Course Summary
This course looks to address the needs of those in the Food Industry who are keen to expand their understanding and effectiveness in developing nutritional food products to ensure they are at the forefront of food innovation. This course also provides the skills and knowledge to recent graduates to aid them in pursuing a career in food product development.
With the Food Industry becoming increasingly fast paced and globalised, employers require staff members that are knowledgeable, skilled and confident in the area of product development. This course will provide students with the necessary tools to not only understand the practices employed during successful food product development, but also give them the confidence to apply these in an industrial setting, to further the success of the Food Industry.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
To qualify for direct entry into this programme, a standard applicant must hold an Honours degree (Level 8), with evidence of a 2:2, or higher, in any of the following areas:
Life Sciences, Food Science, Human Nutrition, Sports Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Home Economics or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in a cognate discipline of study. Where English is not their first language, students are required to have an appropriate score in an approved examination in English language, such as IELTS.
Applicants with other qualifications and with relevant work experience may also be considered through ATU Sligo’s Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) process.
Application Details
September 2026
Fees
Total fees: €7,200.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Naturalist
Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.
Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.
Career Progression
Duration
This programme is assessed 100% via continuous assessment.