Entry Requirements
• Applicants must hold the equivalent of a minimum Lower Second Class Honours Degree (NFQ Level 8), or international equivalent, in a range of academic qualifications including Agricultural Science, Life Science and Business Degree programmes from a recognised higher education institution.
• Applications are welcome from people with work experience in government and non-governmental organisations that provide rural extension services in agriculture, environmental and community development.
• Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
• These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes

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 (https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax) for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

The following entry routes are available:

MAgrSc Agricultural Extension and Innovation FT (D049)
Duration 1 Years Attend Full Time Deadline Rolling*

MAgrSc Agricultural Extension and Innovation PT (D050)
Duration 2 Years Attend Part Time Deadline Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

D049: MSc Agricultural Extension and Innovation
Master of Agricultural Science
Full-Time: Commencing September 2025

D050: UCD & Macra Agricultural Skillnet - MSc Agricultural Extension and Innovation
Master of Agricultural Science
Part-Time: Commencing September 2025

Graduate Taught

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.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

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.

Across the globe there is increasing awareness of the critical contribution of knowledge transfer processes to sustainable and competitive agricultural development and graduates with competencies in agricultural extension are highly sought after.

Career opportunities for graduates of this programme are excellent and include advisory services, agricultural sales, agricultural media, agri-tech companies, consultancy and education delivery in the public, private or non-governmental sector.

Graduate Roles
Agricultural Advisory
Agricultural Consultancy
Training
Education Delivery
Communications / Media
Sales / Account Management
Knowledge Transfer