UCC – Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems

Start date: 05 October 2026

Duration: 1 Year

Location: Blended

Certificate: Postgraduate

Programme overview

*PLEASE NOTE: The exact date in October will be published shortly, despite the listing here showing 5th October.

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.

Programme Aims
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.

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).

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.