Sustainable Food Technology & Innovation

The Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Food Technology & Innovation is a one year, full time programme which aims to upskill Science, Engineering, Business and Agriculture graduates to increase their employability into the ever expanding Agri-Food sector. The graduates will gain skills to allow them adapt to the changing workplace in the agri-food sector and operate within a framework of sustainability. Gaining skills in automation, food biotechnology, food analysis, lean manufacturing, food innovation and supply chain management, graduates will be able to contribute to the sustainable cost-effective development, manufacturing and marketing of products in the agri-food sector. The inclusion of an innovative project module in the area of automation in the agri-food industry, will cater for all skillsets, as the effect of automation innovation on product quality can be assessed from business, engineering and scientific perspectives. This innovative conversion programme will build on existing links with agri-food companies developed as part of the various full time and part time undergraduates programmes in the areas of agri-food production and food and agribusiness delivered in DkIT.



Students will develop highly sought-after skills in sustainable food production innovations, quality management and lean manufacturing. The course covers 6 interactive modules in food production and innovation, operations management, data analytics, food safety and quality management and lean manufacturing.



This course is aimed at those who are either working in the food industry and would like to reskill to gain an additional qualification or those who do not have a specific background in food and would like to upskill in this area.

Semester 1

Food Production and Innovation

Operational Excellence

Applied Data Analytics



Semester 2

Food Safety and Quality Management

Food Analysis and Instrumentation

Sensory Analysis and New Product Development

Applicants must have a minimum of a second-class honours degree (Grade 2) in Agriculture, Food Science, Science, Business, Engineering or related disciplines. This course is aimed at those who are either working in the food industry and would like to reskill to gain an additional qualification or for those who do not have a specific background in food and would like to upskill in this area.



International students must have a minimum level of English equivalent to IELTS 6.5. Candidates may be interviewed.



For candidates who do not meet the above entry criteria but have considerable relevant experience in the agri-food sector, the DkIT Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy and procedures will be applied.

Apply Directly to DkIT

Apply directly to DkIT using our online applications system. Please remember to upload the required documentation (copies of your existing qualification(s), your CV, any other support documents etc) with your online application to expedite your application. To avoid disappointment early registration is recommended.



International Application (non-EU)

International Applicants (not from or living in the EU) can apply through an agent or directly to DkIT to study this course.

https://www.dkit.ie/study/international/how-to-apply

1 year, full-time, blended.



The course will be delivered by Hybrid-Flexible (HyFlex) mode.



This course design enables a flexible participation policy for students, whereby students may choose to attend face-to-face synchronous class sessions in-person (typically in a traditional classroom) or complete course learning activities online without physically attending class. The HyFlex course allows the online delivery mode, allowing both synchronous and asynchronous participation.



All lectures to be streamed live from the classroom in DkIT one day per week, to facilitate students who are in employment. There will be 3 days of additional face-to-face, lab demonstrations and site visits over the entire year.

Start date 6 February 2026

Career Opportunities

It is anticipated that graduates will progress to career opportunities in the broad Agri-Food industry, in a variety of roles including;



PhD researcher

Production Supervision

Quality Management

Technical Sales, Analytical

Food Product Development

Food Logistics/ Supply Chain roles.

Research scientists/ engineers

Food entrepreneurs



Education Progression

Graduates of the programmes will be well placed to progress academically to a Ph.D. by research and significant postgraduate opportunities are likely to arise for graduates of this programme. Graduates will also have the opportunities to progress into specialised areas in the food industry, which can be part of their individual CPD programme.