UCD’s Animal and Crop Production programme offers a comprehensive education in the science and business of animal and crop production. You will learn about the development and improvement in farm animal and crop production, gain broad knowledge on growth, physiology, nutrient utilisation, agribusiness, agri-environment and develop the skills to create economical and sustainable agricultural production systems. Plus, you will gain communication and IT skills to help you stay up-to-date on evolving technical, economic, and regulatory frameworks.

Our biological science degree in Animal Bioscience has a major focus on animal health, disease and diagnostics. The animal biosciences discipline is experiencing significant growth, both nationally and internationally, due to an increased demand for diagnostics to underpin animal health and disease management globally.

 The Animal Care / Veterinary Assistant program is a foundational course designed for individuals passionate about working with animals and pursuing a career in the veterinary or animal welfare sectors. The curriculum provides a comprehensive introduction to basic animal care, clinical assistance, and laboratory procedures, ensuring students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical handling skills. It is specifically structured to prepare learners for immediate entry-level employment or to serve as an academic stepping stone. 

Become an expert in grooming companion animals – studying in our designated animal grooming facility. Study to support vets and veterinary nurses in a veterinary practice with components in veterinary assisting skills, animal welfare, safety and health at work, and customer service.

Deepen your understanding of companion animals with components in biology and animal anatomy and physiology. Develop your expertise in our animal science lab.

Use your qualification to progress on to veterinary nursing and science degrees.

This course provides learners with a solid foundation in Biology, Animal Grooming and basic animal care principles and practices from which to progress onto further animal care qualifications at third level or to enrol in Level 6 Animal Science to advance their studies in Monaghan Institute. The Animal Care course is ideal for those who see themselves working with animals, but have little or no experience in the this industry.

This Animal Care course is designed to equip learners with the skills and underlying knowledge required to work in the evolving sector of animal related industries. It also provides valuable opportunities to pursue further study and a career in animal care. Through this course you will gain an understanding of animal anatomy and animal behaviour as well as developing important communication and customer care skills. You will be required to purchase a grooming equipment kit.

A one year course of specific interest to applicants wishing to pursue a career in the Dog Grooming/Animal Husbandry industry. Applicants will study a range of subjects relating to animal care and grooming. Emphasis will be placed on the skills and practices required to work in a modern dog grooming studio.

This course provides comprehensive training in animal welfare, veterinary assistance, and behavior, focusing on domestic and captive animals. Through laboratory sessions and anatomy modules, learners gain deep technical knowledge supported by field trips, guest speakers, and a standalone Canine First Responder qualification. A mandatory 60-hour work placement ensures students gain invaluable practical experience, often leading to direct employment or further career opportunities in the veterinary sector.

Students will gain knowledge and skills to allow them to work in a variety of animal care facilities. You will have the opportunity to:

• Understand and describe animal anatomy and physiology
• Practice and promote animal welfare standards
• Show fundamental biology knowledge
• Execute basic animal grooming techniques
• Analyse and interpret animal behaviour
• Use word processing software effectively
• Provide excellent customer service in animal care settings
• Communicate effectively with clients and colleagues
• Apply knowledge and skills in a real-world work experience setting

The Animal Care course with Grooming is tailored to give a real taste of how it feels to work as a groomer in the industry. While learning all the tricks of the grooming trade this full time one year animal care course not only covers grooming but also lets you sample all aspects within the animal care industry.

This programme prepares students to work in a range of settings that provide direct care to animals or progress to further and higher education. This course includes a veterinary assisting skills module to provide a well-rounded education in the growing field of Animal care with veterinary skills. Veterinary skills encompasses a wide range of abilities and knowledge for learners to work in the field of veterinary medicine. Learners will gain a diverse set of skills to effectively care for a wide range of animals and ensure their wellbeing.

This one year Animal Care: Introduction to Dog Grooming course will facilitate those who wish to pursue a career in the Dog Grooming/Animal Husbandry Industry. The emphasis of this course will be on developing the skills and practices required to work in a modern dog grooming studio. This course will also enable participants to acquire the skills, knowledge and competence to provide for the needs of animals in a range of animal care settings, or to progress to further or higher education or training. This is a full-time one-year course and runs from September to May.

Animal Health Care encompasses the practices, knowledge and responsibilities in promoting the wellbeing and health of animals. This programme prepares learners to work in a range of settings or progress to further and higher education. The course includes modules to provide a well-rounded education in the growing field of animal care. This course is specifically designed for learners who want the benefit of animal welfare, animal behaviour, veterinary skills and animal grooming to progress into a variety of careers in the animal care profession.