Course Summary
This course is aimed at those who are either working in the food industry and would like to reskill to gain an additional qualification or those who do not have a specific background in food and would like to upskill in this area.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have a minimum of a second-class honours degree (Grade 2) in Agriculture, Food Science, Science, Business, Engineering or related disciplines. This course is aimed at those who are either working in the food industry and would like to reskill to gain an additional qualification or for those who do not have a specific background in food and would like to upskill in this area.
International students must have a minimum level of English equivalent to IELTS 6.5. Candidates may be interviewed.
For candidates who do not meet the above entry criteria but have considerable relevant experience in the agri-food sector, the DkIT Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy and procedures will be applied.
Application Details
How To Apply
Apply Directly to DkIT
Apply directly to DkIT using our online applications system (see "Application Weblink" above). Please remember to upload the required documentation (copies of your existing qualification(s), your CV, any other support documents etc) with your online application to expedite your application. To avoid disappointment early registration is recommended.
International Application (non-EU)
International Applicants (not from or living in the EU) can apply through an agent or directly to DkIT to study this course.
https://www.dkit.ie/study/international/how-to-apply
Start date 6 February 2026
Fees
EU Fees:
Full-time (EU): €7,650
Non-EU Fees:
Full-time: €12,000
International applicants should contact [email protected] for fee information.
The Student
Career Interests
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.
Career Progression
It is anticipated that graduates will progress to career opportunities in the broad Agri-Food industry, in a variety of roles including;
PhD researcher
Production Supervision
Quality Management
Technical Sales, Analytical
Food Product Development
Food Logistics/ Supply Chain roles.
Research scientists/ engineers
Food entrepreneurs
Education Progression
Graduates of the programmes will be well placed to progress academically to a Ph.D. by research and significant postgraduate opportunities are likely to arise for graduates of this programme. Graduates will also have the opportunities to progress into specialised areas in the food industry, which can be part of their individual CPD programme.
Duration
The course will be delivered by Hybrid-Flexible (HyFlex) mode.
This course design enables a flexible participation policy for students, whereby students may choose to attend face-to-face synchronous class sessions in-person (typically in a traditional classroom) or complete course learning activities online without physically attending class. The HyFlex course allows the online delivery mode, allowing both synchronous and asynchronous participation.
All lectures to be streamed live from the classroom in DkIT one day per week, to facilitate students who are in employment. There will be 3 days of additional face-to-face, lab demonstrations and site visits over the entire year. MSc projects will also be timetabled time during the week for supervisor meetings and practical work.