Global Agri-Food Systems - Waterford

This course aims to develop the learner’s competence in global agri-food systems. It reviews current agri-food systems, how they function and their interconnectedness. It also discussed the inefficiencies as well as their causes with respect to food systems and food security. With respect to food security it reviews the current challenges faced by our global agri-food systems and discusses possible solutions and their need to be broad reaching to have impact. Specific technical areas of discussion will include, but are not limited to, global agri-food systems, agri-food system footprint, global food security, UN SDG’s.



The aims and objectives of the programme are to enable participants, who already hold a third-level qualification, to upskill and develop their knowledge and competence in global agri-food systems. The Certificate in global agri-food systems will provide students with the skills, experience, and confidence to:



Critically and creatively evaluate the complexity of agri-food systems and



Engage in practices that can reform and realign existing agri-food systems



Identify current and future challenges in a global context and apply systems thinking to coordinate all the actors and activities necessary to produce safe and nutritious food.



Unique Features:



The module will follow a blended delivery mode consisting of lecture material being released once a week (asynchronous), and 3 days of in person practicals and tutorials. During the practicals the learners will avail of group

learning and discussions and peer to peer development. Case study assessments, assignment and instructor-led discussion boards will be held during the semester at spaced intervals.



The module is 10 credits, and consist of lectures, tutorials, and practicals. The module will follow a blended delivery mode consisting of lecture material being released once a week (asynchronous), and 3 days of in person practicals and tutorials. During the practicals the learners will avail of group learning and discussions and peer to peer development. Case study assessments, assignment and instructor-led discussion boards will be held during the semester at spaced intervals.

Applicants for the Certificate in Global Agri-Food Systems should hold National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 8 honours degree with a minimum upper second-class honours or equivalent in Agriculture, Food, Science, or Environmental / Land Science related degree programme.



Applicants who do not hold a degree in the cognate areas specified above but who have relevant industry or practical experience in agricultural and biological systems or equivalent, in conjunction with a Level 8 degree in a non-cognate area, may be considered for entry under SETU’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) mechanism on an individual basis. Guidelines on the University’s RPL policy and procedures are available here. In addition, applicants whose primary language is not English must meet the SETU English language requirements.

Application Deadline 15 Aug 2026

12 weeks, blended.



Delivery

The module will follow a blended delivery mode consisting of lecture material being released once a week (asynchronous), and 3 days of in person practicals and tutorials.

Next Intake September 2026

Further Study

Graduates of the Certificate in global agri-food systems may continue to complete other Level 9 Certificates (Certificate in sustainable and resilient agri-food supply chains and Certificate in circular bioeconomy in agri-food systems). Graduates may also continue their studies and graduate with a Level 9 Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Sustainable Agri-Food Systems (60 credits) or a Masters of Science in Sustainable Agri-Food Systems (90 credits). This will facilitate students to progress their academic education to Level 10 or opt to remain in a research, development, and innovation environment.



Opportunity

This programme will produce highly skilled professionals to support the sustainable development of the agri-food sector. Graduates will be able to engage across primary commercial production, provide support and technical advice to sectoral stakeholders.