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2. Micro-credentials
3. Study Micro-credentials
4. Micro-credential modules
5. FS6211: Sustainability in the Dairy Sector

Course Fact File

Code	FS6211
Duration	4 weeks online - 1 in person
Teaching Mode	Part-Time. See Additional Teaching Mode Information for more info.
NFQ Level	Level 9
Fees	€1,600 See Fees and Costs for full details.
Venue	Classroom / site based.
Credits	5
Start Date	Not running in 2026. See FS6210 & FS6208 instead

Outline

Module Goal

This 5 credits, level 9 micro-credential provides participants with knowledge on sustainability and food systems with a specific focus on the challenges the dairy sector is facing to deliver in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development/

Module Content

• Food systems, food supply chain and food value chain; definition of sustainability; sustainable diets and the link to the dairy industry; The from 'Farm to Fork; approach with a focus on dairy products; Strategies to achieve sustainability in the dairy sector; Evaluation of sustainability: Life Cycle Assessment.

We are on a gap year for the Diploma in Dairy Technology and Innovation. Graduates of the PG Cert in Dairy Technology and Innovation have the option of sitting modules as micro-credentials (individual 5-credit modules), with the opportunity to complete the remaining modules when the full Diploma resumes in 2027/28.

Additional Teaching Mode Information

• 16 x 1hr(s) online asynchronous (any time learning) activities
• 9 x  hr(s) practicals/laboratories

Practicalities

Continuous Assessment - 100 marks

• Assignment - online open book short question exam - 60 marks
• Assignment - poster development - 20 marks
• Presentation - communication of topics presented in poster - 20 marks

Why Choose

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Explain the concept of food systems, food supply chains and food value chains in the dairy sector.

2. Define the term sustainability in relation to food and nutrition/diets and the impact on health and the environment, specifically for dairy products.

3. Identify alternative ingredients that are more sustainable.

4. List strategies to reduce waste.

5. Explain the concept, terminology and tools of life cycle assessment.

Requirements

Industry personnel working in dairy processing and related dairy activities who would like to upskill or who wish to enter this industry.  

People working in R&D or PhD students who wish to learn about the sustainability aspects of the dairy sector.

Fees and Costs

The fee for this microcredential is €1,600 (payable upon application).

How To Apply

During your online application you will be required to upload the following documents:

1. Academic Transcript  (if not a previous UCC graduate)
2. Proof of identity (Birth Certificate, Passport, Driver's Licence)
3. Passport Style Photo
4. English Language Test Report (if applicable)
5. Full fee payment

To Apply for this course please follow the steps below:

1. Create and account/login to UCC Apply by clicking the Apply Online button below.
2. Start a new application - you must choose Adult & Continuing Education
3. On the tab Academic Level, select the following options:
   • Academic Level: Adult Continuing Education (ACE at UCC)
   • Course Type:  Microcredentials
   • Academic Programme: Sustainability in the Dairy Sector (FS6211)