Food Science and Nutrition

This degree programme is about gaining the knowledge and understanding of key areas in relation to food production and consumption.

Food Science concerns the ‘fitness for purpose’ of our food in terms of appearance (e.g. colour and surface qualities, texture, flavour and odour) and how these can be improved, alongside the physical, microbiological and chemical aspects of our food, which may be harmful to human health and how these can be minimised.

Nutrition concerns the nutrient supply from foods necessary to support the human body in health and during ill health throughout all life stages.

This degree emphasises the inter-relationship between these areas and their equal importance in food production.

PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION

The programme has underwent a professional accreditation process overseen by the Institute for Food Science and Technology (IFST). This provides quality assurance that the programme offers students ‘the best possible food-related education’.

All students undertake the Level 3 Award in Food Safety Supervision for Manufacturing as part of the module Food Commodities, Processing and Hygiene.

The Food Standards Agency (NI) awards a prize for the highest marks in Food Science and Nutrition in Stage 3. Yakult sponsors a prize for the best Honours project completed by a food student and Safe Food provides a prize for the best essay in the final year module ‘Food Supply Chain Safety and Security'. https://www.ifst.org/organisations/accreditation-schemes/accreditation-degree-courses/accredited-degree-programmes

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Work placements on these programmes provide students with the opportunity to utilise the practical skills gained during the teaching of their degree and apply these in a work environment.

For many students this is the most important aspect of the degree, enabling them to experience the types of jobs which are available on graduation and through the preparation of CVs, interviews, etc. ensuring they are well prepared for the job market.

Our past students have gained work placement with organisations such as: Pepsico, Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, The Food Standards Agency, Finnebrogue, Suki Tea, Dale Farm, Nestlé, Kerry group, Kraft Foods, Moy Park, Tayto, Hovis, Ulster Cancer Foundation, NI Chest, Heart & Stroke, hospital trusts and many more.