Food & Agribusiness Management
BAgrSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Course Video
Curricular information is subject to change.
Open AllDuring the Food & Agribusiness Management degree, you’ll learn how the principles of economics and business management apply to farming, food production and marketing. You’ll gain an understanding of how the Irish and international food systems deliver food products and services that people want, and how farmers and food manufacturers can produce profitably, while also taking care of the natural environment. The four-year degree provides a unique opportunity to understand both business and science, focusing on the agri-food sector – Ireland’s largest indigenous industry. You will learn skills that can be used across a wide range of jobs both within and outside the agri-food sector.
KEY FACT
Graduates of this degree have reached senior positions as chief executives, business owners, plant managers, marketing managers and media editors.
First Year
In first year you will study core science modules in biology, chemistry and physics, all applied to the agri-food sector, alongside introductory modules in land use and the environment, agricultural economics and agribusiness.
Second Year
Second year builds on this foundation with classes in business management, applied economics, and crop, food and environmental sciences. Second year will also widen your knowledge through new subjects in business law and biostatistics. You can opt for a two module elective pathway in food, diet and health
Third Year
At the start of third year you will learn specialist technical skills in statistical analysis and financial planning, together with additional knowledge of food science. The rest of the year is devoted to a 30 week Professional Work Experience (PWE) placement. Here you will obtain industry knowledge and workplace skills first hand, and begin building your personal network of professional contacts.
Fourth Year
Final year focuses on deepening your agribusiness expertise with specialist modules in a variety of areas such as enterprise development, strategy, communications, farm business management, food marketing, agri-taxation, agri-environmental policy and e-business. You will also undertake a small research project on a topic of your choice.
Students spend an average of 40 hours a week attending lectures and tutorials, participating in laboratory-based practical classes and undertaking independent study.
For detailed information on subject content click here.
You may be interested in the following blog post: Reasons to study Agricultural Science in UCD (student perspective)
A 28-week period of structured PWE takes place in third year where you will spend the second trimester working in the food and agribusiness industry in Ireland or abroad. This helps you apply the knowledge you have gained, and can lead directly to employment following graduation.
There are also opportunities to take a trimester abroad in third year. Possibilities include universities in New Zealand, Australia and the USA.
Our graduates have an excellent record of finding employment in various sectors, including:
- Food processing
- Food distribution and marketing
- Financial services
- Consultancy services
- Agri-food media
- Farm management
Popular graduate study programmes include: PhD by research; MSc in Marketing; MAgrSc in Agricultural Extension and Innovation and MSc in Food Business Strategy.
“When choosing a college course, agricultural science was suggested as I’m from a farming background and I wasn’t sure exactly what it was I wanted to do. Opting for a course that incorporated two valuable elements, science and business, gave me the necessary time and experience to discover what I would truly enjoy as a future career. However, I never could have anticipated the impact studying agricultural science at UCD would have on me and just how passionate I would grow to be about the industry and its people. The Food and Agribusiness Management course offers exposure to a variety of industries and all aspects of business. There is truly something for everyone. I have had the opportunity to learn from exceptionally knowledgeable lecturers, as well as students, who come from a diverse range of backgrounds.”
Kate Toner, Student
Dr David Stead
e. david.stead@ucd.ie
UCD Agriculture & Food Science School Office
Agriculture & Food Science Centre
Belfield, Dublin 4
