BSC FOOD SCIENCE AND HUMAN NUTRITION

This 4-year degree is ideal for a broad science-based education. You'll explore specialist topics on everything from the future of food development and production, to food chemistry, the future of food in a diverse society, and even the science of sensory perception.

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Qualification
Bachelor Of Science Degree
CAO Points
422
CAO/MU Apply code
MH222
Award Type and NFQ level
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)
Study Mode
Full time
Closing Date
01 February 2027
Jump to
CAO Hub

Overview

Choose this degree if you want a broad science-based education, with specialist content on:

  • the future of food development and production
  • food safety and quality assurance
  • food chemistry
  • human nutrition
  • the role of food and healthy living
  • the science of sensory perception and how we experience food
  • the future of food in a diverse society
  • the social and global challenges around food security

In third year you have an opportunity to undertake a work placement (subject to availability), in Ireland or abroad, putting learning into practice and improving graduate employability. 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.

The degree programme 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 and Human Nutrition.

Course structure

Duration: 4 years

First year

  • Food & Nutrition
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics

Second year

  • Concentrate on Food & Nutrition, Biology and Chemistry
  • Optional 10 credit Elective

Third year

  • Focus mainly on Food Science and Nutrition
  • Second semester includes work placement (subject to availability) or other forms of experiential learning

Final year

  • Concentrate on advanced topics in Food Science & Nutrition
  • A capstone project

Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.

Year 1

BL1F15 - Biology

Credits: 15  |  Compulsory

Biology modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

BI102

7.5

2

Y

BI101

7.5

1

Y

CH1F15 - Chemistry

Credits: 15  |  Compulsory

Chemistry modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

CH102

7.5

2

Y

CH101

7.5

1

Y

SN1NF15 - Food Science And Human Nutrition

Credits: 15  |  Compulsory

Food Science And Human Nutrition modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SN159

5

1

Y

SN163

5

2

Y

SN153

5

2

Y

MT1HF15 - Mathematics

Credits: 15  |  Compulsory

Mathematics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MT101N

5

2

Y

MT113N

5

1

Y

ST124N

5

1

Y

Year 2

SN2NSM - Food Science And Nutrition

Credits: 60  |  Compulsory

Food Science And Nutrition modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

BI203

5

1

Y

BI201

5

1

Y

SN211

5

1

Y

BI204

5

2

Y

SN222

5

2

Y

SN212

5

2

Y

CH224

5

2

Y

BI210

5

2

Y

SN214

5

1

Y

CH201

5

1

Y

CH203

5

2

Y

CH202

5

1

Y

Year 3

SN3NSM - Food Science And Nutrition

Credits: 60  |  Compulsory

Food Science And Nutrition modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

SN343

5

1

Y

SN344

5

1

Y

SN342

5

1

Y

SN361

30

2

Y

SN358

5

1

Y

SN341

5

1

Y

SN359

5

1

Y

Year 4

SN4NSM - Food Science And Nutrition

Credits: 60  |  Compulsory

After Graduation

The food sector is Ireland’s largest industry with a turnover exceeding €25 billion, sustaining over 230,000 jobs. 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.

In Ireland, the focus is shifting from raw ingredients to value-added product development, increasing demand for a skilled workforce across production, handling, and food innovation.

Graduates of this programme will be able to take up roles in:

  • production management
  • nutrition
  • food quality and safety
  • new product development and research
  • sales and marketing
  • in the public sector such as in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Teagasc or in health-focused charities

The programme is an 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.

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate Applicants

Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English, Science subject (i.e. Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, or Physics with Chemistry) & O4/H7 Mathematics.

DARE

Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is an alternative entry route to third level education for school-leavers whose disability affected their second level education.

HEAR

The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a pathway to third level education for school-leavers from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Contact the Access Office for more information on these access routes.

This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.

Entry requirements table

Subject

Required

Ordinary Level Grade

Higher Level Grade

Irish

Yes

O6

H7

English

Yes

O6

H7

Language

No

N/A

N/A

Mathematics

Yes

O4

H7

Science

Yes

O6

H7

* This course requires 2 additional subjects.

  1. EU / EFTA Applicants - Further information can be found by navigating to our EU/EFTA applicant information page.
  2. International Applicants - International (Non-EU) applicants for undergraduate programmes submit their application online via our online application portal. Applications open on 14th October 2026 and close on 1st July 2027. For further information, please navigate to our International applicant page.

Mature applicant information

Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1 January in the year of entry.

For part-time degrees the mature age is 21.

Visit our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on this page outlines application steps for this degree.

Mature applicants who have a disability

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia) and require support for any required written exercise/interview/online video audition which may form part of your application assessment, you must complete an online request form and submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2027. Applications for alternative examination accommodation cannot be considered after this deadline.

Visit the Access Office for more information on available supports and required documentation.

Mature applicant deadline: 01 February 2027

How to apply

Apply online to the CAO (Central Applications Office)

The application process depends on the type of applicant you are.

Categories of applicant:

  • School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
  • Mature students (23 years or older by 1 January in the year of entry/21 years if part-time)
  • EU/EFTA/UK students
  • International students (outside the EU)
  • QQI (Further Education) students
  • Transferring students
  • Deferring students

Learn more about undergraduate applications and access routes.

Got a question about this course?

Maynooth University Department of Sport Science and Nutrition
www.maynoothuniversity.ie/sport-science-and-nutrition

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