MSc in Food Business Management & Technology

Course Outline

This course runs over three semesters. Students can access all lectures online two evenings per week, with additional compulsory labs. (ECTS: 90 Credits)

Module 1: Global Food Supply Chain & Competitive Strategy

Procurement and supplier management, supply and demand, network design and optimisation, capacity planning, competitiveness, lean and six sigma, technology management and innovation, leadership for growth.

Module 2: Food Formulation & Processing

Formulation and processing of dairy, meat, baked goods, food micronutrients, additives, physiochemical and functional properties of food proteins, carbohydrates, fats and food additives, milling, blending, separation, pasteurisation, emulsification, pasteurisation,  homogenisation, heating, cooling, freezing, chilling, preservation, cooking.

Module 3: 21^st Century Trends for the Global Food Industry

Irish food sector history, current and future developments, global food trends and challenges, global health issues, major challenges to food security in the 21st century.

Module 4: Food Marketing & Sales Strategy Development

New client opportunities, market gap analysis studies, new business opportunities, product costing, promotional analysis, product launch plans, Key elements of development and implementation of strategic marketing plans

Module 5: Food Science, Health & Nutrition

Diet, metabolism, nutritional information, the biochemistry of food, food labelling legislation, current and potential of nutraceuticals, effects of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fruit and vegetables.

Module 6: Legal and Regulatory Framework for  the Global Food Business

Legal and regulatory framework of the global food business, emerging legal, industrial best practice (BRC, IFS, ISO 22000, ISO9000). Managing Food Safety/HACCP/Allergens and consumer-led trends.

Module 7: Food Business Management

Finance, accounting, analysis of business performance, strategy, budgeting, KPIs, statistics, financial reporting.

Module 8: R&D Product Development & Management

Sensory science, consumer trends, brand management, innovation, consumers and food trends, product launch strategies

Module 9: Literature Review

This module assists learners to identify and examine relevant literature on their subject matter, ensuring that their literature is wide-ranging, relevant with well-linked concepts and ideas, with enquiry and research at its root.  The learner's research questions and dissertation focus will evolve from the literature review.

Module 10: Dissertation

To be awarded an MSc, learners must complete an original and comprehensive dissertation which may comprise of research or practical work-based thesis, drawing heavily on the underpinning from the taught and literature review modules.  Learners will further enhance their research and critical thinking skills, and in turn, develop expertise by completing a major piece of research. 

Entry Requirements

This course is suitable for those with a minimum NFQ Level 8 honors degree with a 2.2 award or higher in Science, Business, Quality, Engineering or related discipline.

Career Options

Potential Roles for graduates of this course include: 

• R & D Product Management 
• Sales and Marketing Management
• Production/ Supervisory Management 
• Quality/ Regulatory Affairs Roles
• Supply Chain Roles
• Project Management 
• Process Improvement Roles

Our Professional Development team, through individual coaching and mentorship, develop each student to their greatest potential - developing their networking and communication and presentation skills, which ensures that graduates develop a suitable career path. This Career Development strategy has proven to be very successful, with over 70% of Innopharma graduates gaining employment or advancing further their careers in the industry within six months of qualification.

As a result of our proven track record, many organisations and recruitment agencies now contact us directly, requesting students to fill open roles they have.

Apply Now

Our admissions team are on hand to assist you with your application and answer any questions you may have on the course.

Students who wish to apply to this course should follow the following application process.

Step 1: Enquire through the form at the top right of this page

Step 2: A member of our team will be in contact through phone or email

Step 3: If you are deemed to be eligible for the course, you will be sent an application form by email. You MUST fill in this application form and attach all necessary *documents (CV, ID, Transcripts, etc.)

Step 4: On submission of the completed application form and all documentation, your application will be sent to the associated department for final approval. You will receive an e-mail confirming your place on the programme. (Note: This process can take up to one week particularly during busy admission periods.)

*We accept scanned documents in a pdf format. Pictures of documents are not accepted.

Please note at any time if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us by email on admissions@innopharmalabs.com or call us (01) 485 334