Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Health Careers
Key information
Employability skills from this degree
- Analysing, problem-solving and interpreting data
- Conducting research
- Conducting laboratory work and reporting
- Attention to detail
- Oral and written communication skills
- IT skills
- Numerical and statistical awareness
- Time management
Further Study Options
- MSc in Functional Foods and New Product Development
- MSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics
- MSc in International Management and Global Business
- MSc in Public Health
- PhD in Food Science
- Structured Master's by Research
- Structured PhD Programme in Biological Sciences
Job titles for graduates with this degree
- Culinary Technologist
- Food Technologist
- Food Scientist
- Dairy Industry Scientist
- Brewer
- Officer in Food Safety Authorities
- Food Product Developer
- Laboratory Analyst
- QA & Regulatory Technologist
- Quality Analyst
- Quality Technician
- Sensory Analyst
- Supervisor
- Technical Sales Coordinator
Student profiles
Rachel McCarthy
I decided to study the BSc in Food Science & Health because I had an interest in Food and Nutrition. I always wanted to work in that area and now know that the degree gave me excellent scientific knowledge to allow me to pursue my career.
In First Year: you learn the basics of all science subjects. As you proceed through the programme you cover areas in Food Science, for example, Food microbiology, food ingredients,food chemistry, food processing operations and food biotechnology. You also study Health, for example, research trends in diet and health, human nutrition, public health nutrition, advanced nutrient metabolism and exercise and health.
I undertook my Cooperative Placement in Abbot Nutrition, Co Cavan as a Quality Compliance Intern. The placement exposed me to responsibilities such as Updating Standard Operating Procedures, Preparation for internal and external audits (Compliance Walkdowns, CAPA's (Corrective and Preventative Actions), Following up on risk assessments as well as working with teams, communication and ICT skills.
My Final Year Project was an Evaluation of the Bioactivity of Selected Dietary Cereals. After graduation, I applied and was successful getting a place on the MSc. Human Nutrition & Dietetics programme in UL. My degree in Food Science & Health provided me with a great base knowledge base in the requirements of Biochemistry & Physiology.
In 2022, I graduated and am currently working a dietitian with the UL Hospital group.
Lorraine Stone
A day in the Life of an R&D Technologist
The role of R&D technologist is very varied and involves project management, recipe formulation and product development right from the concept stage up to industrialisation and product launch. The role also involves dealing with stakeholders and global markets in the development of new products within safety, regulatory and market specific requirements. Innovation and idea generation are key activities as well as keeping on top of industry trends including new launches. It is a challenging job, which requires both creativity and logic. My degree at UL prepared me for my career by providing me with a strong scientific base, skills in independent project work and a fantastic opportunity to build real world experience through the Co-Operative Education work placement scheme.
Lorraine’s tip:
Make sure you enjoy and are passionate about the subject area you choose to study. Try to get relevant work experience wherever you can as it will strengthen the knowledge and understanding you are building up in your coursework. Enjoy the great facilities, clubs and societies that UL has to offer - they are second to none and you will make life-long friends.
Lorraine is currently employed as a Research & Development Technologist with Wyeth Nutrition (Nestlé Research).
Evan Conroy
I am from Portlaoise, Co. Laois and I studied BSc Food Science & Health. I chose UL because of the scenic campus, and the vibrant student life. I was interested in the course because it combined a background in general science with my personal interests in food, nutrition, and health. Despite not studying chemistry for my Leaving Certificate, I ended up enjoying the chemistry modules the most. I also loved the research aspects of the course, such as the final year project/thesis. This provided me with the opportunity to complete a 10-week summer research project as part of the Food Proteins and Peptides Research Group at UL.
I was awarded the Bronze President’s Volunteer Award (PVA) and the COVID-19 Volunteer Award. I also volunteered as part of the International Buddy Programme which involved welcoming new international students, answering their questions, and advising them on student life. I completed my Co-Op placement at Kerry Group’s European Research & Development (R&D) Headquarters (HQ) in their Global Technology & Innovation Centre (GTIC) located in Millenium Park, Naas, Co. Kildare. During my placement I worked as a sweet and cereal research, development, and application (RD&A) intern where I led new product development (NPD) projects related to sustainability and flavour innovation.
My advice to school leavers is to not limit yourself. Physics was the only science subject I had studied for my Leaving Certificate, and I came onto the course with the lowest points admissible. I went on to graduate with a first-class honours degree. I joined Dairygold’s graduate development programme as a production graduate in 2022, and I have been working there as a production shift manager since 2023.
