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.

With practical experience gained through visits to UCD’s Lyons Farm and international placements, you will graduate with a well rounded education and be prepared for a variety of careers in agribusiness, animal and crop industries, consultancy, and government agencies.

First year concentrates on developing the basic sciences, before the focus moves to more applied sciences. You can also choose elective modules, while the facilities at the UCD Lyons Farm are widely used as teaching aids in the final two years of the course. Modules include:

Students spend an average of 40 hours a week attending lectures, tutorials and laboratory-based practicals, and undertake independent study. In third and fourth year, students make regular visits to UCD’s Lyons Farm.

A combination of continuous assessment and end-of-trimester written examinations is used. Certain modules also require project work.

Between January and August in third year, you undertake a period of PWE in Ireland or abroad. You can also study abroad in trimester one of third year, at universities including:

• Lincoln University, New Zealand
• Iowa State University, USA

This is also a very suitable degree if you intend to pursue full-time farming or combine part-time farming with a professional career. Research opportunities to Master’s and PhD level are available.