Food Science and Human Nutrition Maynooth University

Overview

The  Food Science and Human Nutrition programme from Maynooth University explores the future of food, from superfoods that address particular health concerns, to the challenges around obesity, allergies, food security and sustainability. This will give a unique perspective to anyone interested in future food product development.

In third year students have an opportunity to undertake a work placement (subject to availability), in Ireland orabroad, putting learning into practice. Given the diversity of businesses in this sector, ranging from food production to assurance to development, there are opportunities to apply learning in areas to suit all interests. As an integral part of the degree, this work placement opportunity significantly improves graduate employability.

Career Options

• The food sector is Ireland's largest industry with a turnover in excess of 25 billion, sustaining over 230,000 jobs. It consists of a range of companies from major multinationals to niche food suppliers, with a reputation internationally for quality, sustainability, and innovation.

• The global food industry is currently facing unprecedented challenges with changing dietary habits, food security with dispersed supply chains, demands for low-carbon production, as well as functional foods. In Ireland, the food sector is increasingly moving from raw ingredients to value-added food product development. This is driving the need for a more skilled workforce in all aspects of food production, handling, and product development.

• This programme is designed to support careers in both large multinational companies and small custom businesses, as well as exploring the social policy aspects. It will support roles as diverse as product development, public health, food quality assurance and safety. As one of Ireland's largest sectors, graduates are in high demand in all of these areas.

• Graduates of this programme will be able to take up roles in production management, nutrition, food quality and safety, new product development and research, and sales and marketing. There are also opportunities for employment in the public sector such as in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Teagasc or working for charities on health promotion.

• This programme is excellent preparation for progression to accredited postgraduate programmes in the area of Dietetics, as well as other postgraduate opportunities in the area of public health and social policy.

• There are opportunities for students to undertake research degrees, at Master's and PhD level in a variety of topics in the area of food science and nutrition.