Who is this course for?  

The MSc in AgriFood Sustainability and Technology (MScAST) programme is designed for individuals passionate about shaping the future of sustainable food systems. Whether you are a recent graduate seeking advanced interdisciplinary training or a professional aiming to pivot into the agrifood, sustainability, or technology sectors, this programme provides the tools to make a real-world impact. 

This is an interdisciplinary course that welcomes applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, including agricultural science, environmental science, food technology, biotechnology, economics, engineering, and business. It is well suited to those with strong analytical or creative problem-solving skills, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a drive to address global sustainability challenges through innovation and collaboration. 

Whether your goal is to work in agritech, food production, public policy, research, NGOs, or to launch your own sustainability-focused venture, the MScAST equips you with the knowledge, networks, and practical experience to lead change across the agri-food system. 

What will I study?  

The MSc in AgriFood Sustainability and Technology offers an integrated approach to understanding and addressing the challenges of today’s agrifood systems. The curriculum is designed to equip you with a strong foundation in the scientific, technological, innovation and policy dimensions of sustainable agriculture and food production, with a global and future-oriented perspective. 

You will study key topics such as climate-smart agriculture, circular bioeconomy, life-cycle assessment, sustainable intensification, and agri-food value chain sustainability. The course addresses both environmental and socio-economic challenges in the agrifood system, preparing you to assess trade-offs, design innovative solutions, and implement strategies that promote resilience and equity. You will gain hands-on experience with essential tools, including geographic information systems (GIS), sustainability metrics, data analysis, basic programming, and innovation. The programme places strong emphasis on precision agriculture, digitalisation, and the use of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation and biotechnology in transforming food systems. You will also complete a dedicated OneHealth module exploring the interface between agriculture, environment, and human health.  

Students benefit from cross-programme collaboration within the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, enriching their experience and expanding their professional network across complementary sustainability disciplines. Additionally, students will have opportunities to collaborate on sustainability projects with research institutions, agri-tech startups, non-profit organisations, and industry partners. Throughout the programme, you will build advanced technical, analytical, and strategic skills to become a driver of innovation and impact across the agri-food sector. 

Real-world project engagement: Collaborate with research labs, startups, NGOs, and industry leaders on applied sustainability initiatives. 

Tech-powered sustainability training: Build in-demand skills with GIS, data analysis, biotechnology, and digital agriculture tools. 

Entrepreneurship and innovation focus: Design business models and explore commercialisation routes for agri-food technologies. 

Study in a global agri-food innovation hub: Access Ireland and the EU’s leading research, policy, and enterprise ecosystem for sustainable food systems. 

Tailored, interdisciplinary learning: Shape your own pathway through thematic electives and collaborate across postgraduate programmes. 

Career-ready for global impact: Graduate prepared to lead innovation in agritech, climate strategy, sustainable development, or food policy. 

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. 

Programme Director 

Luis Felipe Quiroz 

Programme Committee 

• Anne Mullen
• Sinead Waters
• Charles Spillane
• Peter McKeown
• David Styles 

Other lecturers 

• Ronan Sulpice
• Galina Brychkova
• Kevin Kilcline
• John Dalton
• Sara Farrona
• Alex de Menezes
• Sheila Donnelly
• Gesche Kindermann
• Caitriona Carlin
• Waqar Shahid Qureshi 

Education Awards 2023 

MSc in AgriFood Sustainability and Technology was shortlisted for Best Masters Programme in 2023.

Scholarships for International MScAST Students 

The School of Biological and Chemical Sciences offers two scholarships for international students accepted into the MSc in AgriFood Sustainability and Technology: 

• Merit Scholarship: A €5,000 tuition reduction awarded to all international students who receive an offer for the programme.
• Excellence Scholarship: A €10,000 tuition reduction awarded to international students who hold a First Class Honours (1.1) undergraduate degree. 

No separate application is required. These scholarships help support talented international students in joining a globally focused and impact-driven master’s programme at the University of Galway. 

The MSc in AgriFood Sustainability and Technology (MScAST) is grounded in the University of Galway’s internationally recognised research in sustainable agriculture, food systems, and biotechnology. The University of Galway is ranked number one in Ireland for sustainable development in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, a position held for four consecutive years. We are placed 3rd in the European Union, highlighting our leadership in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Globally, the University ranks 64th out of more than 2,500 institutions. 

Students benefit from direct engagement with active research groups in areas such as climate-resilient crop production, precision agriculture, renewable energy in food systems, sustainable aquaculture, and advanced agri-biotechnologies. Our teaching team includes leading researchers affiliated with the Ryan Institute and the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, whose work informs national and international policy and industry innovation. The programme is also supported by Teagasc, Ireland’s Agriculture and Food Development Authority, through guest lectures, research collaborations, and access to expertise across crop, livestock, and food innovation research. 

Students also have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, pilot facilities, and field research sites, and can contribute to real-world projects through dissertations, case studies, and industry collaborations. This research-driven environment ensures graduates leave with the critical thinking skills, technical expertise, and innovation mindset to address complex sustainability challenges across global agrifood systems. 

Course queries: 
Luis.quiroz@universityofgalway.ie   

Programme Director(s):  

Dr Luis Felipe Quiroz, 
Lecturer in Agricultural Sciences and Technology,  
School of Biological and Chemical Sciences 
College of Sciences and Engineering 
E: Luis.quiroz@universityofgalway.ie 

Q: What is the minimum academic requirement to apply? 
A: A 2.2 Honours degree in a relevant field (e.g. agricultural science, biology, food science, environmental science, biotechnology, engineering) is required. Applicants with other academic backgrounds and relevant experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Q: Can I apply with a different academic background?
A: Yes, applications from candidates with strong motivation and experience in Agriculture, sustainability or tech-related fields are welcome, even if their degree is in a different area. 

Q: What supporting documents are required?
A: You should submit academic transcripts, a CV, a personal statement, at least one reference (academic or professional), and proof of English language proficiency (if applicable). 

Q: Is there an application fee?
A: Yes, the University of Galway does not offer application fee waivers for this programme. 

Q: Are scholarships available?
A: Yes. The School of Biological and Chemical Sciences offers two automatic scholarships for international students: 

• €5,000 Merit Scholarship for all offer holders
• €10,000 Excellence Scholarship for applicants with a First Class Honours (1.1) degree 

Q: Can I apply without an English language test score?
A: Yes, but if your previous degree was not taught in English, you will need to submit an IELTS (or equivalent) score before enrolment. A letter from your institution confirming English as the medium of instruction may exempt you from the test requirement. 

Q: Is this a research-based or taught programme?
A: It is a taught MSc programme that includes a final applied research or innovation project carried out in collaboration with academic, industry, or NGO partners.

Graduates of the MSc in AgriFood Sustainability and Technology develop a broad and versatile set of skills that are highly valued across industry, academia, consultancy, and public sector roles: 

• Data analysis: Use statistical tools and basic programming to analyse sustainability challenges and generate evidence-based insights.
• Critical thinking and systems analysis: Assess complex agrifood systems using multidimensional approaches to support innovation and resilience.
• Scientific and technical communication: Present technical information clearly to academic, policy, and industry audiences in reports, presentations, and pitches.
• Independent research and problem-solving: Design and implement an agrifood focused project from concept to outcome, working with real data, stakeholders, and sectoral partners.
• Entrepreneurial and innovation skills: Identify opportunities for sustainable technology development and apply business model tools to drive impact.
• Collaboration and leadership: Work effectively in diverse teams and contribute to cross-sector and inter-programme collaboration. 

These transferable skills empower graduates to succeed in dynamic and evolving roles beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.

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. 

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance.

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th of September 2025. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships

University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.  

Scholarships for International MScAST Students 

The School of Biological and Chemical Sciences offers two scholarships for international students accepted into the MSc in AgriFood Sustainability and Technology: 

• Merit Scholarship: A €5,000 tuition reduction awarded to all international students who receive an offer for the programme.
• Excellence Scholarship: A €10,000 tuition reduction awarded to international students who hold a First Class Honours (1.1) undergraduate degree. 

No separate application is required. These scholarships help support talented international students in joining a globally focused and impact-driven master’s programme at the University of Galway. 

College of Science and Engineering LATAM Scholarship 

Accepted students from Latin America are eligible for a 50% tuition fee reduction under the College of Science and Engineering scholarship scheme. This initiative is part of the University of Galway's commitment to global engagement and strengthening academic partnerships across the LATAM region. 

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.  

https://www.universityofgalway.ie/ryaninstitute/  

https://www.timeshighereducation.com/impactrankings  

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