Adult Continuing Education (ACE) at UCC has established an exciting new partnership with Tirlán and Bailey's Irish Cream Liqueur who are collaborating to support farm families' positive environmental action with the launch of Ireland's Sustainable Farming Academy. Through this Academy, ACE at UCC will deliver the Certificate in Continuing Professional Development in Sustainable Agricultural Practice to 20 participants on an annual basis. 

About the Certificate

The Certificate in Continuing Professional Development in Sustainable Agricultural Practice comprises 10 credits and is a part-time level 7 award on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications

AD1089 Introduction to Sustainable Agricultural Practice (10 credits) explores the principles of sustainable agriculture, looking at dairy farming methods and systems and how they can impact positively and negatively on the environment. There is a strong focus on understanding climate change, climate related policy and environmental sustainability. Dominant themes in the module include Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Water Quality, Soil Science, Biodiversity and Conservation as well as grassland management, renewable energy and other related topics. Content aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals and all three pillars of Sustainability: Environmental, Economic and Socio/Cultural.

• Completed over 12 weeks from September to mid-January, commencing September 2025.
• Students who successfully complete the programme will be awarded and presented with a Certificate in Continuing Professional Development in Sustainable Agricultural Practice.
• Information sessions will be held in May with Programme Director, Belinda Gascoigne. Dates and links for these online sessions will be available shortly.

What assignments are required to be completed?

There are no formal examinations, all work is continuously assessed through a multi-entry portfolio based on the practical application of sustainable agricultural practices on a farm.

Course Delivery

Delivery: Lectures will be delivered using a blended online approach with pre-recorded material released on a weekly basis prior to a live interactive discussion class with the subject lecturer on one evening per week 7-8pm. Lectures can be viewed at any time, from anywhere, and as often as desired. Detailed lecture notes will accompany each lecture as well as recommended reading. There will also be 2/3 in person sessions at UCC and a farm visit

ACE at UCC staff have extensive experience in supporting adult learners in the online learning environment. Dedicated supports and training will be provided to introduce students to the key IT platforms used including Microsoft Teams and Canvas.

Who is eligible to take part in this Certificate?

Applications for this fully funded CPD Certificate can be made by Tirlán Co-op members. Other costs such as travel to and from lectures are not reimbursable. Candidates must be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application.

Application Process

• Applicants will initially complete an expression of interest form along with a personal statement. Maximum student intake each year is 20 students. In the event that the course is oversubscribed, places will be awarded on the basis of applicants’ personal statement which will be scored by the programme team.
• Successful applicants will be notified by 31 July 2025 and they will then transfer directly onto the UCC programme application system.
• Should you have any queries, please contact Programme Director Belinda Gascoigne at belinda.gascoigne@ucc.ie

Guidelines for Personal Statement

The personal statement should comprise a minimum of 500 words and maximum of 800 words. Applicants should endeavour to address the following questions in their personal statement:

• Why do you want to undertake this Diploma?
• Give examples of where you already use sustainable practices on your farm (e.g. nutrient management plans and grassland, energy and water management)
• How will participating in this course benefit you and your family farm?
• What achievement are you most proud of to date?
• Is there anything that concerns you about undertaking this programme?
• Please outline the level of commitment you can feasibly dedicate to this programme should you be awarded a place.

Should you have any queries, please contact Programme Director Belinda Gascoigne at belinda.gascoigne@ucc.ie.