Food Science

The area of Food Science is quite diverse and complex with a number of different career paths from which one can choose.  By completing a postgraduate course in the area, this gives students the experience of working in the field while carrying out research.  In our current climate, this is becoming increasingly attractive when recruiting staff.

University College Dublin (UCD) offers two taught programmes in this area: Master in Engineering Science (MEngSc) in Food Engineering, and the Graduate Certificate (with opportunity to progress to an MSc) in Food Regulatory Affairs. 

The MEngSc in Food Engineering will be of particular interest to graduates in engineering, science and related disciplines.  It provides a comprehensive coverage of bioprocess and food manufacturing systems engineering and product development.  Existing professionals employed publicly or privately within the food sector will benefit from a course in Food Regulatory Affairs. The course is interdisciplinary and encompasses elements of science, law, and policy, as applied to the regulation of the entire food chain, or the ‘Farm to Fork’ system.

University College Cork (UCC), currently offers three taught programmes in this field.  Besides scientific training and research, students of the MSc in Food Science (Applied) can undertake optional modules in areas such as Novel Processing Technologies and Ingredients, Food and Biochemical Toxicology and Human Nutrition and Health. The MSc in Food Microbiology is a more specific programme, focusing on the positive (as in the case of fermented foods) and negative (as in food spoilage) interactions of micro organisms and food. The HDip in Food Science Technology provides a good introduction to either of the above programmes.

DIT is another institution with a strong reputation in the area of food science and technology. Besides an MSc Degree in Food Science, Technology & Nutrition (available part and full time), also on offer is the MSc in Culinary Innovation and Food Product Development, which is a unique programme that bridges the knowledge gap between food science, business and culinary arts. Multi disciplinary modules such as Gastronomy and Culture, New Food Business Creation, Food Product Development Concepts and Sports and Exercise Nutrition mean graduates end up working in wide range of careers, including: food product management, haute cuisine restaurants and research & development. The MSc in Food Safety Management covers all areas relating to food safety – the dangers (microbial, chemical, etc); safety issues in food production; regulatory, consumer, and legal concerns; food safety management tools; and a unique Integrated Food Safety Management Case Study, whereby students apply their knowledge in a real life food company.

Research avenues are available to students in both UCD and UCC.  As far as food research goes there are a lot of areas, for example: dairy research, meat science and cheese technology. UCC specialise in research on gluten free food and beverages for people with coeliac disease. There is also a lot of research carried out in UCC on beer!

Graduate research degrees are available at Masters and PhD level in UCD. Among the research areas of particular interest in UCD are the exploration of the relationship between diet, lifestyle and health with a view to enhancing public health; development of new ingredient technologies; and ensuring the security and safety of the food chain.

‘A lot of feed companies want a new graduate to have experience before employing them and that’s why a lot of people who an undergraduate degree in Food Science go on to do a graduate programme,’ says Helen, a student currently studying a postgraduate research programme in UCD.

‘Some students may have been unable to consider a Masters programme due to the high fees involved.  However, the funding that was cut by the Government last year for science based postgraduate studies has now been reintroduced. You would need to contact the college of your choice in relation to applying for funding. You may also be entitled to a small wage for the research you are carrying out.’