Studying Agricultural Science (DN250)
UCD’s Agricultural Science degree (DN250) offers you the flexibility to explore 11 distinct areas of specialisation, all designed to prepare you for a wide range of careers in the agri-food sector. In first year, all students follow a common curriculum focused on building a solid foundation in core sciences, mathematics and economics, essential for success in later years.. Areas of specialisation include:
- Agricultural Systems Technology
- Agri-Environmental Sciences
- Animal and Crop Production
- Animal Science
- Animal Science-Equine
- Crop Science
- Dairy Business
- Food and Agribusiness Management
- Food Business with Chinese Studies
- Forestry
- Horticulture
There are approximately 250 places available each year in DN250. If you’re interested in Agricultural Science but aren’t sure which area suits you best, you can apply under the ‘No Preference (NPF)’ option on your CAO form. During your first year, you’ll have the chance to explore different modules before choosing your specialisation in second year— and you’re guaranteed a place in any of the 11 courses.
No Preference
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.
During first year, students will also have an opportunity to take one or more introductory modules from any of our courses, providing you with an insight into the subsequent stages of each available degree. This is particularly beneficial for students who are interested in Agricultural Science but are not yet certain of which area to specialise in.
Studying Food Science (DN261)
Food Science develops your scientific knowledge and practial skills of how to produce high quality, safe and nutritious foods for the global market. The UCD Food Science course is internationally accredited by the Institute of Food Technologists.
Studying Human Nutrition (DN262)
Internationally accredited by the Association for Nutrition, this degree covers the nutritional sciences from biochemistry to molecular and public health nutrition, and also includes topics such as nutrition communication and food regulatory affairs.
Professional Work Experience (PWE) & International Study Opportunities
PWE is a core part of your third year in all our courses and can be completed in Ireland or abroad. It’s a chance to gain hands-on experience, explore different roles, make industry connections, and sometimes even secure a job offer before graduation. You may also study abroad at one of UCD’s global partner universities, in the UK, Europe, the USA, Australia, and New Zealand.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities
Graduates from our courses enjoy excellent career prospects across a wide range of sectors, including food, agriculture, forestry, horticulture, health, business and environmental services. You’ll develop the skills to succeed in areas such as enterprise management, consultancy, research, marketing, education, communications, and primary food production.
Many students also choose to continue their studies, with opportunities to pursue taught or research-based Master’s and PhD programmes in Ireland and internationally.
UCD Lyons Farm
UCD is unique amongst third level universities in Ireland by having its own teaching and research farm to provide students and academics with access to large animal and crop enterprises for the delivery of teaching and research programmes.
UCD Lyons Farm is fundamental to the student educational experience by providing opportunities for them to understand and see the practices and principles discussed in lectures at first hand.
On many BAgrSc programmes students visit UCD Lyons Farm in year two as part of the Health, Welfare and Safety module that takes place in preparation for Professional Work Experience. On some modules in year three, such as Soil Science Applications and Animal Reproduction, students visit UCD Lyons Farm for important practical classes. Animal and Crop Production and Animal Science degree programme students spend one day per week at UCD Lyons Farm during the final year of their studies.
There are also opportunities for students to obtain invaluable experience during the especially busy Lambing period at UCD Lyons Farm which takes place in March each year.
Research taking place at Lyons Farm is of national and international importance and underpins the programmes taught within the school aswell as supporting innovation for the agri-food industry.
Rankings
• #1 destination of choice in Ireland for the study of Agricultural and Food Science
• 5th in Europe and 19th in the World for the study of Agricultural Sciences
• #1 for citations in Food Science
• Academic staff among the top 1% of the cited researchers in the world
• Athena Swan Bronze Award winner for commitment to gender equality.
