MSc / Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Biotechnology

The Master's course consists of 8 taught modules and a research project. The Postgraduate Diploma is comprised of the 8 taught modules only. Modules include:

• Animal Genetics

• Biotechnology in Animal Feeds

• GIS, Data Management and Statistics

• Bioinformatics

• Bioremediation & Bioenergy
• Animal Biotechnology
• Food Biotechnology
• Crop Biotechnology
• Environmental Biotechnology Project
• Food and Feed Biotechnology Project
• Animal Biotechnology Project

The MSc course is available in full-time mode (2 days per week) or part-time mode (1 day per week over 2 years), followed by the research project.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Biotechnology is also available in full-time (2 days per week) mode or part-time mode (1 day per week over 2 years).

The course involves a blend of classroom and practical hands-on activities. Learning and teaching methods will include lectures, tutorials, master classes, group discussions, laboratory practicals, industrial and farm visits, computational analysis and both individual and group project work.

We will continue to review the ongoing public health guidelines in relation to COVID-19 and subject to that, this time table is subject to change. 

There are many employment prospects for graduates of these programmes, with past graduates obtaining employment in a variety of sectors. Possible positions of employment include:

• Research positions within Teagasc, Dept. of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food or 3rd level institutions;
• Auditors or inspectors in the Agri-Food sector;
• Quality Management / Quality Assurance roles in the Agri-Food industry;
• Scientists/laboratory analysts;
• Food product development scientists.

Graduates may progress to research PhD programmes either in DkIT or other institutions.

Graduates of this Programme will be able to progress to level 10 research programmes, both in DkIT and other organisations.

Within the Centre for Freshwater and Environmental Studies in DkIT, graduates may avail of Level 9 and 10 research opportunities in the areas of organic waste management and bioenergy. 

• Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Biotechnology €5,100 – payable in two stages. 

• MSc in Agricultural Biotechnology €7, 650 – payable in two stages.

• Entrants should have a minimum of a 2nd class honours degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Biotechnology, Food Science or a related area.
• Applicants who do not meet these requirements but have relevant work experience may be assessed for entry in line with the DkIT RPL Policy and Procedures.
• International students must have a minimum level of English equivalent to IELTS 6.5. Candidates may be interviewed.

This course is best suited to the following types of graduates:

• Graduates who are currently working in the Agriculture, Environmental and Food Science areas who wish to progress to management level.
• Graduates who want to be equipped with both the science and agricultural knowledge and skills to succeed in the emerging technology-driven Ag Biotech industry.
• Graduates who are interested in integrating the most up to date advances in food production, farming and biotechnologies in a sustainable and low-carbon manner.
• Graduates that are interested in learning about how biotechnology can offer sustainable solutions to many of the problems currently facing agriculture.

Dr Siobhan Jordan (Acting Head of Department of Agriculture, Food and Animal Health)
Email: Siobhan.Jordan@dkit.ie

Dr. Caroline Gilleran Stephens (Programme Director)
Phone: +353-0429370200
Email: caroline.gilleranstephens@dkit.ie

Dr. Geraldine O’Connor (Head of Section [Part time courses in School of Health and Science])
Phone: +353 429370200
Email: geraldine.oconnor@dkit.ie