Enter OTP
If you’re curious about how food products are created, marketed, and enjoyed by people, the BSc (Hons) Food Business and Innovation at Ulster University is perfect for you. This course mixes food science with business know-how, giving you the skills to innovate in the food industry and turn creative ideas into real-world products.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Getting Started with Food and Business
Your first year is all about building a solid foundation. You’ll study Introduction to Food Science, Consumer Behavior in Food Choice, and Business Fundamentals, learning how food and consumers interact. Hands-on workshops and practical exercises give you real experience in food analysis and understanding what drives consumer decisions.
Year 2: Applying Your Knowledge
In your second year, you’ll start putting theory into practice. Modules like Food Product Development, Marketing and Branding in Food Business, and Supply Chain Management teach you how to create innovative products, market them effectively, and manage the logistics of getting them to consumers. Projects and case studies help you develop problem-solving skills that are essential in the food industry.
Year 3: Placement Year – Experience the Real World
This is where it gets exciting. You’ll spend a year working with a company, food consultancy, or public health organization, applying everything you’ve learned in a professional setting. It’s a fantastic opportunity to build industry connections, see how businesses operate, and gain valuable experience that will make you stand out to future employers.
Year 4: Advanced Innovation and Leadership
Your final year focuses on strategic and research-driven aspects of the food business. Modules like Advanced Food Product Development, Sustainable Food Systems, and Research Methods in Food Business prepare you for leadership roles. You’ll also complete a dissertation, allowing you to explore a topic you’re passionate about and showcase your research and critical thinking skills.
Focus Areas
Food Science, Consumer Behavior, Food Innovation, Business Management, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, Research
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to develop innovative food products, understand consumer behavior, manage food operations, implement marketing strategies, and lead sustainable initiatives in the food industry.
Professional Alignment
This program aligns with industry standards and prepares you for roles in food innovation, consumer management, food education, and the wider food industry.
Reputation
Ulster University is known for its strong industry links, practical focus, and emphasis on employability—so you’ll graduate ready to take on the workforce with confidence.
At Ulster University, the Food Business and Innovation program is all about learning by doing. From your very first year, you’ll get hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities, working on real-world projects and collaborating with industry partners. Whether it’s developing a new product, understanding consumer preferences, or exploring sustainable food practices, you’ll be applying what you learn in ways that prepare you for a career in the food industry.
Here’s how you’ll gain practical skills and experience:
Food and Consumer Testing Suite (FACTS): Work alongside businesses to test and develop new food products, learning what consumers really want.
Academy – Centre for Food, Drink, and Culture: Get hands-on in professional kitchens, a state-of-the-art restaurant, and beverage school, combining culinary skills with business know-how.
Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE): Take part in cutting-edge research on food and health, exploring ways to improve nutrition through innovation.
Industry Collaborations and Internships: Work on live projects with local and international food companies, gaining real experience that strengthens your CV.
Digital Tools and Software: Use industry-standard software for product design, data analysis, and marketing, giving you a tech-savvy edge in the food sector.
Field Trips and Site Visits: Explore food manufacturing plants, research centers, and industry events to see firsthand how businesses operate.
Collaborative Projects: Work in teams to tackle real-world challenges, building teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation skills.
With these opportunities, you won’t just learn about the food industry—you’ll live it, gaining practical skills and experiences that will make you stand out to future employers.
Graduating from the BSc (Hons) Food Business and Innovation program at Ulster University gives you a strong head start in the food industry. You’ll be ready for roles like Product Development Manager, Food Marketing Specialist, Supply Chain Analyst, or Consumer Insights Consultant. With the practical skills, industry exposure, and real-world experience you gain, you’ll be confident stepping into the workforce and making an impact from day one.
Here’s how Ulster helps you turn your degree into a career:
Career Development Centre: Personalized advice, CV workshops, and mock interviews to help you land your dream role.
Industry Placements: The optional placement year lets you work in a real company, gaining experience that employers value.
Graduate Employer Feedback: Surveys show that graduates with hands-on experience, like placements, are highly sought after in the food industry. Alumni Network: Connect with successful past students for mentorship, advice, and job opportunities.
Entrepreneurial Support: Access to guidance and resources if you want to start your own food business.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you have several options to continue your studies and specialize further:
MSc in Business Development and Innovation: Strengthen your business and innovation expertise.
MSc in Food, Nutrition, and Culinary Arts: Focus deeper on food-related science, innovation, and industry trends.
Postgraduate Research Opportunities: Engage in advanced research projects in food science, business, or innovation.
A levels : 3 A levels with grades CCC, no specific subjects required; science subjects may be advantageous.GCSE : Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.IB : overall profile is minimum 24 points (including 12 at higher level).Indian boards : Standard 12th with 60% overall and at least 60% in 5 subjectsAmerican curriculum : High School Diploma with overall GPA 3.0 and to include grades 3,3 in 2 AP subjectsIELTS : overall 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5TOEFL : overall 80 with a minimum: L – 17 R – 18 S - 20 W– 17Product Development ManagerFood Marketing SpecialistSupply Chain AnalystConsumer Insights ConsultantFood Business ConsultantQuality Assurance ManagerInnovation Project ManagerBrand ManagerFood EntrepreneurNutrition and Health Advisor
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
Ulster University
