Entry Requirements
• Applicants must hold a minimum lower second class honours degree, or international equivalent in a biological, environmental, agricultural or related science degree.
• Mature candidates will be considered on the basis of relevant experience. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact the Programme Director to discuss their eligibility.
• 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.
• Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/ .
• 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:
MSc Horticulture FT (D064)
Deadline: Rolling*

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

D064: MSc Horticulture
Master of Science

Full-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.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Careers & Employability
Wide ranging career opportunities exist in private companies, public organisations and government agencies in the food and non-food sectors of horticulture. This programme also allows graduates to completely change direction putting them on a radically different career path from their primary degree and advancement to PhD level.

Graduate Roles:
• Plant Producers
• Distribution and Retail
• Horticulture Therapists
• Designers
• Technical Advisors
• Scientists
• Business Development
• Entrepreneurial Roles