Dairy Business
BAgrSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Course Video
Curricular information is subject to change.
Open AllThe Irish dairy industry is in a time of significant change, following the abolition of EU milk quotas on March 31, 2015. This change brings significant challenges and opportunities for young, highly skilled graduates from the Dairy Business programme. This degree is designed to equip future leaders of the dairy industry with the scientific, technical and business skills needed to succeed in this exciting industry.
First & Second Year
You start with a range of business, science, mathematics and technology-related modules. You then build on this scientific base by taking a range of modules in relevant applied sciences, as well as business and communications-related modules.
Third & Fourth Year
In June of second year, you’ll undertake technical management of a dairy farm at Teagasc, Kildalton Agricultural College. This is followed by Professional Work Experience (PWE) placement in the dairy industry from July to December.
For trimester two of third year, you study at Teagasc Moorepark in areas including:
- Grassland Management & Nutrition
- Dairy Systems
- Applied Breeding & Fertility
- Herd Health
- Dairy Business Project
In fourth year you will consolidate your understanding of earlier modules and pursue a range of business and science modules.
Students spend an average of 40 hours a week including: lectures and tutorials; laboratory and practical workshops; and independent study.
Assessment varies but involves a combination of projects, continuous assessment and end-of-trimester examinations. Assessment of PWE involves monthly reports, a final report and an interview upon completion.
For detailed information on subject content click here.
You may be interested in the following Blog post: Dairy Business students talks about his work experience abroad.
PWE (Professional Work Experience) takes place between July and December (first trimester, third year) and offers you the opportunity to visit New Zealand at the busiest time of the dairy farming calendar.
In addition to the highly skilled role of dairy farm management, opportunities exist in a wide variety of areas including:
- Research
- Animal feed industry
- Banking
- Teaching
- Consultancy
Research opportunities to Master’s and PhD level are also available.
“My two favourite subjects in secondary school were agricultural science and business studies. When I heard about the Dairy Business programme at UCD, I knew it was the right choice for me. The Dairy Business programme combines both the technical and scientific side of farming with the business and financial side. Having been impressed with the excellent teaching and research facilities on campus at the UCD Open Day, I knew studying Dairy Business was what I wanted to do. The highlight of my four years has been my Professional Work Experience and the semester we spent in Teagasc Moorepark. As part of our time in Moorepark, we were partnered with mentor farmers who are among the best farmers in the country. I can honestly say choosing to study Dairy Business at UCD has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.”
Jack Kingston, Student
Professor Karina Pierce
e. karina.pierce@ucd.ie
UCD Agriculture & Food Science School Office
Agriculture & Food Science Centre
Belfield, Dublin 4
