Course Description
The Postgraduate Diploma in Innovative and Sustainable Agriculture aims to meet the growing demand for knowledge, leadership and understanding in the protection of land and natural resources along with the urgency for a more sustainable approach to agriculture. The programme will provide learners with the skills to recognise intrinsic issues which require both environmental and agricultural understanding to ensure a framework of sustainability for the agri-food industry for future generations. This programme facilitates learners to focus on advanced education and training in creating, implementing, and overseeing solutions to minimise the environmental impact of agriculture production and utilising pathways to mitigate the biodiversity challenges. This postgraduate diploma has been designed to meet the high demand for scientists at level 9, with the knowledge and technical leadership requirements to develop solutions together with local and global networks.
Key features include the identification of areas where environmental stresses are evident from water and air quality to biodiversity and the intradisciplinary skills required to implement solutions. The programme examines the move towards more sustainable farming practices by improving the environmental and climate-related performance resilience of the farming sector, demonstrating that well-functioning agricultural knowledge and innovation systems can deliver knowledge flow and new insights. The One Health approach - that the health of humans is linked to that of animals and the environment they occupy is examined as are emerging techniques in the area of agricultural innovation and the utilisation of Big Data.
Modules
- Sustainable Soil Management
- One Health
- Climate Change and Mitigation
- Knowledge Innovation and Industry
- Biodiversity
- Sustainable Air and Water Quality
Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold an honours NFQ level 8 qualification (minimum level 2nd class honours) in Agriculture/Wildlife/Environmental Science or a related discipline. The University’s policy in relation to recognition of prior learning (RPL) also applies.
Duration
This programme will be delivered in a blended format part-time from January 2024 to December 2024.
Cost
Fees do not apply to applicants who meet the Springboard+ initiative funding criteria. For employed applicants the HEA will pay 90% of the programme fee, the remaining 10% - €540 will be payable before registration. For applicants who do not meet the Springboard+ eligibility criteria the fee is €5,400.
Progression Opportunities
On successful completion of the programme students will have gained 60 credits at NFQ level 9 which may contribute to the achievement of other academic awards e.g. pathway for Master of Science qualification.
Lifelong Learning Department
Email:
email
Phone: 066 7191701