Course Information
BAgrSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Full Time - Undergraduate Studies
CAO Code: DN250
CAO Points Range 2021: 440
Length of Course: 4 Years
Average Intake: 267
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 course. Modules include:
First Year
- Animal Biology & Evolution
- Introductory Chemistry
- Mathematics for Agriculture
- Physics for Agricultural Science
- Agricultural Economics & Business
- Introduction to Biomolecules
- Cell & Plant Biology
- Information Skills
- Optional Modules
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.
A combination of continuous assessment and end-of-trimester written examinations is used. Certain modules also require project work.
For detailed information on subject content click here.
You may be interested in the following blog post: Reasons to study Agricultural Science in UCD.
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
“Growing up on a dairy farm, I have always been interested in studying Agricultural Science at UCD. I chose the omnibus route on my CAO application as it allowed me to defer selecting my course specialisation until mid-way through first year. PWE in third year is an eye-opening experience and it allows you to put into practice what you have learnt in University and explore what career you might like in the future. A big part of my experience at UCD involved sport. I played Fitzgibbon Hurling with UCD, which is a huge honour and is something I will cherish forever. Through playing sport, I met many people that I would never have met otherwise and I have had some great times.”
Niall Heffernan, Student
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Contact Information
UCD Agriculture & Food Science School Office
Agriculture & Food Science Centre
Belfield, Dublin 4
Email: agandfoodprogrammes@ucd.ie
