Sustainable Agri-Food Systems - Waterford

Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Sustainable Agri-Food Systems is an intensive 12-month blended-delivery programme. It is developed to support the sustainable development of our agri-food sector and equip graduates with the necessary skills to actively reform and re-align existing agri-food systems towards our future climate ambitions.



The programmes will specifically focus learning on global agri-food systems, global food security, Irish and EU/UN sustainability targets and policies, agri-food supply chains for sustainable production/processing/supply, and circular bioeconomy. Emphasis will be given to the concept of a systems approach throughout the programmes, immersing the students in systems thinking and guiding them towards this disciplined approach when examining sustainable solutions and innovation achievements.



The programmes are uniquely designed to support those who are unemployed or returners to employment while providing opportunities for workforce development to enhance the skill levels of those already in employment.



Embedded Certificates

Prospective students may also apply to take modules from this Masters as individual Level 9 Certificates.

Students taking the Certificates would sit-in with the main Masters group and so may be required to attend

during the working week - use the Contacts below for the precise delivery schedules.

Please see fees information at: www.setu.ie/fees



Certificate in Global Agri-Food Systems (10 Credits) – Starts September 2025

Certificate in Sustainable and Resilient Agri-Food Supply Chains (10 Credits) – Starts January 2026

Certificate in Circular Bioeconomy in Agri-Food Systems (10 Credits) – Starts September 2026

Modules

Global agri-food systems

Project Management and Marketing

Food, Health, and Nutrition

Sustainable and resilient agri-food supply chains

Circular bioeconomy in agri-food systems

Statistics and Data Analysis

Research Methods and Dissertation

Scan QR code for the full list of modules

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 hold a Level 8 degree in a non-cognate area or have significant experiential learning may be considered for entry under SETU’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) polic

1 year part-time blended delivery.



10 days on site per academic year.

Start Date: September 2025

Opportunity

Graduates will be able to:

- Support the sustainable development of the agri-food sector by reforming and realigning existing stakeholders with our climate ambitions and be in a position to future proof many organisations.



- Have the the skills necessary to engage across primary commercial production, provide support and technical advice to sectoral stakeholders.



- Have the skills necessary to address the challenges faced by agri-food systems and enable them to apply these skills to implement innovative transformation.



Follow on study

Graduates may progress their academic education to Level 9 Master of Science in Sustainable Agri-Food Systems, remain in a research, development, and innovation environment or seek employment in the development of supportive agricultural policy for natural resource management.