Course Summary
Successful MSc graduates will have a deep knowledge, understanding and experience of the use and potential of biotechnology in agriculture, including animal genetics, nutrition and health, crop and feed production, sustainable food and energy production, genetic engineering and bioremediation.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Entrants should have a minimum of a 2nd class honours degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Biotechnology, Food Science or a related area.
Applicants who do not meet these requirements but have relevant work experience may be assessed for entry in line with the DkIT RPL Policy and Procedures.
International students must have a minimum level of English equivalent to IELTS 6.5. Candidates may be interviewed.
Application Details
Apply Directly to DkIT
Apply directly to DkIT using our online applications system. Please remember to upload the required documentation (copies of your existing qualification(s), your CV, any other support documents etc) with your online application to expedite your application. To avoid disappointment early registration is recommended.
International Application (non-EU)
International Applicants (not from or living in the EU) can apply through an agent or directly to DkIT to study this course.
https://www.dkit.ie/study/international/how-to-apply
Start date September 2026
Fees
Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Biotechnology €5,100 – payable in two stages.
MSc in Agricultural Biotechnology €7,650 – payable in two stages
Non EU Fees (Full Time) MSc in Agricultural Biotechnology €12,000
You may be eligible for financial support for this course through the Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) system
The Student
Career Interests
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.
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.
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.
Career Progression
There are many employment prospects for graduates of these programmes, with past graduates obtaining employment in a variety of sectors. Possible positions of employment include:
Research positions within Teagasc, Dept. of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food or 3rd level institutions;
Auditors or inspectors in the Agri-Food sector;
Quality Management / Quality Assurance roles in the Agri-Food industry;
Scientists/laboratory analysts;
Food product development scientists.
Education Progression
Graduates of this Programme will be able to progress to level 10 research programmes, both in DkIT and other organisations.
Within the Centre for Freshwater and Environmental Studies in DkIT, graduates may avail of Level 9 and 10 research opportunities in the areas of organic waste management and bioenergy.
Duration
Study modes
Full-Time
Part-Time
Delivery method
On Campus