Dairy Technology & Innovation

Course Outline

The School of Food and Nutritional Sciences at University College Cork (UCC) has developed this postgraduate Certificate in Dairy Technology & Innovation in association with Teagasc – Ireland’s Agriculture and Food Development Authority.



This Level 9 Certificate is a part-time, blended-learning programme tailored to suit the needs of the dairy industry. It is part of a unique suite of exciting new Dairy Technology & Innovation programmes being developed at UCC to meet the requirements of industry.



Our applicants are usually working in the dairy industry, or as dairy industry personnel holding UCC’s Level 7 Diploma in Food Science & Technology. We are also attractive to BSc graduates with a food science, nutritional sciences or biological/life sciences background who wish to expand their knowledge into dairy technology.

Programme

In order to suit the seasonal nature of the dairy industry we deliver the programme online and by block-release, from September to December and January to March. This is a blended-learning, part-time programme running for one academic year and students take modules to the value of 30 credits as follows:



Module Name

FE6501 Business Processes Across the Supply Chain (5 credits)

FE6502 Trends And Dynamics Across Dairy Markets (5 credits)

FS6201 Milk Production and Quality (5 credits)

FS6202 Dairy Chemistry (5 credits)

FS6203 Dairy Processing Technology (5 credits)

MB6201 Dairy Microbiology (5 credits)



These modules will introduce key concepts underpinning the dairy technology industry, and the innovations that advance its development.

Candidates must be graduates of a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) programme (or equivalent) in food science, nutritional sciences, agricultural sciences, microbiology, biochemistry, engineering or related biological sciences with a minimum Second Class Honours Grade II, ideally with experience working in the dairy industry.



Holders of UCC’s Level 7 Diploma in Food Science and Technology with a minimum Second Class Honours Grade I and a minimum of two years’ experience working in the dairy industry will also be eligible for admission.



For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.



International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.



- In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.



- Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.



English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

Closing Date: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.



Non-EU Closing Date: Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

In addition to formal end-of-semester exams, students will be assessed on a continuous basis throughout the year through in-class tests and various assignments.

1 year part-time.

Start Date: 8th September 2025.

Skills and Careers Information

What can I do after I graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Dairy Technology & Innovation?

In line with the development of a knowledge economy, this qualification will enable and empower dairy industry personnel and those wishing to join the industry to implement best practices, embrace new technological developments in dairy processing.



Occupations associated with Postgraduate Certificate in Dairy Technology & Innovation

Primary dairy processing companies and also suppliers to the dairy industry. Jobs include: production, quality control, quality assurance, R&D.



This qualification is an internationally recognised qualification so our graduates can be employed in dairy companies worldwide.