Food Science

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. 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.

Click here to Download Course Pathways document.

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.

Professional Work Experience (PWE)

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.

Five months PWE in the food industry in third year is an integral part of the degree. Students are also encouraged to take a trimester abroad and participate on the Study Abroad Programme. Possibilities include:

• Michigan State University, USA
• Purdue University, USA
• Kansas State University, USA
• University of California, Davis, USA
• University of Queensland, Australia
• Cornell University, USA.

Graduates have excellent employment prospects with national and international companies in:

• Production management
• Nutrition
• Food quality and safety
• Sales & marketing
• New product development and research

There are also excellent graduate study opportunities available.

• Level 5/6 QQI-FET
• Open Learning Entry Route
• Mature Entry Route
• DARE Entry Route
• HEAR Entry Route
• University Access

Dr. Marco Garcia-Vaquero
e. marco.garciavaquero@ucd.ie

UCD Agriculture & Food Science Programme Office
Agriculture & Food Science Centre
Belfield, Dublin 4

Contact Us

Discover how the Food Science Programme at UCD is revolutionizing the future of food through sustainability. At its core, food science is about creating delicious, nutritious and safe food meals, ensuring also that its production is ethical, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible. The BSc in Food Science will equip you with scientific, technical, and business skills to drive the future of this dynamic industry in a sustainable manner. 

Leading experts in the field will help you explore innovative approaches to sustainable food production, packaging, and consumption. From addressing the sustainability reducing food waste to implementing eco-friendly packaging solutions, you will learn how to minimize the environmental impact of food production while maximizing its nutritional value. Our vision of sustainability at the Food Science Programme aligns with UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science where the teaching and research programmes span the entire food chain, from on-farm food production to human nutrition and health, providing a diverse range of career opportunities for graduates in Ireland and internationally. 

Join us at UCD's internationally recognized Food Science Programme and become a driving force for positive change in the food industry. Together, we'll create a more sustainable future—one delicious bite at a time.

The Food Science Programme aligns with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s):

• No Hunger (SDG 2)
• Good Health and Well-being (SGD3)
• Quality Education (SDG4)
• Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
• Climate Action (SDG 13)
• Life Bellow Water (SDG 14)
• Life on Land (SDG 15)
• Partnership for the Goals (SDG 17)

Non-EU Undergraduate Fee information can be found here.

UCD offers a number of competitive undergraduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD undergraduate degree programme. For information on Undergraduate Scholarships, please see the UCD International Scholarships webpage.