-
Courses
Courses
Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
-
University Life
University Life
Each year more than 4,000 choose University of Galway as their University of choice. Find out what life at University of Galway is all about here.
-
About University of Galway
About University of Galway
Since 1845, University of Galway has been sharing the highest quality teaching and research with Ireland and the world. Find out what makes our University so special – from our distinguished history to the latest news and campus developments.
-
Colleges & Schools
Colleges & Schools
University of Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top quality teaching across a range of key areas of expertise.
-
Research & Innovation
Research & Innovation
University of Galway’s vibrant research community take on some of the most pressing challenges of our times.
-
Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at University of Galway
We explore and facilitate commercial opportunities for the research community at University of Galway, as well as facilitating industry partnership.
-
Alumni & Friends
Alumni & Friends
There are 128,000 University of Galway alumni worldwide. Stay connected to your alumni community! Join our social networks and update your details online.
-
Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At University of Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (MSc)
Course Overview
This course won the Best New Postgraduate Award (HEA Awards, Ireland) for 2017. More information here. It was also shortlisted for Best Science Award for 2018–19.
The world’s climate is rapidly changing due to global warming, and will continue to do so for the decades and centuries ahead. This poses major challenges for future agriculture and food systems to provide food and other bioresources for the 9.7 billion people that will occupy the planet by 2050.
This programme is aimed at students who want to combine scientific, engineering, technical, social or policy skills so that they are better equipped to understand and make significant contributions regarding the adaptation and mitigation of climate change impacts on global agriculture and food security.
The MSc in Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (MScCCAFS) provides students with the skills and tools for developing sustainable agricultural practices, policies and measures to address the challenge that global warming poses for agriculture and food security worldwide.
Students complete a research project worth one-third of the final grade. This research may be completed at the student’s place of work, within the international CGIAR Research Programme on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security or in collaboration with other institutional partners.
Scholarships available
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.
Applications and Selections
Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System.
Selection is based on the candidate's academic record at an undergraduate level and their aptitude for the course.
Who Teaches this Course
- Professor Charles Spillane, Programme Director of MSc (AgriFood Sustainability & Technology). E: charles.spillane@universityofgalway.ie
- Dr Galina Brychkova, Programme Coordinator of MSc (AgriFood Sustainability & Technology). E: galina.brychkova@universityofgalway.ie
- Prof. David Styles, Lecturer in Life Cycle Assessment
- Dr Anne Mullen, Lecturer in Climate Change, Agriculture & Food Security
- Dr Peter McKeown, Lecturer in Climate Change, Agriculture & Food Security
- And other members of the multidisciplinary Plant & AgriBiosciences Research Centre (PABC) of the Ryan Institute at University of Galway.
Requirements and Assessment
A range of assessment methods are integrated and applied throughout the programme. These include essays, projects, reports, presentations and case studies. A research project dissertation must also be submitted.
Semester 1 exams take place in December.
Semester 2 exams take place in March/April.
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
NQAI Level 8 honours degree or equivalent to a minimum standard of Second Class Honours, Grade 1 or equivalent in an appropriate discipline is normally required.
Please see Your Country (https://www.universityofgalway.ie/international-students/studyinireland/country.html) for country specific entry requirements. Work experience may also be considered..
Other requirements: proof of identity, academic transcripts, an academic recommendation, Personal Statement (max. 600 words), two-page CV.
All applicants, whose first language is not English, or who have not been educated through the medium of the English language during their two most recent years of study, must present an English language qualification taken within two years of the start of the course. Suggested English language qualifications include IELTS, Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), Cambridge C2 Advanced (CPE), TOEFL iBT/TOEFL iBT Home Edition, Pearson PTE and Duolingo.
For more detailed information on the test scores required please refer to this page - https://www.universityofgalway.ie/international-students/studyinireland/entryrequirements/
Additional Requirements
Duration
1 year, full-time
Next start date
September 2023
A Level Grades ()
Average intake
30
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
Please refer to the review/closing date website.
NFQ level
9
Mode of study
ECTS weighting
90
Award
CAO
Course code
MSC-MCA
Course Outline
The MSc in Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) is located within the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, and aligned with the Plant & AgriBiosciences Research Centre (PABC) of the Ryan Institute at University of Galway.
The programme is run in partnership with the global CGIAR Research Programme on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security, with whom University of Galway is one of thirteen Strategic Research Partners. The global CGIAR CCAFS Program involves over 700 institutional partners worldwide.
The MScCCAFS modules are taught by world-leading scientists and researchers in their areas of expertise. Students will encounter a wide variety of teaching methods. Modules will include web-based learning, lectures, exercises, seminars, excursions and group/project work.
You may also be interested in one of our other Science of Sustainability postgraduate programmes.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
As the climate change challenge for sustainable development and business on the planet intensifies, there will be a need in all organisations for personnel skilled in both climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies/approaches for the development of greener economies, agrifood systems and low-environmental footprint supply chains.
Graduates of the MScCCAFS are extremely well positioned for positions in research, policy, enterprise, business, administration and other activities across a wide range of public and private sector institutions internationally.
Career mentoring, advice, strategy and facilitation is provided to all students on the MScCCAFS to ensure that they rapidly enter employment in relevant institutions and activities, where they can build from their interests, experience and training.
The MScCCAFS program at University of Galway has a theory of change where the impact of the program on climate change, agriculture and food security globally is realised through our graduates.
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning Outcomes
Transferable Skills Employers Value
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
€8,040 p.a. 2023/24
Fees: Tuition
€7,900 p.a. 2023/24
Fees: Student levy
€140 p.a. 2023/24
Fees: Non EU
€25,090 p.a. 2023/24
Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2023/24). You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee. An F5 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.
Postgraduate fee breakdown = Tuition (EU or NON EU) + Student levy as outlined above.
Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here.
Find out More
Professor Charles Spillane
Director of MScCCAFS Program
E: charles.spillane@universityofgalway.ie
Dr Peter McKeown
Co-ordinator of MScCCAFS Program
E: peter.mckeown@universityofgalway.ie
