Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Food Technology and Innovation
Course running September 2024.
This course is supported by Springboard Human Capital Initiative (HCI).
Course Overview
The Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Food Technology & Innovation is a one year, full time programme which aims to upskill Science, Engineering, Business and Agriculture graduates to increase their employability into the ever expanding Agri-Food sector. The graduates will gain skills to allow them adapt to the changing workplace in the agri-food sector and operate within a framework of sustainability. Gaining skills in automation, food biotechnology, food analysis, lean manufacturing, food innovation and supply chain management, graduates will be able to contribute to the sustainable cost-effective development, manufacturing and marketing of products in the agri-food sector. The inclusion of an innovative project module in the area of automation in the agri-food industry, will cater for all skillsets, as the effect of automation innovation on product quality can be assessed from business, engineering and scientific perspectives. This innovative conversion programme will build on existing links with agri-food companies developed as part of the various full time and part time undergraduates programmes in the areas of agri-food production and food and agribusiness delivered in DkIT.
Students will develop highly sought-after skills in sustainable food production innovations, quality management and lean manufacturing. The course covers 6 interactive modules in food production and innovation, operations management, data analytics, food safety and quality management and lean manufacturing.
This course is aimed at those who are either working in the food industry and would like to reskill to gain an additional qualification or those who do not have a specific background in food and would like to upskill in this area.
What makes this course different
Thriving Industry
Development of knowledge and skills in an area of demand across both business and services sectors in Food.
Flexible Delivery
All lectures to be online one day per week to facilitate students who are in employment. There will be 3 days of additional face-to-face, lab demonstrations and site visits over the entire year.
Funding Available
Opportunity to obtain a postgraduate qualification within one year with funding support, via the Springboard Human Capital Initiative (HCI).
Career Opportunities
It is anticipated that graduates will progress to career opportunities in the broad Agri-Food industry, in a variety of roles including;
- PhD researcher
- Production Supervision
- Quality Management
- Technical Sales, Analytical
- Food Product Development
- Food Logistics/ Supply Chain roles.
- Research scientists/ engineers
- Food entrepreneurs
Course Delivery and Modules
All lectures to be online one day per week to facilitate students who are in employment. There will be 3 days of additional face-to-face, lab demonstrations and site visits over the entire year.
The online classes will be delivered over one day (possibly a Friday) to facilitate learners already working in the sector.
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Semester 1
- Food Production and Innovation
- Operations Management
- Data Analytics & Ethical Considerations in the Food Sector
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Semester 2
- Food Safety and Quality Management
- Food Analysis and Instrumentation
- Lean Manufacturing
Education Progression
Graduates of the programmes will be well placed to progress academically to a Ph.D. by research and significant postgraduate opportunities are likely to arise for graduates of this programme. Graduates will also have the opportunities to progress into specialised areas in the food industry, which can be part of their individual CPD programme.
MSc in Sustainable Food Technology and Innovation
View Course DetailsFees and Funding
Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Food - Technology and Innovation is funded under by the HEA Human Capital Initiative (Pillar 1) which will fund 90% or 100% of the programme fee for suitable applicants. Find out if you're eligible at https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility
The following are eligible to apply for Springboard courses (subject to the applicant meeting all requirements, e.g. academic requirements):
- Returners: May apply to all courses if they meet the nationality/visa requirement and residency criteria.
- People in employment: May apply to all courses if they meet the nationality/visa requirement and residency criteria.
- The unemployed or formerly self-employed: All courses are open to these categories of applicants
- Recent Graduates: To participate in an NFQ Level 9 (Post-Graduate) course, graduates will be required to pay 10% of the course fee (€510).
For more information of Springboard fees and eligibility criteria, please visit the Springboard+ Website.
For eligible applicants, HCI will fund 90% or 100% of the programme fee. Find out if you're eligible
International Students
International applicants should contact international@dkit.ie for fee information.
Fees
From Free
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have a minimum of a second-class honours degree (Grade 2) in Agriculture, Food Science, Science, Business, Engineering or related disciplines. This course is aimed at those who are either working in the food industry and would like to reskill to gain an additional qualification or for those who do not have a specific background in food and would like to upskill in this area.
International students must have a minimum level of English equivalent to IELTS 6.5. Candidates may be interviewed.
For candidates who do not meet the above entry criteria but have considerable relevant experience in the agri-food sector, the DkIT Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy and procedures will be applied. Learn more about RPL at DkIT
How To Apply
Apply on Springboard Portal
Applications for this course are now being accepted through the Springboard portal.
Ask us a Question
If you have a question about the Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Food Technology and Innovation please ask it below and we will get back to you.
Dr Siobhan Jordan
Head of Department of Agriculture, Food and Animal Health
Email: Siobhan.Jordan@dkit.ieDisclaimer: All module titles are subject to change and for indicative purposes only. All courses are delivered subject to demand and timetables are subject to change. Elective Module options will only run subject to student numbers. The relevant Department will determine the viability of each elective module option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose that option. Students will be offered alternative elective modules on their programme should their preferred elective option not be proceeding. Award Options for Common Entry Programmes: The relevant Department will determine the viability of each award option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose either option. If the numbers for one of the Award options exceed available places, students for this option will be selected based on Academic Merit (highest grades).
