Food Business Management and Marketing BSc Honours
- UCAS code: ND61
- Full time
- 3 years
Through this programme you will gain a thorough academic grounding in the social, economic, ethical, scientific and technological principles underlying the production of and access to consumer goods and services within the agri-food sector.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2026
Next start date:
- September 2026
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
Our Food Business Management and Marketing BSc degree has a primary focus on:
- food production
- consumption
- consumer behaviour
We’ll explore how social science, natural science and business subjects apply to food businesses.
You’ll also study the principles of management, economics, marketing and finance. And how these apply to the management of sustainable food businesses and the global food sector.
The key topics include:
- marketing and consumer behaviour
- global economics
- sustainability
- business management
- food science and technology
- new food product development
By the end of this degree, you’ll have the necessary skills for a career in the food business and the agri-food sector. You’ll be able to:
- analyse problems
- think critically
- propose alternative solutions
This degree is for anyone who wants to pursue a management career. It could be in food processing, retail or the food service sector.
You'll also be prepared for a range of careers in the global food supply chain management sector. You’ll have a solid understanding of the complexity of the global food chain system.
Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions
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 2025-26.
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
Professional accreditation and recognition
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
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.
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
Stage 1 provides a broad introduction to core areas of this sector, including business economics, Agri-Food business management, marketing and consumer behaviour, and nutrition, food science, and the food industry.
Modules
During Stage 2, you'll be able to start tailoring your degree towards your specific interests or career goals, with a range of optional modules including, agricultural economics and policy, human resource management, social psychology, operations management and introduction to business law.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Marketing Strategy | 20 |
Consumer and Business Economics | 20 |
Qualitative Research Methods | 10 |
New Food Product Development | 20 |
Dissertation and Research Preparation | 10 |
You also take the following compulsory module:
Compulsory modules | Credits |
---|---|
Global Agri-Food Supply Chains | 10 |
Optional Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Introduction to Non-Specialist Accounting and Finance | 20 |
Human Resource Management | 20 |
Operations Management | 20 |
Global Agri-Food Supply Chains | 10 |
Sustainable Solutions | 10 |
Food Science and Technology | 20 |
Social Psychology | 10 |
In Stage 3, you'll be required to produce a dissertation or complete a food innovation consultancy project, where you'll work in an interdisciplinary team on a real-world problem set by a food business.
You'll also choose between options such as interpreting company accounts, consumer psychology, allergens and the food industry and developing enterprise, entrepreneurship and employability.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Data & Marketing Analytics | 10 |
Food Business Economics | 10 |
Global Food Policy | 10 |
Agrifood Communication and Behaviour Change | 10 |
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2024-25.
Teaching time is made up of:
- scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present.
- structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision
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 surgeries
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Case studies
-
Coursework
-
Dissertation or research project
-
Essays
-
Examinations – practical or online
-
Group work
-
Projects
-
Seminar tasks/exercises
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.
You'll develop a range of practical skills, including making managerial decisions, evaluating ethical standards, and carrying out data analysis.
Business skills
Through business simulations, you'll work in an interdisciplinary team to manage a virtual company in a competitive environment
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.
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.
As part of the New Food Product Development module, you'll gather and analyse consumer research, showcasing your product at a pop-up shop.
During stage 2, you will gain skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods to prepare you for your third year project.
Some recent dissertation titles:
- What is in store for the UK potato industry: Is frozen the future?
- A critical evaluation into the UK’s pork supply chain – current challenges and future prospects
- The perception of sustainability in the UK grocery retail market
- An investigation into generational differences in eco-friendly food preferences and purchasing habits.
- Ethical consumerism: young peoples motivations towards preferences for packaging on fruit and vegetables
Opportunities
Study abroad
Gain a global perspective, enhance your academic profile and open doors to exciting new experiences by studying abroad for one semester or a full academic year at one of our partner universities overseas. Study abroad usually takes place in stage 3 of your studies and extends your degree by one year.
You'll have the choice to study at a leading international university, including:
- Monash University
- University of Hong Kong
- University of Pittsburgh
You can also opt for short-term global opportunities like summer schools, virtual exchanges or internships that usually take place over the summer months.
Work placement
During your degree you can apply to spend 9 to 12 months on an industry placement, in the UK or abroad. Your work placement is a great opportunity to gain practical experience, acquire key business skills and make industry contacts. You’ll get University support from our dedicated team. Work placements usually take place between Stages 2 and 3 and extend your degree by a year.
Recent Agri-Business Management and Food Business Management and Marketing industrial placements include:
- Student Engineer at Fisher German Priestner Ltd
- Business Consultant at HCL Axon
- Industrial Placement at Morgan Stanley
- Sales and Marketing Placement at Joh Deere Ltd
Facilities and environment
Facilities
The Agriculture Building is the home of our agri-food business and land management degrees and is located on our city-centre campus. It is based in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences.
Located within are state-of-the-art facilities including our test kitchen and the award-winning Centre for Rural Economy.
During your studies, you'll have access to sensory trial facilities in the Dame Margaret Barbour Building and two commercial farms, Cockle Park Farm and Nafferton Farm, where you can gain practical experience providing you with an insight into how real-world farms operate.
Our farms are used for learning, demonstration and research. At NU Farms we promote innovation to shape policy and support scientific research. We collaborate with four key partners:
- Centre for Crop Health and Protection (CHAP)
- Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock (CIEL)
- Fera Science (Fera)
- Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF)
You'll also gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software to prepare you for your future career.
Support
We take your health and wellbeing seriously and are committed to supporting you throughout your studies so you can fulfil your potential at university. This support includes:
- your degree welcome event where, in small groups, you get to know those on your course
- a personal tutor who is an academic member of staff who can help you with academic and personal issues throughout your degree
- a peer mentor scheme which pairs you with a current student from your course to help you navigate your first year at university
- a staff-student committee, to give you an opportunity to have a say in how your degree works
- support, treatment and guidance on mental and physical health from our wellbeing team
Your future
This course equips you with the broad knowledge that comes with a management and marketing degree, as well as a niche set of skills specific to the food industry.
Graduates from this course are well-equipped for management roles within the food processing, retail, and food service sector, as well as a wide range of careers within the global food supply chain management sector.
The transferable analytic and problem-solving skills you will develop during your studies are sought after by a wide variety of employers around the world, opening up careers in finance, recruitment, management, marketing and communications, and consulting.
Industry links
Throughout your studies, you'll benefit from the University's strong links with key industry names.
Through a variety of industry visits, you'll develop a broad understanding of each part of the food chain and have the opportunity to make connections.
You'll also have the opportunity to complete a work placement.
Sustainable solutions
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The Sustainable Solutions module at Newcastle University offers you the opportunity to collaborate with industry professionals on projects that address real-world sustainability challenges. This hands-on experience enhances your problem-solving skills and prepares you for successful careers in sustainability-focused roles.
You'll have many opportunities to interact with industry through:
- guest speakers
- visits
- industry networking events
- opportunities to attend conferences
Careers support
Our 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
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications.
Our entry requirements and offer information will be finalised in September 2025, when UCAS opens for 2026 entry. Please check the website for any updates at the beginning of September.
A-Level | |
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International Baccalaureate | |
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Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications
Contextual Offers
Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
These courses are specifically designed for international students who want to study in the UK and progress onto one of our undergraduate degrees. Our International Study Centre, has a range of study options including:
- International Foundation
- International Year One
- English Language courses
Find out more about International Pathway courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for academic year 2026-2027
The 2026 entry home fees have not yet been confirmed.
Qualification: BSc Honours | |
---|---|
Home students full time 3 years |
Tuition fees (Year 1)
Not set |
International students full time 3 years |
Tuition fees (Year 1)
Not set |
Year abroad and additional costs
For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Scholarships
Find out more about:
Open days and events
You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year at our on-campus and virtual open days.
You'll be able to:
- explore our beautiful campus
- find out about our vibrant city
- discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS
To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:
- the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
- the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
- the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
Apply through UCASApply through an agent
International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.
Get in touch
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