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: 15
O6/H7 in English, Irish, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject and two other recognised subjects
Why is this course for me?
Forestry is the science, art and practice of managing forests. Forestry in Ireland operates under the paradigm of ‘Sustainable Forest Management’. This requires foresters to seek to achieve a balance across all the productive functions of our forests – economic, social and environmental.
The UCD Forestry degree provides the scientific knowledge and transferrable skills to ensure our graduates contribute positively to the ongoing expansion of the Irish forestry sector.
Forestry students will:
– Learn about managing forest systems for the production of timber, renewable energy, carbon sequestration, biodiversity, adaptations for climate change, wildlife management, biodiversity, soil and water protection.
– Gain skills in forest planning, remote sensing, the use of geographical
information systems and forest modelling.
– Develop the capacity for life-long learning which enables them to stay abreast of developments in policy, technology and the sciences that underpin forestry practice.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities
Forestry graduates find employment in all areas of the sector, including:
- State and semi-state agencies
- Forest management and consultancy
- Wood processing and renewable energy
- Environmental agencies
- Education and research
- Forestry contarctors
Many graduates set up their own forestry businesses. Other opportunities include information technology, land-use planning and financial services. Research to Master’s and PhD levels is available.
What Will I Study
A broad science-based first year is followed by forestry-focused topics in subsequent years. Fourth year is largely project-based and allows students to combine all of their accumulated skills and knowledge, while further developing their ability to communicate effectively.
First Year
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Trees & Forests in Ireland
- Elective Modules
Second Year
- Tree Structure & Function
- Principles of Forestry
- Professional Forestry Practice
- Soil Science
- Business Management
- Agricultural Botany
- Elective Modules
Third Year
- Forest Management
- Forest Protection
- Silviculture
- Forest Harvesting
- GIS & Remote Sensing
- Forest Inventory and Sampling
- Elective Modules
- Professional Work Experience (PWE)
Fourth Year
- Forest Inventory and Management Plan
- Experimental Design
- Forest Planning
- Forest Policy and Law
- Scientific Research Project
- Elective modules
International Study Opportunities
Forestry students complete four months’ PWE and are encouraged to gain experience in various aspects of forestry both in Ireland and abroad.
In third year, a number of forestry students have studied for a trimester in:
- Michigan State University, USA
- University of Vermont, USA
- Iowa State University, USA
Testimonial
“My passion for the environment and rural development along with looking for a career with a mix of field and office-based work lead me to forestry. The diversity of the forestry programme in UCD is what appealed to me from the start. I carried out my professional work experience with Coillte. During this time, I was a member of the Establishment & Harvesting Team, gaining substantial experience in these fields. Following completion of my placement, I was awarded a certificate of excellence from UCD and am currently undertaking the Coillte Graduate Programme. The forestry industry in Ireland is growing rapidly, with a number of diverse opportunities available to graduates.”
– James Kinsella, Graduate
