Agricultural science is the application of science and business to the primary production of quality food and ecosystem services. Agriculture is a huge growth industry, both in Ireland and internationally, and remains vital to the country’s economic development.

Potential candidates interested in pursuing a career in the agri-food industry today, need to apply scientific knowledge to sustainable farm management. This helps to ensure that the range of agricultural activities – environmental awareness, food safety, animal welfare, advancements of Agri-Food technology and contemporary scientific knowledge are considered in the context of sustainable animal and crop production.

At UCC we guarantee a comprehensive agricultural education; building from a foundation of fundamental sciences, developing core knowledge, instilling best practice applications using the very latest tools and technologies, and interrogating the business that is dairying.

This full-time one-year programme is aimed at anyone interested in the agricultural and science sectors. It aims to equip students with knowledge of the evolving agri-science related industries. It also aims to inform students on up-to-date organic and renewable farming practices.

If you are interested in studying Agricultural Science but are not certain of which area to specialise in, you can select the ‘No Preference (NPF)’ option on your CAO form. Then, during your first year at UCD, you can choose your area of specialisation. Once you receive an offer on the Agricultural Science programme (DN250) you will be guaranteed a place in any of the 11 specialisations from second year.

Alternatively, if you know which of the 11 programmes you would like to specialise in, you can select this on your CAO application.

The aim of this course is to produce graduates with knowledge and skills in agriculture with a focus on sustainability. While the course provides the students with a sound theoretical basis for understanding complex agricultural and environmental phenomena within a sustainable development context, its focus is on the practical application of knowledge and skills including agri‑business and on‑farm settings.

The aim of this course is to produce graduates with knowledge and skills in agriculture with a focus on sustainability. While the course provides the students with a sound theoretical basis for understanding complex agricultural and environmental phenomena within a sustainable development context, its focus is on the practical application of knowledge and skills including agri‑business and on‑farm settings.

The agricultural sector is experiencing a transformative era, driven by evolving government policies at local, national, European, and global levels, alongside shifting consumer expectations. Traditional models of production are being redefined by increasing demands for food quality, safety, and environmental sustainability.

The agricultural sector is experiencing a transformative era, driven by evolving government policies at local, national, European, and global levels, alongside shifting consumer expectations. Traditional models of production are being redefined by increasing demands for food quality, safety, and environmental sustainability.

Agriculture studies will aid you to develop a range of technical skills and knowledge, including land use, farming practice, crop and livestock science, food production, sustainability and environmental management. In this course you will gain a deeper understanding of the technical, ethical, scientific and business principles that hold the Irish agricultural industry to a high standard.

This programme focuses on agricultural science, agri-business, agricultural engineering and agricultural systems. Students will develop knowledge in areas such as sensing technology, electro-pneumatics, electro-hydraulics, automation, Agribusiness, management, marketing and product pricing.

This programme focuses on agricultural science, agri-business, agricultural engineering and agricultural systems. Students will develop knowledge in areas such as sensing technology, electro-pneumatics, electro-hydraulics, automation, Agribusiness, management, marketing and product pricing.

Agricultural Systems Technology is aimed at students who wish to learn how to build, develop, and manage technology for the agriculture sector. Students will gain a deep understanding of how to use technology in order to improve and enhance sustainability, efficiency and reliability in farming and food production. You will take classes in engineering, science, mathematics and data science. Upon completing the course, you will be uniquely equipped to build, develop and manage technologies such as computer systems, networks, data management and sensors, machinery systems and precision agriculture.

The course develops farming, business and management skills to enable graduates to follow careers as successful commercial farmers or in the agri-business sector. It will provide graduates with the skills they will need to be able to participate actively in policy decisions – whether they are local, regional or international – which will influence their profession and its role in a modern economy. 

This course is run jointly by SETU and Teagasc. Students take agriculture-based modules at Kildalton Agricultural College and scientific related modules are taken at Cork Road Campus, Waterford. A free bus service operates between Cork Road Campus, Waterford and Kildalton.

Agriculture is of major importance to the Irish economy and most farms are family-operated with the farmer being the owner and manager and operator. The first two years of the course concentrates on equipping the student with the knowledge and skills needed to manage a modern commercial farm. The third year aims to expand the student’s business, managerial, scientific and IT skills.

This degree is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to manage modern commercial farms. The first two years focus on practical farming skills, while the third year enhances business, managerial, scientific, and IT competencies. Students undertake a 12-week farm placement in the second year, gaining hands-on experience on high-quality commercial farms. Graduates are prepared for roles in farm management, agrifood cooperatives, meat processing, and agribusiness sales.