Engineering - Biosystems & Food Engineering

The ME Biosystems and Food Engineering provides graduates from an engineering background with the opportunity to achieve engineering and mathematical competencies in the design and application of biological systems, with a clear focus in:



food process engineering

wastewater management

bioenergy

sustainability

circular economy

biorefinery

algae



Biosystems Engineers are at the forefront of the search for practical solutions to global problems and this specialisation will lead graduates to a wide variety of employment opportunities with companies focusing on the production and processing of food and other feedstocks, environmental protection, waste recycling, sustainable energy, and green technologies.

Stage 1 Core Modules

BSEN30010 Bioprocess Engineering Principles Autumn 5

BSEN30280 Water and Wastewater Engineering Autumn 5

BSEN40410 Food Chain Integrity Autumn 5

BSEN40590 Unit Ops for Bioprocess Eng Autumn 5

MEEN30100 Engineering Thermodynamics II Autumn 5



Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:

PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE: Students MUST take ONE of the following CORE MODULES relating to Professional Work Experience. The long placement @30-credits (BSEN40230) is recommended. However, you may need to take the short placement (BSEN40580) if you have gaps in your learning or other special requirements.

BSEN40230 ME Professional Work Experience 2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum) 30

BSEN40580 ME Professional Work Experienc Summer 10



Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of:

AUTUMN OPTIONS: Students must select 5 credits of Option Modules. Students who have completed MEEN30100 in their previous studies MUST select an additional 5 credits of Option modules.

BSEN30190 Agricultural Mechanisation: Hydraulics and components Autumn 5

BSEN30310 The Bioeconomy; A strategy for sustainable fuel, material and chemical production Autumn 5

BSEN30360 Life Cycle Assessment Autumn 5



Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:

SPRING OPTIONS WITH SHORT PWE: Spring Trimester Option modules are ONLY relevant to students taking the Short PWE Module BSEN40580 (10 credit). Students must select and complete 4 OPTION MODULES.

BSEN30030 Air Pollution Spring 5

BSEN30060 Quantitative Risk Assessment for Human and Animal Health Spring 5

BSEN40250 Global Cold Chain Safety Spring 5

BSEN40350 Renewable Energy Systems Analysis Spring 5

BSEN40400 LCA Applications Spring 5

BSEN40560 Biorefinery Process & Tech Spring 5

MEEN30040 Measurement & Instrumentation Spring 5



Stage 2 Core Modules

BSEN40710 ME Biosystems Engineering Thesis 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) 25

BSEN40320 Waste to Energy Processes & Technologies Autumn 10

MEEN40560 Research Skills and Techniques Autumn 5

BSEN30320 Food Process Engineering Spring 5

BSEN40440 Food Refrigeration Engineering Spring 5

MEEN30140 Professional Engineering (Finance) Spring 5

MEEN40430 Professional Engineering (Management) Spring 5



Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:

ME OPTION MODULES: Students who have completed MEEN30140 in their previous studies MUST select 5 credits of Option modules.

BSEN30030 Air Pollution Spring 5

BSEN30060 Quantitative Risk Assessment for Human and Animal Health Spring 5

BSEN40250 Global Cold Chain Safety Spring 5

BSEN40350 Renewable Energy Systems Analysis Spring 5

BSEN40400 LCA Applications Spring 5

BSEN40560 Biorefinery Process & Tech Spring 5

Entry Requirements

An honours undergraduate degree (NFQ Level 8) with minimum upper second class honours or international equivalence in an engineering degree programme.



Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.



Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/



These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/

Apply online



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

2 years full-time.

DELIVERY: On Campus

T299 Masters in Biosystems & Food Engineering (Master of Engineering) Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

Professional Accreditation

This programme is accredited with Engineers Ireland, allowing graduates to gain Chartership status.



Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Our graduates can find employment in:

Bioprocess, food and beverage companies

Environmental protection and waste recycling companies

Sustainable energy and green technology companies

Consultancy firms operating in the above areas



Some of these include Glanbia, Sanofi, Royal Oak Distillery, Diageo/Guinness, Abbott,

PM Group, Rowan Engineering Consultants, Green Generation, Maria Lucia Bakes, and Takeda Ireland.