Undergraduate Food Programmes
Undergraduate Courses
Ireland's agri-food industry is a key component to our modern economy. It accounts for 8% of GDP, with over 160,000 jobs. It is responsible for a major proportion of exports of Irish-owned enterprises and its products are sold in over 170 markets around the world. Annual food output exceeds €16 billion, and the sector contributes €7 billion in exports. UCC has a national and international reputation for provision of quality education in the Food Area and has state of the art facilities.
The School of Food and Nutritional Science is proud to prepare students for the agri-food industry. Courses available include:
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BSc Food Science (CK505),
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BSc Nutritional Sciences (CK504),
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BSc Food Marketing and Entrepreneurship (CK502)
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BSc International Development and Food Policy (CK506)
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Diploma in Food Studies
An integral part of each BSc programme is a six month paid Industrial Placement during year three. This provides a practical insight into business and the development of business contacts.
Food Science graduates are equipped with the knowledge and technical know-how to work in a diverse range of food related careers. The course covers a wide range of study from fundamenal chemistry and microbiology of food to modern processes for commercialisation in state of the art research facilities. UCC Food Science graduates have a strong track-record of taking senior positions in the Irish food industry in areas such as food production and management, quality assurance and research and development.
Testimonial - Food Science Degree
"There is a big emphasis on practical aspects within the course and work placements allow students to get a real taste of the inner workings of the food business at a relatively early stage in their career. In short, an excellent degree which leads to interesting, challenging and highly rewarding job opportunities" Ciaran Lynch - Carbery Milk Products, Ballineen, Co. Cork
Human Nutrition focuses on food as it affects our health and is concerned with the provision of food and nutrients to the body to facilitate optimum physical and mental development and maintenance of health throughout our lives. Nutritional scientists have an increasingly important role in advancing our knowledge of the relationship of diet to health through research, and applying that knowledge to the provision of nutritional advice to the public as well as providing safe, wholesome and nutritious food to the consumer.
Testimonial - Nutritional Science Degree
"I found the degree very interesting and exciting. I especially liked the research side of nutrition and this led me to do a postgraduate degree in nutrition by research. I am now working in the industry where I get to use the nutrition information I gained at my time in UCC" Dr Teresa Bennett - Senior Health Promotion Officer, HSE, Cork.
A degree in Food Marketing and Entrepreneurship prepares students for innovation and the creation of products and services that satisfy the ever-changing needs of customers and consumers at home and abroad. Increasing concerns about the kinds of foods we consume, their health benefits and their ability to meet the requirements of evolving lifestyles are driving the need for market innovation and entrepreneurship in food companies. Graduates who intend to work in such challenging and fast-moving markets need an education that promotes strategic decision-making, innovation, enterprise and knowledge management.
Testimonial - Food Marketing and Entrepreneurship Degree
"This degree will provide graduates with a solid basis to interpret and deal with business issues and the complexities they will face in the industry." Anne Rigney, HR and Training Manger, Musgrave
Widespread poverty and hunger are a part of the lives of millions in developing countries while their agricultural and human resources are used to grow export crops for the developed world. What can be done to address global poverty and inequality? A degree in International Development and Food Policy provides students with an understanding of global development, global economies and social inequalities. This is a unique programme which started in October 2005; it is the first Irish undergraduate degree programme to have a primary focus on international (“Third World”) development. The programme combines a strong focus on understanding key dimensions of development and acquiring skills to work effectively in this area, with the opportunity to pursue more specific issues in the area of food policy, human rights and development, health related- aspects of development and modern languages.