Minimum Entry Requirements

Applicants must hold a Second-Class Honours degree (2.2 or above) in a relevant discipline such as agricultural science, biology, environmental science, food science, biotechnology, ecology, engineering, geography, economics, or a related field. Candidates with equivalent qualifications or significant relevant work experience will also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available?here.?

English Language Entry Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of an IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 5.5 in any band) or equivalent.?

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.

Supporting Documents
Proof of identity, academic transcripts, an academic recommendation, a personal statement (max. 600 words), and a two-page CV.

WHEN TO APPLY: University of Galway does not set a deadline for receipt of applications (with some exceptions). Offers will be issued on a continuous basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Next 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.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

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.

Graduates of the MSc in AgriFood Sustainability and Technology are equipped to pursue a wide range of impactful roles across the global agri-food sector. The programme provides a powerful combination of scientific knowledge, digital and analytical skills, entrepreneurial mindset, and sustainability expertise. This positions graduates as strong candidates for roles in industry, policy, research, and the non-profit sector.

You will be prepared for careers in agritech firms, food production and processing companies, sustainability consultancies, NGOs, international development organisations, and public agencies. Potential job titles include sustainability analyst, innovation officer, project manager, R&D associate, circular economy specialist, and agri-food policy advisor.

As graduates progress, they are well-positioned to grow into leadership roles such as head of innovation, impact assessment lead, or founder of a sustainability-driven enterprise. The programme also provides a strong foundation for PhD studies and academic careers in areas such as crop biotechnology, food systems, precision agriculture, or climate policy.

Employers across sectors are actively seeking professionals with skills in sustainable production, systems thinking, life-cycle assessment, and data-driven decision-making. These capabilities are increasingly in demand as the agri-food sector adapts to climate targets, shifting global markets, and the transition to a circular bioeconomy.

Whether your ambition is to work in global agribusiness, sustainability strategy, public policy, academia or launch your own innovation, this programme prepares you to lead and thrive in an evolving agri-food landscape.