During the Food & Agribusiness Management degree, you’ll learn how the principles of economics and business management apply to farming, food production and marketing. You’ll gain an understanding of how the Irish and international food systems deliver food products and services that people want, and how farmers and food manufacturers can produce profitably, while also taking care of the natural environment.

The four-year degree provides a unique opportunity to understand both business and science, focusing on the agri-food sector – Ireland’s largest indigenous industry. You will learn skills that can be used across a wide range of jobs both within and outside the agri-food sector.

This is not a CAO entry course - course fees may be required - apply directly to the college.

CAFRE in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) is delighted to launch a new 'study first' and work Apprenticeship opportunity. Starting in September 2025, study at Loughry Campus with an Apprenticeship employment contract with some of Northern Ireland's leading food businesses on the new Food and Drink Academy. The Food and Drink Academy offers you one academic year of student life, before three subsequent years of a combination of work and study. On the job training and the payment of a salary will be on-going throughout the duration of the four year Food and Drink Academy.

On successful completion of the four years of the training you will be awarded a Level 6 BSc (Hons) Degree in Food and Drink Manufacture, validated by Ulster University.

Food and nutrition are an integral part healthy living and food has a profound influence on health, helping to decrease the risk of many serious diseases. The food industry aims to satisfy the needs of the consumer by providing safe, tasty, inexpensive, convenient, nutritious and healthy foods that are available all year round.

The BSc (Hons) Food and Nutrition programme embraces a range of subjects including sciences, business and consumer marketing and consumer behaviour. Our graduates have expertise in nutrition science and can use this expertise to shape the future of nutrition in the food industry, government or research environments.

All aspects of the programme are intrinsically linked to the food industry, which is rapidly expanding and changing its future focus to meet consumer demands and expectations. This programme is designed to provide learners with a holistic comprehension of the food industry. With subjects covering food and food science underpinned by sustainability, new and future technology, analytics, management, and leadership, graduates will become leaders in food business. Learners will also develop a professional network through work-based learning, thus gaining valuable experience by applying their theoretical knowledge in practice.

Understanding the role of the consumer and the importance of meeting consumer demands within today's marketplace is the central focus within this exciting and challenging programme of study.

The content is designed to develop your knowledge on the pivotal role the consumer plays in the design, development, management, marketing and retailing of products and services. It addresses the processes and key issues involved in helping consumers make informed choices about the products and services they buy and use.

Our Food Business with Chinese Studies programme prepares graduates with the skills urgently required by the Irish food industry to succeed in the changing market landscape. With Brexit and the uncertainty surrounding the UK market, it is critical for the industry to expand exports to emerging markets, particularly China. This requires improved foreign language capability, which we provide through a combination of fundamental food science and food business management modules, and language, cultural, and target market-oriented courses. In third year, students study at Renmin University of China, taking Chinese language courses and other relevant modules, while experiencing the diverse culture and vibrant economic growth of China.

The Honours Degree in Food Innovation Management, with pathways in Nutrition and Technology is validated by Ulster University. Students select the pathway they wish to study at the end of the first year of the course. The course aims to create well-motivated new entrants to the competitive global food industry. Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to apply food science, technology and nutrition to manage product and process innovations and to manufacture safe and nutritious food products that meet consumer demand. It will specifically focus on aspects food safety, quality and the application of new technologies and processes, product innovation, advanced innovations in agri-food and nutrition, emerging market and consumer trends, and the underpinning business and management functions applied within a food manufacturing company.

BSc (Hons) Food Marketing & Entrepreneurship offers a unique combination of business and science, providing graduates with the skills to work in an exciting, fast-paced industry. During Years 1-3 you will study various modules across a range of disciplines including Food Business, Marketing, Food Policy, Management, Economics, Microbiology, Accounting, Law, and Nutrition.

If you are interested in one of the world’s biggest industries and want a bite of it look no further. Don’t know where to start? This course offers you the building blocks to take your studies further. If you have an interest in science and see yourself as anything from a Food scientist or a Home Economics teacher, the possibilities are endless!