BSc Hons Food Marketing and Entrepreneurship

Cork

 

INTAKE: September

Program Overview

The BSc Hons Food Marketing and Entrepreneurship program at University College Cork (UCC) is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the food industry, coupled with essential marketing and entrepreneurial skills. This interdisciplinary program equips students with the knowledge and expertise required to navigate the dynamic and competitive landscape of the food sector, whether as entrepreneurs launching their own food businesses or as marketing professionals driving growth and innovation within established food companies. Through a combination of theoretical coursework, practical projects, and industry placements, students gain insights into consumer behavior, food production, market trends, branding strategies, and business development, preparing them for diverse and exciting careers in the food industry.

Food Industry Fundamentals: The program offers students a solid foundation in the fundamentals of the food industry, covering topics such as food production, supply chain management, food safety regulations, and sustainability practices. Students gain insights into the complexities of food systems, including agricultural production, food processing, distribution channels, and retailing, developing a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of various stakeholders within the food value chain.

Marketing and Branding Strategies: The BSc Hons Food Marketing and Entrepreneurship program emphasizes marketing and branding strategies tailored specifically to the food industry. Students learn how to analyze consumer preferences, conduct market research, develop product positioning strategies, and create effective marketing campaigns to promote food products and brands. They also explore digital marketing techniques, social media platforms, and e-commerce channels relevant to the food sector, acquiring practical skills in brand management, advertising, and sales promotion.

Entrepreneurship Skills: Entrepreneurship is a key focus of the program, with an emphasis on fostering creativity, innovation, and business acumen among students. Through entrepreneurship modules and practical workshops, students learn how to identify market opportunities, develop business plans, and launch food-related ventures. They explore topics such as feasibility analysis, financial planning, risk management, and funding sources, gaining hands-on experience in venture creation and management within the context of the food industry.

Market Trends and Consumer Behavior: The program equips students with the ability to analyze market trends and consumer behavior patterns shaping the food industry. Students learn how to interpret market data, identify emerging consumer preferences, and anticipate shifts in consumer demand for food products. They explore global food trends, cultural influences, demographic changes, and societal values impacting food choices, enabling them to develop strategic insights and market-driven solutions to address consumer needs and preferences.

Industry Engagement and Professional Development: The BSc Hons Food Marketing and Entrepreneurship program provides students with opportunities for industry engagement, networking, and professional development. Through guest lectures, industry visits, and internships with leading food companies, students gain exposure to real-world challenges and best practices in the food industry. They also develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills essential for success in the workplace, preparing them for roles in food marketing, entrepreneurship, product development, sales, and management.

Pollster Education

Location

Cork

Pollster Education

Score

IELTS: 6.5

Pollster Education

Tuition Fee

€ 20500

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: € 50

Academic Qualifications: For undergraduate programs, applicants require a minimum academic score of 80-85% or above in their previous studies.

English Language Proficiency:

  • IELTS: Overall score of 6.0 or 6.5, with no individual band below 5.5.
  • TOEFL: Overall score of 90, with specific section requirements: Listening 20, Reading 20, Speaking 21, Writing 20.
  • PTE: Overall score of 63, with no section below 59.
  • DET: Overall score of 120, with a minimum of 110.

Students must provide:

  • academic marksheets & transcripts
  • letters of recommendation
  • a personal statement - SOP
  • passport
  • other supporting documents as required by the university.

It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.

University College Cork (UCC) offers various scholarships and financial aid options to support international students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships are aimed at assisting students with tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs. 

International Merit-Based Scholarships: UCC provides merit-based scholarships for high-achieving international students entering undergraduate or postgraduate programs. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and may cover partial tuition fees or provide stipends.

Government and External Scholarships: International students may also be eligible for scholarships offered by their home governments, non-governmental organizations, or external funding bodies. UCC assists students by providing information and support in applying for these external scholarship opportunities.

Research Scholarships and Grants: For postgraduate research students, UCC offers various grants and scholarships to support research endeavors. These scholarships often cover tuition fees and provide additional stipends for living expenses.

Sports Scholarships: UCC recognizes talented athletes and offers sports scholarships to support their academic and athletic pursuits. These scholarships assist students in balancing their sports with their studies.

Faculty-Specific Scholarships: Certain faculties or departments within UCC offer scholarships tailored to specific academic disciplines. These scholarships aim to attract exceptional students to particular programs and fields of study.

Need-Based Financial Aid: The university understands the financial challenges international students might face and offers need-based financial aid programs to assist students who demonstrate financial need.

The BSc Hons Food Marketing and Entrepreneurship program at University College Cork prepares graduates for diverse and rewarding careers in food marketing, product development, entrepreneurship, brand management, retail buying, and marketing consulting. With its focus on marketing, entrepreneurship, and industry engagement, the program equips graduates with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to succeed in the dynamic and competitive field of food marketing and entrepreneurship.

  1. Food Marketing Specialist: Graduates of the BSc Hons Food Marketing and Entrepreneurship program can pursue careers as food marketing specialists, where they develop and implement marketing strategies to promote food products and brands. They work for food companies, retailers, or marketing agencies, conducting market research, identifying target audiences, and creating advertising campaigns to drive sales and increase brand awareness. Food marketing specialists may also be involved in product development, pricing strategies, and distribution channel management, helping companies effectively position their products in the marketplace.

  2. Product Development Manager: Another career path is as a product development manager, where graduates oversee the creation and launch of new food products or line extensions. They collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, marketing, and operations, to identify consumer needs, conduct feasibility studies, and develop product concepts that align with market trends and company objectives. Product development managers are responsible for managing the product development process from concept to commercialization, ensuring products meet quality standards, regulatory requirements, and profitability targets.

  3. Food Entrepreneur: Graduates may choose to become food entrepreneurs, leveraging their entrepreneurial skills and industry knowledge to start their own food-related businesses. They may launch food startups, artisanal food brands, specialty food stores, or online food platforms, catering to niche markets or addressing specific consumer needs. Food entrepreneurs identify market opportunities, develop unique product offerings, and build brand awareness through innovative marketing strategies and customer engagement. They may also explore opportunities in food technology, sustainable food production, or food service innovation.

  4. Brand Manager: Another potential career path is as a brand manager, where graduates are responsible for building and managing brand equity for food products or portfolios. Brand managers develop brand strategies, positioning statements, and marketing plans to differentiate their products in the market and create strong emotional connections with consumers. They monitor market trends, competitor activities, and consumer insights to adapt marketing strategies and enhance brand performance. Brand managers work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure brand consistency across all touchpoints and drive brand growth and profitability.

  5. Retail Buyer: Graduates may pursue careers as retail buyers, responsible for selecting and purchasing food products for retail stores or supermarkets. Retail buyers analyze market trends, consumer demand, and supplier capabilities to make informed buying decisions that optimize product assortments and drive sales. They negotiate pricing, terms, and promotional agreements with suppliers, ensuring products are sourced efficiently and meet quality standards. Retail buyers also monitor inventory levels, manage supplier relationships, and evaluate product performance to maximize profitability and meet customer needs.

  6. Marketing Consultant: Another career option is as a marketing consultant, where graduates provide strategic advice and marketing expertise to food companies seeking to enhance their market presence and competitiveness. Marketing consultants offer services such as market research, competitive analysis, brand strategy development, and marketing campaign execution, helping companies identify growth opportunities and overcome marketing challenges. They may work independently or for consulting firms, serving clients across the food industry, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and food service providers.


Similar Courses

LLM Law

University College Cork offers an LLM (Master of Laws) program designed to provide adva...

WhatsApp Enquiry Call Enquiry