Program Overview
The ME Biosystems and Food Engineering program prepares graduates for careers in the agrifood industry by developing their numeracy, design, critical thinking, and leadership abilities. The program emphasizes the engineering, scientific, and technological aspects of the industry and offers a broad range of assessments and teaching methods delivered by research-active faculty. Graduates are equipped to work in companies such as Glanbia, Sanofi, and Royal Oak Distillery, and can pursue further research or engineering opportunities.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The ME Biosystems and Food Engineering program is a two-year Master of Engineering program designed for graduates with an engineering background who wish to pursue a career in the agricultural, food, environmental, or related industries. The program focuses on the engineering, scientific, and technological aspects of the agrifood industry, developing advanced numeracy, design, critical thinking, and leadership skills in a dynamic learning environment.
Objectives:
The program aims to equip graduates with:
- The ability to communicate effectively with their professional community.
- The ability to design and conduct an experiment and apply a range of standard and specialized research tools and techniques.
- The ability to design components, systems, or processes for applications in Biosystems and Food Engineering.
- The ability to work effectively as an individual, in teams, and in multi-disciplinary settings, together with the capacity to undertake self-directed lifelong learning.
Assessment:
The program utilizes a broad range of assessments, including:
- Examinations
- Reports
- Projects
- Group work
- Case studies
- Peer evaluation
Teaching:
The program is delivered by internationally recognized research-active academic staff through:
- Lectures
- Practicals
- Technical site visits
- Problem-based learning
Careers:
Graduates of the ME Biosystems and Food Engineering program can find employment in:
- Bioprocess, food, and beverage companies
- Environmental protection and waste recycling companies
- Sustainable energy and green technology companies
- Consultancy firms operating in the above areas Examples of companies where graduates have found employment include:
- Glanbia
- Sanofi
- Royal Oak Distillery
- Diageo/Guinness
- Abbott
- PM Group
- Rowan Engineering Consultants
- Green Generation
- Maria Lucia Bakes
- Takeda Ireland
Other:
- The program includes a 6-8-month professional work experience component as an embedded element.
- The program is delivered by a highly research-intensive School with state-of-the-art infrastructure in thermal and non-thermal food processing system and analysis, microalgae biotechnology and biorefinery, spectroscopy, and hyperspectral imaging.
- The program can lead to research or professional engineering career opportunities.
- Graduates can pursue PhD research at UCD and internationally in relevant areas in circular bioeconomy.
University College Dublin
Overview:
University College Dublin (UCD) is a leading research-intensive university located in Dublin, Ireland. It is known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and global engagement. UCD offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCD provides a vibrant and diverse campus experience for its students. The university emphasizes the holistic development of its students, offering a range of opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Research Excellence:
UCD is renowned for its strong research output and collaborations with industry partners.Global Partnerships:
The university boasts a vast network of partner institutions worldwide, providing students with opportunities for international study and exchange.Transformational Learning:
UCD focuses on providing a transformative learning experience that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills.Other:
UCD is actively involved in promoting sustainability and social responsibility. The university is committed to creating a positive impact on society through its research, teaching, and engagement activities.
Entry Requirements:
- Academic Requirements: An honours undergraduate degree (NFQ Level 8) with minimum upper second class honours or international equivalence in an engineering degree programme.
- Language Proficiency Requirements: Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
- Alternative Pathway: Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes.
Huge and always expanding. Lots of course options and the professors care a lot about what they teach. Huge amount of students and clubs so there is something for everyone.
Finished my Masters in Food Safety here in 2019. Quality of education is pretty good. Facilities are on point. One of the better universities in Ireland. A lot of extra curricular activities organised all round the year. No racism or any other issue as per my experience. Teaching staff is quite knowledgeable. I loved my time there. 10/10
