Course overview
This degree has a primary focus on the production and consumption of food products and on the behaviour of people as consumers. It covers a range of social and natural science and business subjects applied to food businesses.
Key topics covered are:
- marketing and consumer behaviour
- global economics
- investigating agri-food systems from farm to folkÂ
- agri-business management
- food science and technology
If you’re interested in pursuing a managerial career in the food processing, retail and food service sector, this degree is for you. You’ll also be well placed for a wide range of careers in the global food supply chain management sector, with a solid understanding of the complexity of the global food chain system.
You will study the principles of management, economics, marketing and finance, as they apply to the management of sustainable food businesses and the global food sector.
Graduates will have the necessary skills to analyse problems, propose and criticise alternative solutions relevant to food businesses and the agri-food sector.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions Â
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024Â
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you’ll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.Â
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Business Management | 10 |
| Sustainability in Practice | 20 |
| Introduction to Marketing and Consumer Behaviour | 20 |
| Introductory Business Economics | 10 |
| Introduction to Nutrition, Food Science and the Food Industry | 20 |
| Academic and Professional Skills | 20 |
| Introduction to Sustainability | 20 |
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Marketing Strategy | 20 |
| Consumer and Business Economics | 20 |
| New Food Product Development | 20 |
| Dissertation and Research Preparation | 10 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Non-Specialist Accounting and Finance | 20 |
| Human Resource Management | 20 |
| Operations Management | 20 |
| Introduction to Business Law | 20 |
| Current Trends in Agricultural Markets | 10 |
| Agricultural Economics and Policy | 10 |
| Qualitative Research Methods | 10 |
| Sustainable Business Practice | 10 |
| Sustainable Solutions | 10 |
| Food Science and Technology | 20 |
| Social Psychology | 10 |
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Data & Marketing Analytics | 10 |
| Food Business Economics | 10 |
| Marketing and Public Policy | 10 |
| Communication and Behaviour Change | 10 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Interpreting Company Accounts | 20 |
| Enterprise and Entrepreneurship with Lean Innovation | 20 |
| Career Development for final year students | 20 |
| Sustainable Business Practice | 10 |
| Advanced Agri-Business Management | 20 |
| Agri-food Business Management and Marketing Dissertation | 30 |
| Food Innovation Consultancy | 30 |
| Allergens and the Food Industry | 20 |
| Consumer Psychology | 20 |
| To Cheat or not to Cheat: The Evolution of Cooperative Behaviour | 10 |
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
On average, you’ll have around 14 hours a week of contact time, including:
- lectures
- seminars
- workshops
- guest speakers
- field trips
- drop-in surgeriesÂ
Skills and experience
Practical skills
Throughout the programme, you’ll focus on applying principles to the real-world problems faced by the global food business sector. Â
You’ll develop a range of practical skills, including making managerial decisions, evaluating ethical standards, and carrying out data analysis.Â
You’ll also have access to our NU-Food facility, where you’ll take part in sensory trials and have the opportunity to carry out your own.Â
Business skills
Through business simulations, you’ll work in an interdisciplinary team to manage a virtual company in a competitive environmentÂ
During Stage 2, you’ll complete a New Food Product Development module, working with an industry partner to develop a food or drink product, from conception to commercialisation.Â
Our module in Sustainable Business Practice will equip you with the skills to compete in a global business environment, where the challenges of net-zero, ethical supply chain management, and sustainable resource use sit alongside more conventional business objectives.
You’ll also be able to put your learning into practice with a placement year in industry.
Research skills
Research skills are developed throughout the degree.Â
As part of the New Food Product Development module, you’ll gather and analyse consumer research, showcasing your product at a pop-up shop.Â
In your third year, you’ll carry out an in-depth research project.
Opportunities
Study abroad
Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.
You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas.
If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year.Â
Find out more about study abroad
Work placement
Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.
You’ll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.
If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year. Placements are subject to availability.
Find out more about work placements.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
You’ll be part of the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences on our Newcastle city-centre campus.
You’ll have access to modern laboratories equipped with industry-standard equipment. You’ll also use NU-Food, our food and consumer research facility.
You can also use our computing facilities, including industry-standard software used in agriculture businesses, to help ensure you’re career-ready.
Careers support
Our Enterprise Challenge gives students the opportunity to work with industry on a project that tackles real-world issues. Watch the above video to find out more.
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Check the government’s website for more information.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2025 entry.Â
| A-Level | |
|---|---|
| ABB excluding General Studies. GCSE Mathematics grade B or 6 required if not taken at A or AS Level. | |
| International Baccalaureate | |
|---|---|
| 32 points. Standard Level Mathematics or Mathematical Studies required at grade 5 if not offered at Higher Level. | |
