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MEngSc in Food Engineering  (X082)

MEngSc (NFQ Level 9) · Academic Year 2024/2025
School
School of Biosystems and Food Engineering
Attendance
Full Time
Level
Graduate Taught
NFQ Level
9
Award
Master of Engineering Science
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Programme Director
Professor Enda Cummins
Overall Programme Credits:
90
Programme Credits:
Stage 1
Core/Option: 90 Electives: 0
Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
Stage 1: 90

Curricular information is subject to change.

For more information on this programme, see: MEngSc Food Engineering .

This programme is delivered by a highly research-intensive School comprising a European Research Council Fellow and six Marie Curie Fellowships. Professors Sun and O’Donnell are in the world’s top one per cent of the most cited scientists in their field. Opportunities for site visits and industry internships are provided where possible. The UCD School of Biosystems & Food Engineering consistently wins up to €3 million in annual research funding.

Module Information:

Under the "What modules can I take?" section below you will see general module information, for a more detailed description including module selection rules click here.

This programme is aimed at engineering, science and technology graduates who wish to develop their knowledge of the scientific and technological aspects of food manufacturing and processing and advance their careers as engineers, technologists or managers in the food and beverage industries. We value independent, critical thinking and leadership with a focus on numeracy, technology and design. We create a dynamic learning environment where all students can work individually and in teams, with a strong link to our internationally recognised research-active staff, ensuring a practical and contemporary learning experience. Lectures, practicals and problem-based learning are at the heart of the programme experience. There is a focus on ICT, food manufacturing and bioprocess technology. We use a broad range of assessments including examinations, reports, projects, group work, case studies and peer evaluation. The programme results in a MEngSc in Food Engineering leading to career opportunities in the food, bioprocess, manufacturing and related industries.


1 - Knowledge and understanding of the scientific principles underpinning technology for safe and sustainable food production and processing
2 - Knowledge and understanding of traditional and novel food processing technology and automation
3 -
4 - Knowledge and understanding of waste and energy implications for food manufacturing systems
5 - Skills to understand and assess the full range of health & safety issues associated with work
6 - Skills to carry out an evaluation of the risks for the production of safe food
7 - Skills to devise scientific research hypothesis, carry out course of research investigation, apply appropriate measurement techniques, statistical analysis and interpret findings
8 - The ability to communicate effectively to professional and non-scientific community
9 - Understand the need for high ethical standards and professionalism
10 - Develop the ability to direct personal learning and to engage in lifelong learning

The manufacture of food and drink products is Ireland’s most important indigenous industry with a turnover of €27.5 billion. Almost 50,000 people are directly employed in the food and drink sector with a further 60,000 employed indirectly in all regions of the country. The value of food and drink exports is €12 billion per annum. Excellent job prospects are available to graduates in the food, bioprocess, 
manufacturing and related agencies and industries in Ireland. Graduates have progressed to career opportunities in a broad range of internationally recognised companies including: ALcontrol Laboratories, APV, Coca Cola, Dairygold, Glanbia, Guinness, Kepac, and Kerry Group.

Stage 1

X082 MEngSc Food Engineering FT is a 1-year 90-credit full- time Masters Programme.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN30010 Bioprocess Engineering Principles Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN30360 Life Cycle Assessment Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN40320 Waste to Energy Processes & Technologies Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN40410 Food Chain Integrity Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN40590 Unit Ops for Bioprocess Eng Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN30060 Quantitative Risk Assessment for Human and Animal Health Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN40020 Advanced Food Process Engineering Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN40250 Global Cold Chain Safety Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN40440 Food Refrigeration Engineering Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN40460 Research, Teaching & Career Skills Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN40090 Thesis Year-long (12 months)  30

See the UCD Assessment website for further details

Module Weighting Info
 
  Award GPA
Programme Module Weightings Rule Description Description >= <=
MTEMP001 Stage 1 - 100.00%
Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20

Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67

Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07

Pass

2.00

2.47

MTLSC001 Stage 1 - 100.00%
Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20

Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67

Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07

Pass

2.00

2.47

  • An honours undergraduate degree (NFQ level 8) with a minimum upper second class honours or international equivalence in a relevant Engineering, Science or cognitive technology degree programme.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
  • Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the  English language requirements, may enter the programme upon  successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/ 
  • These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes