Tertiary degree · Level 8 · Science

BSc (Hons) Nutrition, Food and Business Management starting in Sligo

A five-year degree for people who love food and nutrition and want a business career in the food and drinks industry. You do a Level 5 year in an ETB college, then four years at ATU Sligo. It suits curious, science-minded students.

How tertiary degrees work: you apply directly to the further education college, not through the CAO, and you don't need CAO points. You start in the further education college and then move on to the university or technological university to finish the full degree. Applications usually open early in the year; 2026 closing dates ranged from March to May.

Key facts

How long
5 years (Year 1 at Sligo College of FET, Years 2-5 at ATU St Angela's, Sligo)
Award
BSc (Hons) Nutrition, Food and Business Management (ATU)
Where you study
  • Year 1: Sligo College of FET → Years 2–5: ATU St Angela's Campus, Sligo

Entry requirements

  • Leaving Cert/LCVP, or a Merit in Leaving Cert Applied, or a relevant QQI Level 4 award
  • Mature applicants (23 by 1 January) assessed individually
  • Or 17+ with at least 2 years of relevant experience after Junior Cert
  • If oversubscribed, priority goes to access-priority groups (SUSI special rate grant, long-term means-tested social welfare)
  • Must show competence to undertake the programme

How to apply

2027 application link not yet published – check the NTO page. Apply directly to the college, not through the CAO. Apply directly to Sligo College of FET (not through the CAO). No application link is given on the page.

Official page on nto.hea.ie ↗

What you'll learn

  • Nutrition, dietetics and food science
  • Microbiology and food chemistry
  • Food production, culinary skills and sensory science
  • Marketing, operations and business strategy
  • 20-week work placement and food product innovation

Where it can lead

  • New product innovation lead or manager
  • Sales and marketing executive
  • Quality, technical or compliance manager
  • Food and drink analyst
  • R&D process development technologist

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Biology, Home Economics, Chemistry, Business

These help with the content of the programme; they are not entry requirements unless listed above.

This degree is also offered starting in

Apprenticeships in Biological and Related Sciences

Not sure which route suits you?

Our CAO Interest Test matches you to course areas, and now shows apprenticeships and tertiary degrees in your strongest areas too.

Take the CAO Interest Test → Try the free 3-minute test

Information from the National Tertiary Office (nto.ie), checked November 2026. Details can change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.