Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
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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.
Why Choose this Course?
The programme is developed specifically for those working within the food, agrifood and related sectors in roles such as food processing, packaging, quality assurance, or product innovation or those who have a technical background. Recognising the needs of those balancing work and study, the programme adopts a blended learning approach to facilitate a flexible way of engaging with practical and industry-relevant content while maintaining ongoing work commitments.
Course Outline
The Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems is a part-time, blended, Level 9 programme and aims:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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
Schedule & Delivery
The programme will run part-time over one academic year (September to May), and it combines online teaching and resources with block-release sessions, offering the flexibility needed to support those balancing professional and academic commitments.
The face-to-face element consists of two block weeks of teaching (one in November and a second one in February).
The first intake for this programme is 2026/27
Who Can Apply?
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.
Fees & Funding
€5,200. Partial funding from Taste4Success available for eligible participants
Funding Support
Taste 4 Success Skillnet funding may be available for employees of member companies and other eligible participants.
Taste 4 Success Skillnet is co-funded by Skillnet Ireland and network companies. Skillnet Ireland is funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
How to Apply
This course is open for applications now and has a rolling deadline which means it will close when all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
Gather documents
Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:
- Original qualification documents listed on your application, including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
- Any supplementary items requested for your course, if required.
Apply online
Apply online by clicking the 'Apply Now' button below. Note most of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.
Enquiries
For further information please contact:
Dr Nadia Grasso ngrasso@ucc.ie
0214903114