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Course Overview
The agrifood sector is Irelands largest indigenous industry employing over 150,000 people, involving over 600 leading companies, and generating an annual output of over €24 billion. Globally, food and agriculture (agrifood) is an US$8 trillion industry, responsible for feeding the planet and employing 40% of the global workforce. To meet demand for food, feed, fibre and other agri-derived products, our agriculture and food systems need to transition towards more sustainable models. This will require a focus on sustainability combined with technological, institutional, business and social innovations that can produce more agriproducts on the same footprint of land, while also reducing resource demands and the environmental footprint of agriculture. The University of Galway master's degree in AgriFood Sustainability & Technology generates graduates with the interdisciplinary skills to respond to such challenges and opportunities both in Ireland, and in other leading agrifood nations worldwide. The programme is run in collaboration with Irelands Agriculture and Food Authority (Teagasc) and other leading agrifood partners from Ireland and internationally. The programme provides a strong enabling platform for students to develop careers in the agrifood sector in Ireland and globally.
Key Facts of the programme MSc Agrifood Sustainability and Technology.
You may also be interested in one of our other Science of Sustainability postgraduate programmes.
Applications and Selections
Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System.
Who Teaches this Course
- Professor Charles Spillane
- Dr Peter McKeown
- Dr Galina Brychkova
- Dr Brendan Allen
and other members of the multidisciplinary Plant & AgriBiosciences Research Centre (PABC) of the Ryan Institute at University of Galway.
ADB2007
Aras de Brun
Plant and Agribiosciences
NUI Galway
View Profile
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
NQAI Level 8 honours degree or equivalent to a minimum standard of Second Class Honours, Grade 1 or equivalent in an appropriate discipline is required. Work experience may also be taken into account.
Other requirements: proof of identity, English language qualification if applicable, academic transcripts, an academic recommendation, Personal Statement (max. 600 words), two-page CV.
Duration
1 year, full-time
Next start date
September 2023
Average intake
30
Closing Date
Please view the offer rounds website.
ECTS weighting
90
Course code
MSC-AST
Course Outline
The MSc (AgriFood Sustainability & Technology) is a highly innovative one-year taught postgraduate programme, which begins in September each year. Semester 1 is comprised of the following taught modules: (a) PAB5117: Understanding Irelands Agriculture & AgriFood Sector; (b) PAB5115: AgriFood Sustainability & Agri-Resilience Challenges; (c) PAB5116: Understanding AgriBusiness & AgriFood Market Trends; (d) PAB5114: AgriFood Career, Communication & Impact Pathway Skills; (e) PAB5122: Food Systems, Diets, Nutrition & Technology; (f) PAB5125: One Health; and (g) PAB5123: Designing and Writing a Sustainability Research Fellowship Proposal. In Semester I students will also take the (h) PAB5121 module: Writing a Review Article on a Sustainable Development Topic, which will span into Semester 2. In Semester 2, students will take the following modules: (i) PAB5126: AgriEngineering, Agritech & AgriInformatics, (j) PAB5127: Geospatial Analysis and Remote Sensing; (k) PAB5128: Data Analysis for Sustainability Research.
To complete 60 ECTs of taught modules, students can select one of the two optional modules: (l) PAB5129: Writing and Publishing a Peer-Reviewed Sustainability Research Article (Semester 2) or (m) BI5108: Green Lab Principles and Practice (Semester 1 &2). During Semester 2 and until the end of the program each student will conduct a minor research project on “Agrifood Sustainability & Technology†(PAB5124 module) which will be co-supervised by expert members of the MSc (AgriFood Sustainability & Technology) programme committee along with experts from partner research groups in the University of Galway Plant & AgriBiosciences Research Centre (PABC), Ryan Institute, or from external partner organisations and companies in Ireland (e.g., Teagasc) and globally. Students will be assessed by a combination of written exams and continuous assessment.
Curriculum Information
Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Glossary of Terms
- Credits
- You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
- Module
- An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
- Optional
- A module you may choose to study.
- Required
- A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
- Semester
- Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.
Year 1 (90 Credits)
Required PAB5121: Writing a Review Article on a Sustainable Development Topic
PAB5121: Writing a Review Article on a Sustainable Development Topic
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5
This module is designed for students to investigate, draft and engage in the procees to submit a review paper to a peer-reviewed journal, with a particular emphasis on sustainability and sustainable development. The student will gain understanding of what is a review article, including what is the function and audience of a review article. The module will provide training in the different types of methodological approaches to narrative, best evidence and systematic reviews, and classification typologies of reviews by objective or mandate. The student will gain an understanding of the key elements and structure of a review article, including through extensive review and critical analysis of existing high quality review articles in the literature.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of what a review article is, including what is the function and audience of a review article.
- Implement a process to identify gaps in the published review literature that can usefully be filled by an additional review paper on the topic, and justify why the review article should be considered for publication.
- Recognize the importance of review methods and understand the use of rigorous methods to conduct a review of existing literature.
- Deploy methodological approaches to narrative, best evidence and systematic reviews, and have an understanding of classification typologies of reviews by objective or mandate.
- Demonstrate understanding of the stepwise approach to investigating and drafting a review and sources of bias and confounding in researching and drafting a review article.
- Develop critical thinking and information skills including through review of the primary literature, existing review articles and developing a literature search strategy combined with quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods for the review.
- Appreciate the importance of research from high-quality peer-reviewed journals, including the use of bibliometrics to identify important primary or review papers in the literature that are advancing the state of the art.
- Engage with supervisors in a team effort to investigate and draft a review article that is of sufficient quality and scholarship to be considered for submission to a target journal.
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- CHARLES SPILLANE: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- PETER MC KEOWN: Research Profile
- CHARLES SPILLANE: Research Profile
- GALINA BRYCHKOVA: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required PAB5117: Understanding Irelands Agriculture & AgriFood Sector
PAB5117: Understanding Irelands Agriculture & AgriFood Sector
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
The module is designed to allow postgraduate students working on agrifood & sustainability related topics to contextualise their research within the broader context of agriculture and the agrifood sector in Ireland and globally. Students will be enabled to understand the origins of the Irish agriculture and agrifood sectors, current status, challenges and opportunities of national and international relevance. The module provides an introductory overview of the contribution of farming and the agri-food industry to the Irish economy. Lectures provide an insight to key policy developments which have shaped the current structure of the Irish agriculture and agri-food sector and overview of the current challenges regarding land use change, technology innovations, adoption, environmental and economic sustainability. The module will introduce students to the challenges in Irish livestock and Irish crop sectors, how research in related areas contributes to its continued sustainable development and introduce role of agricultural extension and technology adoption for agrifood sector. The module will be taught in conjunction with experts from Teagasc and other partner organisations of University of Galway, and will include lectures/seminars from leading international experts.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Summarise the main factors which have affected the development of agriculture in Ireland
- Explain the linkages between agri-related research across different research areas;
- Identify priority and opportunity areas in which research can assist the development of Irish agriculture and agrifood systems;
- Write a report placing their own research topic in the broader context of Irish agriculture and agrifood systems;
- Demonstrate an improved ability to make oral and written communications of their research topic in context of Irish agriculture and agrifood systems;
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- CHARLES SPILLANE: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- PETER MC KEOWN: Research Profile
- CHARLES SPILLANE: Research Profile
- GALINA BRYCHKOVA: Research Profile
- SARA FARRONA: Research Profile
- David Styles: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required PAB5115: AgriFood Sustainability & Agri-Resilience Challenges
PAB5115: AgriFood Sustainability & Agri-Resilience Challenges
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
The module will provide students with an understanding of the major sustainability and resilience challenges facing agriculture and agrifood systems in Ireland and internationally, resilience and agrifood transformation. The module will provide students with a cutting-edge understanding of major planetary boundaries relating to agriculture, and their inter-relationships with agriculture, diets, public health, food systems, markets and value chains. In the context of the development of future agricultural and agrifood systems in Ireland, students will gain an understanding of different scenarios and trajectories for agriculture and agrifood systems. Students will be required to identify emerging areas for disciplinary and inter-disciplinary research that can improve prospects for addressing sustainability and resilience challenges facing agriculture and agrifood systems in Ireland and internationally. The module will cover soil, biodiversity, water sustainability, GHG emission in Irish agriculture, forestry and Irish agrifood sector sustainability. The module will be taught in conjunction with experts from Teagasc and other partner organisations of University of Galway, and will include lectures/seminars from leading international experts. This course is examined by the production of (i) an interactive learning journal, hosted via Blackboard, in which students will reflect upon webinars per four sustainability topics; (ii) participation in a Class conference format workshop, in which each student will make conference abstract (with graphical abstract) on a case-study of an agrifood sustainability strategy and will present this case-study followed by group discussion.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the major sustainability and resilience challenges facing the agriculture and agrifood sector globally
- Describe the major sustainability and resilience challenges facing the agriculture and agrifood sector in Ireland
- Identify research priorities and opportunities for improving sustainability and resilience of agriculture and agrifood systems
- Have an improved understanding how different research skills and inter-disciplinary approaches can develop and deliver agri-sustainability innovations
- Suggest strategies for improving the sustainability and resilience potential of agricultural and agri-food activities related to their own research area/topic
- Communicate research topic relevant to agriculture and agrifood sustainability as a conference abstract (including graphical abstract) & presentation.
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- CHARLES SPILLANE: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- PETER MC KEOWN: Research Profile
- CHARLES SPILLANE: Research Profile
- GALINA BRYCHKOVA: Research Profile
- SARA FARRONA: Research Profile
- David Styles: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required PAB5116: Understanding AgriBusiness & AgriFood Market Trends
PAB5116: Understanding AgriBusiness & AgriFood Market Trends
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
This module will provide students with an improved understanding of Economics of Irish Agriculture & Agriculture and Food Sector, as well as the agribusiness structures and dynamics in Ireland and internationally. The student will gain insights into agri-economics, agri-business, and agri-market trends. Particular focus will be placed on understanding value chains and the role of research and innovations in driving change, economic and commercial benefits for value-chain stakeholders. The module will also provide insights into social, demographic, behavioral and gender dimensions of agriculture and agrifood sector, particular in relation to the agrifood sector generating both social and economic impacts in Ireland and internationally. The module will be taught by University of Galway staff in conjunction with experts from partner organisations, and will include lectures/seminars from leading international experts. During the course, students will maintain a reflective journal in which they record their experiences and are encouraged to reflect on dynamics of national and international agrifood markets and trends; how new export markets could affect the agricultural and food products or services in Ireland and internationally; the impact of different disciplines on new agrifood services and products; an overview of this process will be included in the first taught session. The final assessment of the course is via a ‘business elevator pitch in which the student present a group project on a proposed agrifood innovation (e.g. a new product or service) to make cities more resilient to climate change impacts.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Summarise the dynamics of national and international agrifood markets and trends
- Understand the basic components for developing an agri-business plan
- Identify new export markets for agricultural and food products or services
- Develop and present a business plan for exploitation of an international market
- Appreciate the contribution of different disciplines and research approaches for developing and implementing a business plan for an agrifood product or service
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Continuous Assessment (50%)
- Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (50%)
Module Director
- CHARLES SPILLANE: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- PETER MC KEOWN: Research Profile
- CHARLES SPILLANE: Research Profile
- GALINA BRYCHKOVA: Research Profile
- SARA FARRONA: Research Profile
- David Styles: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required PAB5114: AgriFood Career, Communication & Impact Pathway Skills
PAB5114: AgriFood Career, Communication & Impact Pathway Skills
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5
Research communication can aim to generate support for scientific research or study, to inform decision making, political and policy thinking. This module will develop an understanding of the interactions between research and society, ensuring an understanding of the social significance of research in society. This module with introduce the concept of Theory of Change and Impact pathway. Module will cover role of Theory of Change and Impact Pathway in research communication, and implementation of critical thinking regarding research and communication activities. The module will introduce concepts of system thinking and design thinking approaches, as well as community-based social marketing as a behaviour change approach. Students will be trained in career development skills including CV development. Students also will be provided with the skills in identifying how they can themselves can gain critical research skill gap analysis in light of the emerging employment opportunities and trends across the private, public and NGO sectors. Students will be trained in effective networking and science communication strategies via different communication channels, including internet and social media, to improve career prospects.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- LO1. Explain and discuss the concept of Theory of Change and Impact pathways.
- LO2. Discuss a research topic for various audiences through news print, broadcast and social media.
- LO3. Analyse the implementation and identify the efficacy of different research communication approaches based on ToC and Impact.
- LO4. Apply ToC and IP approached to communicate the importance of research in the area of agri-food sustainability.
- LO5. Demonstrate learning and understanding of systems thinking approach and community based social marketing as behaviour change approach.
- LO6. Develop CV, and a 5 year career plan with milestones based on skill-gap analysis.
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Written Assessment (30%)
- Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (70%)
Module Director
- CHARLES SPILLANE: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- PETER MC KEOWN: Research Profile
- CHARLES SPILLANE: Research Profile
- GALINA BRYCHKOVA: Research Profile
- SARA FARRONA: Research Profile
- David Styles: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required PAB5122: Food Systems, Diets, Nutrition & Technology
PAB5122: Food Systems, Diets, Nutrition & Technology
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
This module provides a comprehensive overview of current state of the art relating to food systems, diets, nutrition and food technologies. The module provides examples of multiple challenges, innovations and examples relating to global, national and community levels, including case studies of relevance to developed and developing countries. There is a multidisciplinary focus on emerging and disruptive food technologies and innovations. The module will also provide an overview of sustainable development goals (SDGs), targets and policies relating to food systems, diets and nutrition
(Language of instruction: English)