DN261 · Level 8 · 4 years

Food Science

University College Dublin (NUI) · Dublin

2026 Round 1 points

479

Down 19 points since 2023 (498).

How do your points compare?

Don't know your points? Use the CAO points calculator.

About this course

This is a four-year science degree about producing safe, nutritious and sustainable food. It is accredited by the Institute of Food Technologists in the USA.

How long
4 years
What you study
You learn biology, chemistry and maths, then apply them to food physics, analysis, microbiology and sensory science. Year 1 includes chemistry, physics, biology and agricultural economics, and later years cover food processing, packaging, regulation and food business.
Placement and abroad
A five-month work placement in the food industry in Year 3 is part of the degree, and you are encouraged to spend a trimester abroad.
Where it can lead
Graduates work in production management, nutrition, food quality and safety, sales and marketing, and product development and research, and can go on to graduate study.
Who it suits
Suits students who like science and lab work and are curious about how food is made, tested and kept safe.

Summary written by FindMyCollegeCourse.ie from the college's own course information. Check the college website for full details.

About Biological and related sciences

Exploring biotechnology, genetics, and life sciences

Explore the science of living organisms and life processes. These degrees examine the structure, function, growth, evolution, and interaction of living organisms, including humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms. E.g. Biotechnology, Genetics, Biochemistry.

Points history

2023498202449620254662026479

Round 1 points by year

YearRound 1Final (end of season)Middle student
2026479Published after the final round
2025 466466499
2024 496490510
2023 498487517

Round 1 is the points needed for a first-round offer. Final is the lowest points offered a place after all rounds. Middle student is the points of the student in the middle of everyone who got a place. * means not everyone on those points got a place (random selection). Source: CAO points lists.

Subject requirements

  • English: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6
  • Irish: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6
  • Mathematics: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6
  • Lab Science Subject: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6

These are the course's own subject requirements. You also need to meet the college's general minimum entry requirements.

See the course on the University College Dublin (NUI) website ↗

Is Food Science right for you?

Points tell you if you can get in. They don't tell you if you'll enjoy it. The CAO Interest Test matches your interests to more than 1,400 CAO courses, including courses in Biological and related sciences, and shows which ones fit your points.

Take the CAO Interest Test Try the free test first

The same course at other colleges

Similar courses in Biological and related sciences

Level 8 courses with the closest 2026 Round 1 points.

Points and course details change every year. Always check cao.ie and the college website before you fill in your CAO form.