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BSC IN FOOD SCIENCE AND HUMAN NUTRITION

    Qualification : BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE

    Award Type and NFQ level : UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)

    CAO/MU Apply code : MH222

    CAO Points : 441

    Closing Date : 01 July 2025

    View QQI details

    Degree Overview
    >The BSc Food Science and Human Nutrition degree provides students with a broad science-based education, with specialist content on the future of food development and production, safety and quality assurance, food chemistry, human nutrition, the role of food and healthy living, how we sense and perceive food, the future of food in a diverse society and the social and global challenges around food security.
    >In third year students have an opportunity to undertake a work placement (subject to availability), in Ireland or
    abroad, putting learning into practice. Given the diversity of businesses in this sector, ranging from food production to assurance to development, there are opportunities to apply learning in areas to suit all interests. As an integral part of the degree, this work placement opportunity significantly improves graduate employability.
    >The degree programme explores the future of food, from superfoods that address particular health concerns, to the challenges around obesity, allergies, food security and sustainability. This will give a unique perspective to anyone interested in future food product development.

    For more details on the course structure click here

    Duration: 4 years

    1st year 

    • Food & Nutrition
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Mathematics
       

    2nd year 

    • Concentrate on Food & Nutrition, Biology and Chemistry
    • Optional 10 credit Elective or Critical Skills 
       

    3rd year

    • Focus mainly on Food Science and Nutrition
    • Second semester includes work placement (subject to availability) or other forms of experiential learning
       

    Final year

    • Concentrate on advanced topics in Food Science & Nutrition
    • A capstone project
    Course Duration: 4 years

    For more details on the course structure click here

    After Graduation
    >The food sector is Ireland’s largest industry with a turnover in excess of €25 billion, sustaining over 230,000 jobs. It consists of a range of companies from major multinationals to niche food suppliers, with a reputation internationally for quality, sustainability, and innovation.
    >The global food industry is currently facing unprecedented challenges – with changing dietary habits, food security with dispersed supply chains, demands for low-carbon production, as well as functional foods. In Ireland, the food sector is increasingly moving from raw ingredients to value-added food product development. This is driving the need for a more skilled workforce in all aspects of food production, handling, and product development.
    >This programme is designed to support careers in both large multinational companies and small custom businesses, as well as exploring the social policy aspects. It will support roles as diverse as product development, public health, food quality assurance and safety. As one of Ireland’s largest sectors, graduates are in high demand in all of these areas.
    >Graduates of this programme will be able to take up roles in production management, nutrition, food quality and safety, new product development and research, and sales and marketing. There are also opportunities for employment in the public sector such as in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Teagasc or working for charities on health promotion.
    >This programme is excellent preparation for progression to accredited postgraduate programmes in the area of Dietetics, as well as other postgraduate opportunities in the area of public health and social policy.
    >There are opportunities for students to undertake research degrees, at Master’s and PhD level in a variety of topics in the area of food science and nutrition.

    Visit the Department website for more information about postgraduate options.

    This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.
    Subject Required Ordinary Level Grade Higher Level Grade
    Irish Yes O6 H7
    English Yes O6 H7
    Language No N/A N/A
    Math Yes O4 H7
    Science Yes O6 H7

    International & EU/EFTA Entry Requirements

    Mature Students

    Mature Applicants

    Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time/flexible degrees the mature age is 21. 

    Click here to be taken to our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on that page outlines application steps for this degree.

    Mature applicants who have a disability 
    If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require examination support for any required written exercise/interview which may form part of your application assessment please submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2025 to the Access Office. Unfortunately we are unable to consider applications for alternative examination accommodation after this deadline.  

    For further information on the supporting documentation required, as well as examination and other supports visit the Access Office website.

    01 February 2024

    Additional Information

    Leaving Certificate Applicants

    Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7, Irish, English & O4/H7 Mathematics & O6/H7 Science subject (one of Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics or Physics with Chemistry). CAO Points 2024: 441

    HEAR and DARE

    DARE: The Disability Access Route to Education is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.

    HEAR: The Higher Education Access Route is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

    Contact the Access Office for more information about these access routes.

    The Maynooth Education

    Click here for details about optional Critical Skills courses, Electives and degree pathways. 

    APPLY TO THE CAO - WWW.CAO.IE

    The application process depends on the type of applicant you are. Click here for all information about how to apply.

    Categories of applicant:

    • School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
    • Mature students (23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University/part-time degrees the mature age is 21)
    • EU/EFTA/UK students
    • International students (outside the EU)
    • QQI students
    • Transferring students
    • Deferring students
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