Food Business and Innovation BSc (Hons) at Ulster University 2025/26 Entry - Full-time Undergraduate Study in Coleraine

Degree Overview:

This program offers a comprehensive exploration of the pivotal role the consumer plays in various aspects of the food industry, including design, development, management, marketing, and retailing. This focus on the consumer provides graduates with the essential skills and knowledge to understand and respond to consumer needs in a dynamic and competitive market. The program's objectives are:

To equip graduates with a deep understanding of the food industry and its complex dynamics.
To develop a strong foundation in consumer behavior, food science, and marketing principles.
To cultivate critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities to address current and emerging challenges in the food industry.
To foster effective communication and teamwork skills for successful collaboration within diverse teams.
To provide graduates with the ability to adapt to changing consumer trends and technological advancements within the food sector.

Outline:

Year One:

Consumer Law: Explores the legal framework governing the food and beverage industry, focusing on consumer protection and empowerment.
Food Sensory Science: Provides a thorough understanding of food innovation, sensory science, and its role in the food industry, including conducting appropriate tests and interpreting results.
Food, Enterprise, and Consumer Insights: Examines the fundamental principles of the food and beverage industry, including NPD innovation, consumer behavior, and industry challenges.
Food Tourism, Festivals, and Events: Explores the diverse range of food and beverage tours, festivals, and events to enhance tourism offerings and regional competitiveness.
Digital Media & Creativity: Emphasizes the importance of digital media in business success, particularly within the tourism, events, and food industries.
Management in Action: Focuses on management principles and their application in operational settings, including the development of management theories, internal and external business environments, and promoting sustainable business futures.

Year Two:

Entrepreneurial Product Development: Empowers students to grasp market dynamics, identify growth opportunities, and design outstanding products that resonate with consumers.
Principles of Food for Product Development: Explores the principles of food, drink, and culture, providing students with a deeper understanding of cooking techniques and outcomes.
Fundamentals of People Management: Equips students with fundamental knowledge and skills for effective people management in various organizational settings, emphasizing the importance of Human Resource practices in achieving high levels of employee satisfaction, commitment, and loyalty.
Accounting Studies: Focuses on managerial decision-making for SMEs and larger corporations within the tourism and hospitality sectors, covering costing, budgeting, investment appraisal, and working capital management.
Contemporary Marketing Practice: Introduces key marketing concepts and practices, including market definition, environmental analysis, segmentation, consumer behavior, marketing mix, sustainability, and digital marketing.
Digital Innovation: This hands-on module explores digital innovation and capabilities, where students apply theory by utilizing digital tools and software to refine their visual creations.

Year Three (Optional Modules):

Industrial Placement: Provides students with 48 weeks of professional work experience, enhancing their management and leadership skills.
Study Abroad: Offers an enriching experience where students can study at a guest institution with a different cultural and educational environment.

Year Four:

Global Active Citizenship and Sustainability: Promotes active citizenship and sustainability as they relate to global food, drink, and consumer policy issues.
Food Communication: Focuses on the relationship between food, drink, culture, and health promotional concepts, exploring policy, promotional strategies, and community intervention design.

Program start date	Application deadline
2025-09-01	-