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Graduate Diploma in AgriFood, Innovation & Entrepreneurship

GradDip (NFQ Level 9)
Sustainable Development Goals

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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This 12-month in-person programme, aimed at mid-career professionals, is accredited by UCD at Level 9 on the National Qualifications Framework. Participants who complete the programme will be awarded a Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

The entrepreneurial training programme will use design-thinking methodologies and will have a practical focus. Through the programme participants will learn how to conduct needs-led innovation to develop market validated solutions to unmet needs in the areas of agricultural technology and food sustainability sectors.

The programme’s focus will be on the immersive experience and participants will spend 8-10 weeks immersed in agricultural environments including farms and food processing companies throughout the year long programme.

Register: If you are interested in this programme you need to register your interest here.

Funding: A tax free scholarship of €38,000 to participate in the programme is available as well as programme fees of €9,000 is covered for participants.

About This Course

This graduate diploma is the accredited academic award for completing the FAST-IP programme. FAST-IP is creating a cohort of entrepreneurs who will drive new businesses and commercial opportunities in the agrifood sector in Ireland. The graduates are experts in needs-led innovation, specifically tuned to the requirements of the agrifood industry. The participants will inspire new licensing of university IP, form new high-potential start-ups and be available to work in the Irish agrifood industry to drive innovation and entrepreneurship. 

FAST-IP is supported under the Innovators’ Initiative Programme co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 BSEN40950 Agrifood business development Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 BSEN40960 Agrifood needs-led innovation Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 BSEN40970 Discover: Agrifood Immersion Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 BSEN40920 Agrifood: need to investment Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 BSEN40930 Agrifood solutions Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 BSEN40940 Develop: agrifood innovation Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 BSEN40910 Deliver agrifood business plan Summer  20

UCD is strongly committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), embedding sustainability in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement. Sustainability principles are integrated into this programme, ensuring students graduate equipped to address global challenges. UCD’s leadership in this area is internationally recognised, ranking 49th globally and 1st in Ireland in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2024. UCD also leads impactful research in areas such as climate action, clean energy, and social equity, supported by a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy focused on reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering a sustainable campus culture.

Here are the SDGs which align more visibly with this programme:

SDG2 SDG3 SDG4 SDG5 SDG6 SDG7 SDG8 SDG9 SDG 13 SDG 15

Graduate Diploma in AgriFood, Innovation & Entrepreneurship (T410) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 9180
nonEU    fee per year - € 30420

***Fees are subject to change

A tax free scholarship of €38,000 to participate in the programme is available as well as programme fees of €9,000 is covered for partcipants. 

Are you a mid-career professional with 3-5 years of experience and a passionate curiosity for the following sectors:

  • Agriculture
  • Food
  • IT
  • Sustainability
  • Finance
  • Engineering
  • Science

Do you have an entrepreneurial drive and a desire to start your own business? We're here to guide you on your journey to success!

Do you want to solve some of the agrifood industries biggest challenges? Let's tackle those challenges together and make a real difference!

Do you want to work with some of the agrifood industries leading experts and mentors? Join us and learn from the best as we pave the way to greatness!

Do you have global ambition? Join us to learn how to scale a business internationally!

If this sounds like YOU then FAST-IP could help take your career to the next level. Register Here

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: No


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Graduate Diploma in AgriFood, Innovation & Entrepreneurship:

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