Sustainable Agri-Food Systems - Waterford

The MSc in Science in Sustainable Agri-Food Systems is a two year part-time blended-delivery programmes. It was 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 programme 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. Furthermore, the programme is designed to provide the learner with the skills necessary to develop sustainable and resilient solutions that address the complexities of agri-food supply chains, the challenges of food security and the needs of Irish and European marketplace.



The distinct feature of the programme is the focus on agri-food supply chains and circular bioeconomy which will provide a comprehensive approach on issues of sustainability and resilience in the agri-food economy. Emphasis will be given to the concept of a systems approach throughout the programme, immersing the students in systems thinking and guiding them towards this disciplined approach when examining sustainable solutions and innovation achievements.



The programme is 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.



Unique Features

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Sustainable Agri-Food Systems programme will adopt a flexible blended learning delivery approach to support unemployed, returners to employment but also those already in employment who wish/need to upskill or cross-skill. Lectures will be delivered weekly consisting of online live lectures and/or online lecture material releases employing both synchronous and asynchronous teaching to best suit mature students or students in employment.

Modules

Global agri-food systems (10 credits)

Project Management and Marketing (10 credits)

Food, Health, and Nutrition (10 credits)

Sustainable and resilient agri-food supply chains (10 credits)

Circular bioeconomy in agri-food systems (10 credits)

Statistics and Data Analysis (10 credits)

Research Methods and Dissertation (30 credits)

Applicants for the MSc in Science in Sustainable 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 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) policy. In the case of the non-cognate degree equal weighting will be given for GPA qualifications (50%) and a selection interview (50%) to assess prospective candidate’s aptitude and experience relevant to the certificate programme.

Application Deadline 30 Aug 2026

2 years, part-time, blended.



Delivery

The programme will be delivered over two years using a flexible, blended-delivery model i.e. face-to-face and e-learning. This will include a combination of lectures, tutorials and face-to-face practicals. Practicals will consist of field trips, and/or in-person focused course days taking place on site at the Waterford campus. Learners will be required to be on site for no more than 5 days per semester / 10 days per academic year. Typically, this involves 4 - 5 Saturdays and 4 -5 week days for the whole academic year.

Next Intake September 2026

Follow on study

Graduates may also progress their academic education to Level 10 standard or remain in a research, development, and innovation environment or seek employment in the development of supportive agricultural policy for natural resource management.



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.