Bachelor of Applied Science in Nutrition, Food and Business Management, St Angelas, CollegeSligo

THE Bachelor of Applied Science course is aimed at individuals with a strong interest in food, nutrition and food product development and who also have an interest in developing a diverse range of entrepreneurial skills and business acumen. The Bachelor of Applied Science course seeks to prepare individuals for the challenges of producing foods safe for human consumption, developing more nutritious, healthier food options for dynamic, ever-changing markets.

The UN predicts the global population will grow to 9.5 Billion by 2075, meaning there will be an extra 3 billion mouths to feed in the next six decades. According to a study by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (2013), food allergies among children alone increased by approximately 50% between 1997 and 2011. According to the OECD, the global middle-class population is set to swell to almost 5 billion people by 2030, meaning more disposable income to spend on value-added food (foods fortified with added nutrients). Belgian research shows that consumers want healthier food products but will not compromise on taste.

There are 230,000 jobs linked to the Agri- Food sector in Ireland, a current turnover of roughly €26bn and food and drink exports of over €11.15bn in 2016 with further growth predicted for 2017 and beyond (Bord Bia, 2017). The global food industry needs more food science graduates with creativity, problem-solving skills, culinary skills, an understanding of changing nutritional needs and a strong understanding of consumer and market requirements. The Irish food industry needs talented young graduates to help create food products that will enhance consumers’ lives.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Nutrition, Food and Business Management will have attained the knowledge, skills and competencies that will enable them to obtain employment in a variety of food and associated industries. Currently, there are excellent employment opportunities in the food industry with a shortage of appropriately qualified graduates. The Bachelor of Applied Science in Nutrition, Food & Business Management seeks to fill this gap.Salaries for graduate Food Technician/NPD roles range between €23-40,000 and the salary for graduates progressing to Food Product Development Manager roles in Ireland range between €45-90,000 (not including car, bonuses, pension and health insurance, etc.). Top salaries are dependent on qualifications and experience.

Graduates will be equipped with the technical knowledge and skills required to work in a diverse range of careers such as:

New Product Development & Innovation in Food and Drink Industries

Food Production

Quality Control/Quality Auditing

Food Retail

Sensory Analysis

Marketing / Sales

Supervision & Management in the Food Industry

Establish own Food/Drink enterprise Consultancy & Research

Further Research/Study (MSc or PhD) More information on the programme is available on www.stangelas.nuigalway.ie