Food Science
Why is this course for me?
The Food Science Programme at UCD develops your scientific knowledge and practical skills in producing sustainable, high-quality, safe, and nutritious food for the global market. As a food scientist, you will be involved in all aspects of the food chain, from production to the consumer. You will learn core sciences such as biology, chemistry, and mathematics, and apply them to food physics, analysis, microbiology, and sensory science. You will also gain expertise in food chemistry, processing, and new product development, preparing you for careers in production management, nutrition, food quality and safety, sales and marketing, and research.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | National University of Ireland | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
4 years
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Leaving Cert Subject Entry Requirements
O6/H7 in English, Irish, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject and two other recognised subjects
Leaving Certificate General Entry Requirements
• To meet minimum entry requirements (matriculation) on the results of the Leaving Certificate, a student must present at least six recognised subjects selected according to course requirements (see Entry Requirements for each course) and must obtain at least Grade H5 in two subjects and Grade O6/H7 in the remaining four subjects.
• A student may normally combine the results of Leaving Certificate examinations obtained in different years to meet minimum entry requirements. This concession applies to to minimum entry requirements registration only; it does not apply to the calculation of points. However, it should be noted that students seeking to enter Medicine must meet the minimum entry requirements, including both Leaving Certificate points and Matriculation, in the same sitting of the Leaving Certificate.
Acceptable subjects
All subjects of the current Leaving Certificate examination are accepted with the following exceptions and qualifications:
1. Gaeilge – Bonnleibhéal (Irish – Foundation Level) will not be accepted for Matriculation Registration purposes.
2. Mathematics Ordinary Alternative/ Foundation Level will be accepted for Matriculation Registration purposes, but not as a substitute for the subject Mathematics in courses for that the subject Mathematics is currently an entry requirement.
Leaving Certificate points are not awarded for either of these subjects.
Applicants presenting Leaving Certificate results from previous years, which include subjects no longer offered should contact www.ucd.ie/askus for advice with regard to acceptability and any exclusions that may apply.
Combination of subjects not permitted
The subject “Physics and Chemistry” may not be presented with either “Physics” or “Chemistry”.
• “Agricultural Economics” may not be presented with “Economics”.
• “Classical Studies” may not be presented with “Latin” or “Greek”
Laboratory science subjects
The following subjects in the Irish Leaving Certificate are recognised laboratory science subjects:
• Agricultural Science • Biology • Chemistry • Physics and Chemistry (Joint) • Physics.
For Science (DN200) only, Applied Mathematics, Geography or Computer Science may also be used as a laboratory science subject.
Assessment of applications
Admission to most undergraduate courses is extremely competitive. Entry is based on the points system for students presenting Irish Leaving Certificate examinations.
Notes
• Minimum points requirements can change from year-to-year as they are dependent on demand for each course, as well as the number of places available.
• 25 additional points will be awarded for a grade H6 or better in Leaving Certificate Mathematics, where that subject is one of the six subjects being counted for points purposes.
• Applicants’ performance in the Leaving Certificate examination is scored on their best results in no more than six individual subjects taken in the Leaving Certificate examination of any one year. This does not preclude an intending applicant from taking school-leaving examinations in two or more years. In this event, the choice of year for scoring purposes will be such as to ensure that each applicant is credited with the maximum possible score.
• It is still possible to achieve matriculation and subject requirements over more than one year. However, for admission to Medicine, applicants must achieve both the required subject grades and the points in the same sitting.
• The subjects and combinations of subjects not permitted for matriculation also apply when computing an applicant’s points score.
• The points scores for Medicine are adjusted when combined with HPAT – Ireland. Please see www.myucd.ie/ medicineaddreq
• For scoring of pre-2017 Leaving Certificate examinations, please see www.myucd.ie/leavingcert/pointsscoring
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Grade Points
Distinction 66
Merit 46
Pass 28
Leaving Certificate Applied Programme LCAP
QQI FET Applicants General Information
22 UCD undergraduate courses from a broad range of courses accept applicants on a competitive basis with appropriate QQI-FET (Level 5 or 6) qualifications and modules. The minimum requirement is five distinctions in appropriate QQI-FET (Level 5 or 6) qualifications including components specified for the relevant programme.
QQI FET General Information Link
Careers / Further progression
Professional Work Experience (PWE) & International Study Opportunities
Five months PWE in the food industry in third year is an integral part of the course. This may be taken in Ireland or abroad. Students are also encouraged to take a trimester abroad and participate on the Study Abroad Programme. Possibilties include Michigan State University, USA, Purdue University, USA, Kansas State University, USA, University of California, Davis, USA, Cornell University, USA and University of Queensland, Australia
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities
Graduates have excellent employment prospects with national and international companies in a range of diverse roles across the food industry. Our graduates have gone into roles including:
• Production management
• Nutrition
• Food quality and safety
• Sales and marketing
• New product development and research
There are also excellent graduate study opportunities available.
Further information
UCD has a mature entry pathway for anyone who is at least 23 years of age on 1 January of the proposed year of entry and whose school-leaving qualifications are insufficient for admission. For admission in September 2024, your date of birth must be on or before 1 January, 2001.
How do I apply?
For all full-time and some part-time undergraduate degree courses, mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO). The application can be completed online at www.cao.ie. For some courses you must also register for a specific test (HPAT and NMBI Nursing/ Midwifery Assessment test) for details of what is required for each course. For most of our courses, the closing date for application is 1 February 2024. Some courses may accept late applications up to 1 May 2024, but this is subject to the availability of places.
What information should I provide?
You should complete the mature section on the CAO form fully, as this is a key part of how we will assess your application. Supporting documents for your qualifications should be sent to CAO as soon as you complete your application. If you wish you can also send an additional statement of interest or CV. Please visit our website www.ucd.ie/maturestudents for further information on application and advice on how we assess applications.
For more information: www.ucd.ie/maturestudents
Other School Leaving Examinations
See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Level 6/7 Progression Routes
Yes, see www.ucd.ie/transfer
Open Learning Entry Route
See www.ucd.ie/openlearning
Places: 47
Entry 2024
Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20 January 2024 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1 February 2024 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1 May 2024 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2024 at 5pm
Exceptional online late application (see page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee €60 Closing Date: 22 July 2024 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2024. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2024, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2024 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €60 applies.
Exceptional Late Applications (Exception to the timetable)
The exceptional closing date of 22 July at 5pm applies only to applicants who are registered as an undergraduate student on 1 May 2024 in any year in any one of the participating HEIs (subject to the exclusions listed below). In order to avail of the Exceptional Late Application facility you must have entered the HEI through the CAO system. This is an exceptional late closing date and all steps must be completed by 5pm on 22 July. No changes may be made after this date.
If you did not enter your current course through the CAO system, you must first contact the Admissions Office of the HEI to which you wish to apply and they will inform you if you may submit an application direct to the institution.
Exclusions:
You may submit a late application only for entry to courses other than your existing course. If you wish to repeat the year in the same course you must arrange this within your HEI.
Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Marino Institute of Education, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick and Maynooth University have special procedures in place in the case of current or previous students who wish to apply for entry to another course in the same HEI. Such applicants must contact their Admissions Office to determine the application procedure. However, if you are a student in another HEI and you wish to apply to any of these five HEIs, you should apply through CAO.
Refer to page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook on how to make an Exceptional Late Application.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
With the programme’s international accreditation and opportunities for industry internships and study abroad, you will have a competitive edge in the job market and be well-equipped to pursue graduate study.
What will I study?
First Year
In the first year, every student in the programme works to develop a strong foundation in the core sciences of physics, biology, chemistry and mathematics. A Food Diet & Health module is offered as an introduction to subjects covered in the later stages of the programme.
Second, Third & Fourth Year
You cover the applied sciences, including: Food Physics • Food Analysis • Microbiology • Sensory Science
You are introduced to Human Nutrition, before progressing to the major food science modules, including: New Product Development, Food Chemistry and Food Processing.
The final year focuses on subjects including the technology and chemistry of meat, dairy, fermented foods, food ingredients and food safety. You will also have an opportunity to undertake a research project.
The course involves attending lectures, tutorials and completing laboratory practicals. There are also many opportunities to work on team-based assignments.
Assessment involves end-of-term written exams and a variety of continuous assessments designed to develop skills for success, including report writing, oral, poster and video presentations, and food formulation exercises.
The UCD Food Science course is internationally accredited by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). This award is granted to educational institutions that have food science courses which offer curricula and options that the IFT Higher Education Review Board has determined meet the IFT Undergraduate Education Standards for Degrees in Food Science.
www.myucd.ie/food-science
Dr Niamh Harbourne
UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science
niamh.harbourne@ucd.ie
Instagram/Facebook/Twitter:@MyUCD