Roberta McMaster

Roberta McMaster, from Castledawason completed the four year Honours Degree course in Food Technology with the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) in June 2021. Roberta provides an insight into study at Loughry Campus and the opportunities gained from completing a science based Honours Degree course.

I set an objective during my studies at Loughry Campus to achieve a First Class Honours and I am absolutely delighted that my commitment has paid off. I now have an Ulster University validated qualification to be really proud of.

At Loughry I enjoyed the range of different approaches lecturers incorporated into modules to develop our knowledge. Whether it was practicals, guest speakers or trips to food companies we were offered lots of opportunities to engage with our learning. The course content was always aligned to the latest developments and challenges facing the agri-food industry.

CAFRE has excellent links with the agri-food industry. With their support the college offers students with the opportunity to apply for bursaries. I was very fortunate to be awarded two bursaries; one in my first year from Dunbia and in my final year from Danske Bank. I was delighted, they were not just a recognition of my work, but also provided very welcomed financial support.

During my time at Loughry Campus I took the opportunity to complete a placement year. I worked with Lakeland Dairies, at their Ballyrashane site in Coleraine. Placements are a great way to see into the industry and give invaluable experiences to include in your CV. Placements not only provide an insight into career paths, but also offer the opportunity to experience different work areas helping guide you to the one best suited to you. Our work placement was assessed and on completion I was very pleased to be awarded a Diploma in Professional Practice. I would encourage both students to avail of placements and employers to offer them, as they allow companies to evaluate how students perform in the workplace.

Our final year of study at the college was different. Not only was teaching predominantly online, we had autonomy over what we chose to research for our dissertation. I was able to select an area of personal interest to further develop my knowledge. I used my family’s dairy farm to carry out my research. It made analysing the results and compiling recommendations relatable and my research project more engaging.

When studying at CAFRE I really enjoyed the food science related modules. Food microbiology, chemistry, nutrition and food composition captured my attention. From my interest in food science I was attracted to the job I hold within Beechwood Laboratories, Ballyclare.

When studying at CAFRE I really enjoyed the food science related modules. Food microbiology, chemistry, nutrition and food composition captured my attention. From my interest in food science I was attracted to the job I hold within Beechwood Laboratories, Ballyclare.

Thinking about it now, I would highly recommend a course at CAFRE. If you are interested in the food industry, Loughry is the place to go. It’s a great place to study, with superb facilities from the library to practical food technology areas. Maximise all the opportunities you are offered, whether that’s applying for a bursary, completing additional training courses, working summer jobs or placements, equip yourself to make your CV stand out.  The food industry has lots to offer graduates with the right qualifications and experience. I am really looking forward to developing my food science career.