Food Business & Product Innovation - Letterkenny

Designed by the food industry and made for the workplace. This Work-Based-Learning higher diploma in Food Business & Product Innovation empowers food producer professionals to sustainably develop their business; achieved through the practical application of contemporary expertise to daily operations.



The course combines the industry expertise of the Taste4Success Skillnet with the academic depth of ATU.



This is an exceptional opportunity for a range of food industry professionals. These include SME food production business owners and managers who wish to improve processes; develop a competitive advantage through new product development; and want to future-proof their business by upskilling on areas at the core of their operations – Innovation and Sustainability.



The programme is equally suited to those within medium to large sized food manufacturing companies who wish to fast-track their career through the attainment of a university award focused on key areas of importance to industry. Participants utilise their existing place of employment as a legitimate and immersive learning environment, applying academic knowledge to real-life workplace issues and projects.



Lectures include engagement with academic and industry professionals, structured experiences with Irish food producers and guest speakers from highly reputable operators across Ireland’s food and beverage sector. The learner’s understanding of their food enterprise, its operation and strategic management and the impact of contemporary trends on provision will all be critically analysed.



Who Should Apply?

This programme is suitable for owners, managers and those developing careers within food production and manufacturing businesses, food retail and food service companies. This higher diploma is geared towards those who wish to fast-track their career growth through the attainment of a higher education qualification.

Semester Module Details Credits Mandatory / Elective

1 Strategic Management for the Food Industry 05 Mandatory

1 Financial Management for the Food Industry 05 Mandatory

1 Food Safety Management and Food Regulatory Affairs 10 Mandatory

2 Food Marketing and Digital Media Management 10 Mandatory

2 Food Innovation and Sustainability 10 Mandatory

2 Work Based Learning Applied Portfolio/ Project 20 Mandatory

Applicants should have an Honours bachelor’s degree (Level 8) in any discipline.



If a candidate does not have an honours degree but has relevant experience, they may also be eligible to apply on the grounds of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if they have attained appropriate experience and attainment thresholds deemed equivalent.



Recognition of Prior Learning: Yes.

Application Closing Date 14th August 2026

1 year part-time, online.



Recommended Study Hours per week

It is recommended that students should try to allow for 5-6 hours per week per 5 credit module to their studies.



On-Campus Attendance Requirement

No attendance required.



Note: Check programme Examination and Assessment requirements, as they may involve examinations to be taken on campus.

Start Date: September 2026.

Careers

Graduate careers typically include roles such as food entrepreneur, food product developer, and production manager.



The main employers are the food and beverage industry, government agencies, and product development companies.