Applications are invited from residents of Ireland employed in the Food and Drink sector, working in technical areas such as quality, food safety, regulatory affairs or R&D, who need to be able to interpret regulations and understand their implications to their business. Participants may have a variety of backgrounds, including food science, food engineering, home economics, microbiology, however, many have not had any formal training in food regulations.

Applicants who should apply for the part-time online Level 9 Masters of Science in Sustainable Food Systems the are those who work in the food and drink industry with full or increased levels of responsibility in sustainability within their businesses. Working in a variety of functions with various 3rd level qualifications, but without a qualification in sustainability.

Graduates of the Level 9 Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems have the option to progress to the Postgraduate Diploma/Masters of Science in Sustainable Food Systems.

This course is open to those with a Level 8 Degree or Level 8 or Level 9 in other areas with sufficient work experience as assessed by Atlantic Technological University. Applicants who do not meet this entry criterion may be considered through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Applicants with other qualifications and with relevant work experience may also be considered through ATU Sligo's Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) process. RPL is a process that may allow you to gain admission to a programme or to receive exemptions / credit from some parts of a programme based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study or through your work and career. Further information is available through www.atu.ie/recognition-of-prior-learning which our dedicated RPL portal.

Flexible learning courses are popular, and they fill on a first come, first served basis. There are two major intake periods throughout the academic year, September and January.

For January start courses, applications typically open in October, and for September start courses, applications typically open in February. Closing dates for applications are listed on the individual course webpage.

Start Date: September 2026.

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.