Engineering - Food Engineering

The MEngSc in Food Engineering provides a comprehensive coverage of bioprocess and food manufacturing systems engineering. The programme will be of particular interest to graduates in Engineering, Science and related disciplines who are interested in food and bioprocess engineering, risk assessment, process development, process control, advanced manufacturing systems and associated environmental issues. On this programme you will develop new technical competencies in food and bioprocess engineering, learn how to develop and execute a research plan, and acquire skills in the application of leading-edge technologies to the agri-food and biotechnology industries, including novel food processing technology, food process automation, risk assessment, computer vision for food quality and food safety. Excellent job prospects are available to graduates in the food, bioprocess, manufacturing and related agencies and industries.



This programme is delivered by a highly research-intensive School comprising a European Research Council Fellow and six Marie Curie Fellowships. Professors Sun, Bourke and O’Donnell are in the world’s top one per cent of the most cited scientists in their field. Opportunities for site visits and industry internships are provided where possible. The UCD School of Biosystems & Food Engineering consistently wins up to €3 million in annual research funding.

Stage 1 Core Modules

BSEN30010 Bioprocess Engineering Principles Autumn 5

BSEN30360 Life Cycle Assessment Autumn 5

BSEN40320 Waste to Energy Processes & Technologies Autumn 10

BSEN40410 Food Chain Integrity Autumn 5

BSEN40590 Unit Ops for Bioprocess Eng Autumn 5

BSEN30060 Quantitative Risk Assessment for Human and Animal Health Spring 5

BSEN40020 Advanced Food Process Engineering Spring 10

BSEN40250 Global Cold Chain Safety Spring 5

BSEN40440 Food Refrigeration Engineering Spring 5

BSEN40460 Research, Teaching & Career Skills Spring 5

BSEN40090 Thesis Year-long (12 months) 30

- An honours undergraduate degree (NFQ level 8) with a minimum upper second class honours or international equivalence in a relevant Engineering, Science or cognitive technology 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

1 year full-time. Delivery: On Campus.

X082 MEngSc in Food Engineering

Master of Engineering Science

Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

The manufacture of food and drink products is Ireland’s most important indigenous industry with a turnover of €27.5 billion. Almost 50,000 people are directly employed in the food and drink sector with a further 60,000 employed indirectly in all regions of the country. The value of food and drink exports is €12 billion per annum. Excellent job prospects are available to graduates in the food, bioprocess,

manufacturing and related agencies and industries in Ireland. Graduates have progressed to career opportunities in a broad range of internationally recognised companies including: ALcontrol Laboratories, APV, Coca Cola, Dairygold, Glanbia, Guinness, Kepac, and Kerry Group.