guide for this specific programme is available – please email the Programme Coordinator. You can view a general application guide for all part-time programmes here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/ace/helphub/ 

Apply Now