Course Information
BAgrSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Full Time - Undergraduate Studies
CAO Code: DN250
CAO Points Range 2019: 420-625
Length of Course: 4 Years
Average Intake: 175
O6/H7 in English, Irish, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject and two other recognised subjects
Why is this course for me?
This degree gives you a broad knowledge of the science and business of both animal and crop production and their interactions in a constantly changing environment. You will develop:
- Knowledge of the growth, development and improvement of farm animals and crops
- Knowledge of the agribusiness industry
- The capacity to formulate economical and sustainable animal and crop production systems
- The capacity for life long learning so you remain informed of evolving technical, economic and regulatory frameworks
- Communication and IT skills
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities
Graduates are employed in a wide variety of areas such as:
- Agribusiness
- Animal and crop industries
- Consultancy
- Semi-state or government agencies
- Financial services
- Print, radio and television media
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.
What Will I Study
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 programme. Modules include:
First Year
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Introduction to Animal & Crop Science
Second Year
- Soil Science
- Microbiology
- Agricultural Botany
- Animal Nutrition
- Business Management
Third Year
- Animal Breeding & Reproduction
- Plant Diseases: Biology and Control
- Animal Nutrition II
- Professional Work Experience (PWE)
Fourth Year
- Dairy Production
- Beef Production
- Sheep Production
- Grass & Cereal Production
- Farm Business Management
- Professional Communications
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 to get hands-on practical experience.
A combination of continuous assessment and end-of-trimester written examinations is used. Certain modules also require project work.
International Study Opportunities
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
- Texas A&M University, USA
- Purdue University, USA
- Michigan State University, USA
- Cornell University, USA
Testimonial
“I chose UCD as it is an esteemed college and is recognized internationally for Agricultural courses. There is good diversity in the subjects we study providing endless opportunities for when we enter the working world. At first, UCD was a little daunting however the strong community in the animal and crop production course, the interactions between the years and the excellent Ag Soc committees quickly made me feel at home. Professional Work Experience (PWE) is the most vital part of our course and is what makes UCD stand out from other institutions. We are encouraged to diversify into the many sectors of Agriculture to gain experience. PWE brings together the theory from the modules completed in first and second year through practical knowledge and experience and prepares you for the more specialised modules you study in fourth year.”
– Leyla Byrne, Student
