Food Business Management and Marketing
BSc Honours
- UCAS code: ND61
- Full time
- 3 years
- Next start date: September 2021
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.
Fees (per year)
- Home: £9250
- International: £23400
Entry requirements
- A Level: ABB-BBB
- IB: 32 points
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
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 folk
- 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.
COVID-19
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to COVID-19.
See our terms and conditions for more information
View our Frequently Asked Questions
Quality and ranking
- top ten in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2021 (Marketing category)
- top ten in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2021 (Food Science category)
- top 175 – Business and Economics category – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2020
- ranked in the UK top 10 with a 90% overall student satisfaction score (Business Studies Category) – The National Student Survey 2019
Teaching excellence
TEF GoldA ringing endorsement of Newcastle University’s long tradition of excellence in teaching.

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.
Your first year 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 Digital Strategy | 20 |
Consumer and Business Economics | 20 |
Dissertation and Research Preparation | 10 |
Qualitative Research Methods | 10 |
New Food Product Development | 20 |
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.
You'll also complete a number of compulsory modules, as well as choosing between options such as interpreting global company accounts, animal product quality and marketing, consumer psychology, and developing enterprise, entrepreneurship and employability.
All candidates shall take the following compulsory modules:
- ACE3078 Marketing Metrics
- ACE3079 Food Economics
- ACE3201 Marketing and Public Policy
- ACE3202 Communication and Behaviour Change
All candidates shall take one of the following modules:
- either ACE3099 Agri-food Business Management and Marketing Dissertation
- or ACE3209 Food Innovation Consultancy
All candidates shall take 50 credits of optional modules normally selected from the following:
- ACC2000 Interpreting Company Accounts
- ACE3000 Globalisation: Patterns, Processes
- ACE3012 Advanced Agri-Business
- ACE3040 Animal Product Quality and Marketing
- NCL2100* Developing Enterprise,
- NCL3007* Career Development for Final Year Students
- PSY3006 Consumer Psychology
- PSY3009 Cooperation
* Students may opt to take only 20 credits of NCL modules.
With the approval of the Degree Programme Director alternative optional modules to those listed above may be selected.
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
Skills and experience
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.
In your third year, you'll carry out an in-depth research project.
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.
You'll also be able to put your learning into practice with a placement year in industry.
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.
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.
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.
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. Placements are subject to availability.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
Food and Land Management is based in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences at our city-centre campus.
You'll have the opportunity to access modern laboratories equipped with industry-standard equipment. You'll also use NU-Food, our food and consumer research facility.
You'll be able to use our computing facilities, including computers running industry-standard software used in agriculture businesses, to help ensure you're career-ready.

Support
To support you in your studies, all new students entering year 1 or year 2 will receive a tablet. You can download the online learning resources you'll need for your course (helping us to make our campus more sustainable).
You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.
There's also a staff-student committee, to give you an opportunity to have a say in how your degree works.
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, with many students being offered roles within their placement company upon graduation.
Enterprising students
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.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2021 entry.
A Level
ABB-BBB
International Baccalaureate
32 points
Other UK qualifications (and PARTNERS)
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
PARTNERS
Through our PARTNERS programme, you could receive an offer up to three grades lower than the typical requirements, and get support throughout the application process. To apply through PARTNERS, you must be based in the UK and meet our eligibility criteria.
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.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University, including Newcastle University London. 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.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for 2021 entry (per year)
Home Fee Students
£9250
International Fee Students
£23400
The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for home fee-paying students is set by the UK government.
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
You will be charged tuition fees for each year of your degree programme (unless you are on a shorter exchange programme).
The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightly year on year as a result of inflation.
For courses commencing from September 2021 and beyond, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fees or Student Finance England support.
If you are from the EU you will pay international tuition fees.
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.
Find out more about:
Scholarships
Find out more about:
Open days and events
The situation with Covid-19 means that we're unable to hold Open Days on campus. However, you don’t have to visit in person to experience Newcastle.
From the comfort of your sofa 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.
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
By Phone
Due to current circumstances, we are currently unable to take phone calls.
Online
Keep updated
We regularly send email updates and extra information about the University.
Receive regular updates by email