Course Aim
The Foundation Degrees / Certificates of Higher Education in Food Studies and Food Manufacture, validated by the University of Ulster, have been designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to apply the principles of food science, manufacturing technology, quality management and business studies to the production of safe food, which meets consumer demands.
The Foundation Degrees / Certificates of Higher Education in Food, Nutrition and Health and Food Product Innovation, which are validated by the University of Ulster, have been designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to develop innovative, nutritious, safe healthy foods which meet consumer demands.
Course content
Students undertake core subjects and select optional subjects to allow some degree of specialisation. Six modules or 120 credit points are required to obtain a Certificate in Higher Education. Twelve modules or 240 credit points are required to obtain a Foundation Degree.
For the list of modules in each course refer to the information on the full-time Foundation Degree Programmes.
The programme manager can provide guidance on the sequence in which the modules can be studied to complete the FdSc/Certificate of Higher Education.
Entry requirements
'A' Level
100 tariff points, plus four GCSE subjects at Grade C including a Science subject, Mathematics and English Language or equivalent.
Irish Leaving Certificate
100 UCAS points equivalent, including two Grade C1s at Higher level or equivalent plus two Grade C passes at Ordinary level in English and Mathematics.
National Diploma
A National Diploma in an appropriate subject with at least one Merit for example Pass Merit Pass.
Prior Experiential Learning
Industrial experience and prior qualifications of applicants who have worked for a minimum of three years are taken into account and for some modules it may be possible to apply for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
Additional Qualifications
During the course, students may have the opportunity to achieve additional nationally recognised qualifications to complement their course, which can give them a competitive advantage in employment or career progression.
These qualifications include:
- Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, Food Safety Certificate
- Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, Foundation Certificate in Health & Safety in the Workplace
- Royal Society for Public Health, Level 2 Award in Healthier Food and Special Diets
- European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)
These programmes are classified as competency based courses and are widely recognised by the industry.
Careers
A wide range of posts are available in: product development, quality management, production management, raw materials/services procurement, logistics and supply chain management, retail store management, distribution and transportation management, food inspection, food buyers for retailers, education and training and research.
Student View: Chris Quigg, Operations Manager, Grampian Country Foods, Cookstown
"I have been working in the food industry for 24 years in various posts, but never had the opportunity to get a third level qualification. The Foundation Degree allows me to balance work, study and family life. It is a chellenge but I can get credit for my industrial experience and know that in less than two years I will have a Foundation Degree qualification.
What next?
Want to talk to someone about this course?
- Contact the Course Manager listed in the fact file located in the individual course information page.
Want to apply to CAFRE for a place on this course?
- Print out this application form (PDF 79 KB) and send it to us.
- We'll be in touch with you within a week.
