Diploma in Specialty and Artisan Food Enterprises
GreentechHQ and University College Cork bring you this course to turn Your Food Business Idea Into a successful artisan brand
Why Choose This Diploma?
Delivered in partnership between GreentechHQ and University College Cork (UCC), this industry-focused diploma combines academic expertise with real-world business support.
Whether you're starting from your home kitchen, diversifying your farm enterprise, or growing an established artisan food business, you will gain practical knowledge in food science, production, marketing, and business planning—equipping you with the skills and confidence to build a successful food business.
Modules
FE1805 – Local Food Production Systems
FE1849 – Sustainable Food Marketing & Business for Food Enterprises
Learn about the social, historical, cultural and economic changes that have led to the growth of artisan food. Explore what distinguishes speciality foods from mass-produced products and examine the environmental challenges facing the sector.
Examine consumer trends, market segmentation, entrepreneurship, marketing strategy and business planning while learning how to establish and grow a sustainable speciality food enterprise.
FS1824 – Food Chemistry and Packaging
PS1801 – Food Production and the Environment
Gain an understanding of the chemical nature of food and how it changes during processing and storage. Study cheese as a model food system and learn the science behind modern food packaging.
Investigate the relationship between food production and the environment, including climate change, resource use, sustainable agriculture, food waste, lifecycle assessment and environmental policy.
FS1825 – Nutrition and Sensory Analysis
FS1820 – Speciality Food Assignment
Build a scientific understanding of nutrition by exploring digestion, nutrient function, diet and disease, public health guidelines and the role of functional and therapeutic foods in promoting health.
Complete an individual industry-focused project by developing a food product or business idea. Apply the knowledge gained throughout the programme in a 3,500-word report and presentation that demonstrates innovation, analytical thinking and practical problem-solving.
FS1823 – Food Processing Technology
MB1800 – Microbiology
Learn the fundamentals of food microbiology and food safety, including microbial growth, fermentation, foodborne pathogens, cleaning and sanitation, and strategies for preventing foodborne illness.
Develop a scientific understanding of food processing technologies, including heating, cooling, fermentation, hygiene, plant design and the production of dairy, cereal and meat products. Learn how processing and facility design impact food quality and safety
MB1801 – Risk Analysis
Explore food legislation and regulations, food safety principles, labelling and traceability requirements, and emerging public health risks affecting food production and processing.
Course Outline
Qualification
Level 7 Diploma
Duration
Part-Time (October–May)
Delivery
Online + Classroom
3 Workshops On-Location in UCC
2 Workshops On-Location in GreentechHQ
Study Days
Tuesday + Wednesday (Every 2-3 Weeks)
Fees and Funding
€2,800 - 64% Funding Available for eligible applicants
Net Price - €1,000
Important Dates
Closing date for applications - 18th September 2026
Start Date - 6th October 2026
Funding and Closing Dates
Closing date for applications is Friday 18th September 2026.
Funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is available for eligible participants - 64% of the total fee.
The full brochure is available for download here: Diploma in Speciality and Artisan Food Enterprises Brochure 26/27
Link to UCC course overview page
Registration
You can download the full Application guide here
Gallery
Learn from Industry Experts
Delivered in partnership by GreentechHQ and University College Cork (UCC), the programme is enriched by guest lecturers from across the food industry, hands-on workshops, live demonstrations, and field visits—bringing together academic excellence with real-world expertise.
Build Real Business Skills
Combining UCC's academic excellence with GreentechHQ's industry expertise, this module develops the commercial skills every food entrepreneur needs, covering marketing, business planning, finance, and digital marketing.
Gain Practical Food Production Knowledge
This module combines academic expertise with industry insight, covering food science, packaging, HACCP, microbiology, and production technology to help you produce safe, innovative, and market-ready food products.
Join a Community of Food Entrepreneurs
Join a vibrant community of passionate producers, chefs, and food entrepreneurs, learning alongside like-minded people while benefiting from the combined expertise and industry networks of GreentechHQ and University College Cork (UCC).
What UCC graduates have to say!
The course offered an excellent balance of practical and technical knowledge, supported throughout by experienced lecturers and a very approachable team. Learning about areas such as microbiology, food law, nutrition, and marketing broadened my understanding of the industry, while the visits to food manufacturers and the opportunity to connect with other food producers made the experience even more worthwhile.
Aymar Gourdet
Owner & Managing Director, Award-Winning Chef
Le Skinny Chef Ltd
A Comprehensive Curriculum Designed for Food Entrepreneurs
Food Production
Business & Marketing
Food Safety
& Compliance
Sustainability
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Food Chemistry
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Processing Technology
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Microbiology
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Nutrition
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Marketing Strategy
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Digital Marketing
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Business Planning
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Financial Fundamentals
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HACCP
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Food Law
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Risk Analysis
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Labelling & Traceability
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Food Production Systems
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Environmental Impact
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Climate & Food
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Sustainable Business
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Join the next cohort of the GreentechHQ × University College Cork (UCC) Diploma in Artisan Food Enterprise and gain the knowledge, skills, and industry connections to grow your food business with confidence.
