Code

SE52G

Location

Waterford

Campus

Cork Road

Level Level 9
Duration 1 year
Credits 60
Delivery Blended
Applications Closing 30 Jun 2024
Application Status Open
Next Intake September 2024

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The Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Sustainable Agri-Food Systems is an intensive 12-month blended-delivery programme. It is developed to support the sustainable development of our agri-food sector and equip graduates with the necessary skills to actively reform and re-align existing agri-food systems towards our future climate ambitions.

The programme will specifically focus learning on global agri-food systems, global food security, Irish and EU/UN sustainability targets and policies, agri-food supply chains for sustainable production/processing/supply, and circular bioeconomy. Furthermore, the programme is designed to provide the learner with the skills necessary to develop sustainable and resilient solutions that address the complexities of agri-food supply chains, the challenges of food security and the needs of Irish and European marketplace.

The distinct feature of the proposed programme is the focus on agri-food supply chains and circular bioeconomy which will provide a comprehensive approach on issues of sustainability and resilience in the agri-food economy. Emphasis will be given to the concept of a systems approach throughout the programme, immersing the students in systems thinking and guiding them towards this disciplined approach when examining sustainable solutions and innovation achievements.

This program is uniquely designed to support those who are unemployed or returners to employment while providing opportunities for workforce development to enhance the skill levels of those already in employment.

Unique Features

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Sustainable Agri-Food Systems programme will adopt a flexible blended learning delivery approach to support unemployed, returners to employment but also those already in employment who wish/need to upskill or crosskill. Lectures will be delivered weekly consisting of online live lectures and/or online lecture material releases employing both synchronous and asynchronous teaching to best suit mature students or students in employment.

Students will meet virtually twice a week for live classes [ Tuesday and Thursday evenings TBC ] and an additional single weekly release for anytime viewing.

Successful applicants will be required to be on site for no more than 5 days per semester / 10 days per academic year.
Typically this involves 4 - 5 Saturdays and 4 -5 week days for the whole academic year.

Delivery

The programme will last for 12 months using a flexible, blended-delivery model i.e. face-to-face and e-learning. This will include a combination of lectures, tutorials and face-to-face practicals. Practicals will consist of field trips, and/or in-person focused course days taking place on site at the Waterford campus. Learners will be required to be on site for no more than 5 days per semester / 10 days per academic year. Typically this involves 4 - 5 Saturdays and 4 -5 week days for the whole academic year.

A continuous assessment approach will be adopted for all modules using a combination of case studies, practical assessment, written assignments (projects), presentations and discussion boards.

Semester 1

Global agri-food systems (10 credits)

This module aims to develop the learner’s competence in global agri-food systems. It will review current food systems and how they function and their interconnectedness. It will also discuss the inefficiencies as well as their causes with respect to food systems and food security. With respect to food security it will review the current challenges faced by our global agri-food systems and discuss possible solutions and their need to be broad reaching to have impact. Specific technical areas of discussion will include, but are not limited to, global agri-food systems, basics of supply chain management, agri-food system footprint, global food security, UN SDG’s.

Project Management and Marketing (10 credits)

This module will provide participants with methodologies to undertake business planning and project implementation aimed at delivering desired results. Participants will be able to estimate project duration and associated costs and develop skills necessary to plan, control, monitor project schedules and manage human resources. The principles of marketing and how these can be applied successfully in the Irish and European marketplace will be reviewed. Factors influencing the consumer buying process, identifying appropriate markets, new product development and associated marketing mix elements, including targeted communications using online platforms will be addressed.

Food, Health, and Nutrition (10 credits)

This module will investigate human nutrition requirements including the role of macronutrients and micronutrients as part of healthy balanced diets. Inherent to this is analysis of the scientific evidence and trends in nutrient content of food. The role of key nutrition requirements for healthy living will be assessed with particular focus on nutrition-related diseases. Participants will become conversant with human dietary requirements, current food eating trends, and the importance of balanced healthy diets. This knowledge will enable participants to develop the necessary confidence to engage with consumers about the benefits of healthy food.

Semester 2

Sustainable and resilient agri-food supply chains (10 credits)

This module will review the concept of sustainability within the context of agri-food supply chains and the methods currently being adopted across each chain type to achieve sustainability. It will also introduce the concept of resilience within a supply chain, what it is and how it can be achieved as well as its overall purpose. Specific technical areas covered will include, but are not limited to, sustainable agri-food production/processing/supply, digital technologies and their role and purpose in developing sustainable and resilient agri-food supply chains, biodiversity, the various EU/UN targets and policies targeted towards sustainable and resilient agri-food supply chains.

Circular bioeconomy in agri-food systems (10 credits)

This module will review the concept of circular bioeconomy with respect to our global agri-food systems. It will explore the impact of waste along the agri-food supply chains and the implications for achieving food security, and sustainability targets. It will educate the learner on sources, types and volumes of waste, current waste management practices, and waste prevention and reduction strategies. It will also review the concept of circularity and its purpose within agri-food systems and the mechanisms and strategies being adopted at present to promote the concept of the circular bioeconomy within our agri-food systems. Specific technical areas covered will include, but are not limited to, the circular economy, challenges of circular agriculture and food systems, policy with respect to circularity and the bioeconomy, waste management, prevention, and reduction strategies.

Statistics and Data Analysis (10 credits)

The module aims to develop the learner’s competence in the application of modern techniques of data analysis in the context of analytical method development. The learner will be enabled to apply statistical analysis processes to data sets and interpret the results in order to quantify data quality and compare data sets. These data sets will deal with real world applications from the pharmaceutical and food industries. The learner will also develop competence in a range of process control tools and minimisation strategies. Continuous improvement and data-driven decisions will also be emphasised throughout the course of the programme.

Applicants for the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Sustainable Agri-Food Systems should hold National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 8 honours degree with a minimum upper second-class honours or equivalent in Agriculture, Food, Science, or Environmental / Land Science related degree programme.

Applicants who do not hold a degree in the cognate areas specified above but who have relevant industry or practical experience in agricultural and biological systems or equivalent, in conjunction with a Level 8 degree in a non-cognate area, may be considered for entry under SETU’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) mechanism on an individual basis. In addition, applicants whose primary language is not English must meet the SETU English language requirements.

Graduates will be able to

Support the sustainable development of the agri-food sector by reforming and realigning existing stakeholders with our climate ambitions and be in a position to future proof many organisations.
Have the the skills necessary to engage across primary commercial production, provide support and technical advice to sectoral stakeholders.
Have the skills necessary to address the challenges faced by agri-food systems and enable them to apply these skills to implement innovative transformation.

Follow on study

Graduates may progress their academic education to Level 9 Master of Science in Sustainable Agri-Food Systems, remain in a research, development, and innovation environment or seek employment in the development of supportive agricultural policy for natural resource management.