Sustainable Food Systems

The Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems is a part-time, blended learning programme designed to accommodate professionals who wish to pursue further education while continuing to work.



The aims of this Programme are:



To equip employees and graduates in the food sector, especially those in roles in food processing, packaging, quality assurance, or product innovation, with a comprehensive understanding of the food value chain while analysing the roles of key stakeholders in driving the transition toward more sustainable food systems.



To adopt a "farm-to-fork" approach in analysing sustainability challenges across the food supply chain, integrating technical aspects of processing efficiency, waste reduction, and resource optimisation with the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability.



To introduce the principles of sustainable and healthy diets, focusing on the interplay between food processing, nutritional quality, and the environmental impacts of dietary patterns within the global food system context.

Modules



FS6205 - Sustainable Food Processing

FE6020 - The Impact of Sustainability on Food Consumer Behaviour

FS6204 - Sustainable Food Packaging and Preservation

NT6122 - Sustainability in nutrition and food environments

FS6206 - Sustainable Food Systems in Research and Innovation

Applicants must have:



A Second-Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ Level 8) in one of the following: food science, nutritional sciences, agricultural sciences, microbiology, biochemistry, food safety, food quality, new product development, engineering or a related biological sciences.



Experience of working in the food or beverage sector in a technical capacity. Graduates of UCC’s Diploma in Food Science and Technology (NFQ Level 7) with a minimum Second-Class Honours Grade 1 and a minimum of two years' experience working in a technical capacity within the food and beverage sector are also eligible for admission.



In line with UCC policy, applicants who do not fulfil the above entry requirements may be recommended for entry to the programme under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) following a review of their individual qualifications and experience by the programme committee. Some such applicants may be invited for interview to satisfy the selection committee of their suitability for the programme. Admission to such applicants will be subject to the approval of the School of Food and Nutritional Sciences.



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.

1 Year Part-time.

Start Date 7 September 2026