Terms & Conditions
All offers of a place are subject to UCD's Terms and Conditions of Offer.
DN261 has two degree pathways: Food Science and Sustainable Food Systems.
(opens in a new window)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.
(opens in a new window)Sustainable Food Systems:
The Sustainable Food Systems course will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the entire food chain, from on farm production to human consumption and the scientific principles underpinning it. It will explore the complex challenge of sustainably producing food to meet the nutritional requirements of a growing world population while protecting the planet’s limited natural resources. Students will develop knowledge of food production systems, policy, principles, practices and technologies alongside developing their understanding of the three pillars of sustainability and the impacts on food production and consumption. Skills to analyse and evaluate sustainable food systems will be developed and how to apply knowledge learned to a practical real-world industry setting through engagement with peers, lectures, guest lectures and professional work experience. Whether interested in farming, food processing, human nutrition, or food policy, this course will provide students with the tools they need to make a real difference to the future of how we produce, distribute, and consume food in a sustainable way.
How do I enter DN261 from a QQI-FET award?
Entry to first year DN261 is available on a competitive basis to applicants who present an accepted major award with Distinction (80% or better) in at least 5 components, including any components and/or results specified below.
What QQI-FET major award(s) are accepted?
- CASLT/5M3807 Laboratory Techniques
- 5M5267 Food Science
Pass in the QQI-FET Level 5 major award CASLT/5M3807 Laboratory Techniques with Distinction (80% or better) in a minimum of 5 components
What components are required?
CASLT/5M3807 Laboratory Techniques
The award must include Distinction in at least 5 components, and must include Distinction in the following components:
- C20139/5N1833 Mathematics or C20174 Mathematics for Engineering or C20175 Mathematics for Computing or Grade O6/H7 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics
- Two of the following components:
- C20006/5N2746 Biology
- C20011/5N2747 Chemistry
- C20048/5N1460 Physics
5M5267 Food Science
The award must include Distinction in at least 5 components, and must include Distinction in the following components:
- C20139/5N1833 Mathematics or 5N0556 Maths for STEM or Grade O6/H7 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics
- And two of the following components:
- C20006/5N2746 Biology
- C20011/5N2747 Chemistry
- C20048/5N1460 Physics
How will I be assessed?
If there are more eligible applicants than places, admission will be competitive based on (opens in a new window)QQI-FET scoring.
General Regulations
All students must comply with the general regulations of the university.