Please note that the application process for September 2026 intake has now open.
CAFRE in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) is delighted to launch a new ‘study first’ and work Apprenticeship opportunity. Starting in September 2025, study at Loughry Campus with an Apprenticeship employment contract with some of Northern Ireland’s leading food businesses on the new Food and Drink Academy. The Food and Drink Academy offers you one academic year of student life, before three subsequent years of a combination of work and study. On the job training and the payment of a salary will be on-going throughout the duration of the four year Food and Drink Academy.
With an employment position secured, during the first year of the Academy you will study for 24 weeks at Loughry Campus, Cookstown, attending the college Monday-Thursday. You will attend work with your employer on Fridays and for full weeks outside the requirements of the academic calendar.
In the second year of the Academy you will attend college in semester 2 (mid January – May), three days per week for a period of twelve weeks. You will attend work outside the requirements of course. During years 3 and 4 of the Academy you will attend the college on two periods of three weeks of block release, while working the remainder of the time.
On successful completion of the four years of the training you will be awarded a Level 6 BSc (Hons) Degree in Food and Drink Manufacture, validated by Ulster University.
Course Entry Requirements
Applicants must secure a Food and Drink Academy employment offer with a food or drink business operating in Northern Ireland.
Minimum entry requirements for enrolment on to the Food and Drink Academy:
3 A-Level subjects at Grade B, C, C including one science* related subject. Alternative qualifications may be considered.
At least 4 GCSE subjects at Grade C or above including English, Mathematics, and science.
*Acceptable Science subjects at A2 Level: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Applied Science, Physics, Nutrition and Food Science, Environmental Science/Technology, Geography, Health and Social Care, Life and Health Sciences, Physical Education, Agricultural Science.
Applicants must satisfy General Entrance Requirements for Ulster University and show evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE Grade C or equivalent) and, where specified within individual course entry requirements, in numeracy (GCSE grade C or equivalent). In addition, students need to provide evidence of passes in four different subjects, of which one should be at GCE Advanced Level (A Level Grades A to E) and three at GCSE Level (Grades A to C) or an equivalent standard in an approved alternative qualification.
