| Duration | 1 Year Part-time |
|---|---|
| Teaching Mode | Part-Time |
| Qualifications | PG Cert |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 |
| Closing Date | Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised. |
| Start Date | 7 September 2026 |
Course Outline
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
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.
Course Practicalities
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.
Why Choose This Course
This programme is designed to provide specialised knowledge in sustainability within the food sector. The programme is tailored for professionals in food, agrifood, and related industries, whether in food processing, packaging, quality assurance, product innovation, or other technical roles.
Understanding the challenges of balancing work and study, the programme offers a flexible blended learning approach. This enables participants to engage with practical, industry-focused content while continuing to meet their professional commitments.
Requirements
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.
Fees and Costs
Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2026/2027
See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.
Deposits
If your course requires a deposit, please note that booking fees and deposits are non-refundable in all cases.
How can I pay?
See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.
Any questions? See the 'Contact Us' section on the Fees Office page.
How To Apply
1. Check dates
Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the yellow fact file boxes at the top of this webpage. The UCC online application portal usually opens around mid October.
2. 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.
3. Apply online
Apply online by clicking the red 'Apply Now' button below. Note most of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.