Forestry
BAgrSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Course Video
Curricular information is subject to change.
Open AllForestry 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.
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
- 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
- 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
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
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 contractors
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.
“The UCD Forestry course offers a wide range of practical and academic modules. The Professional Work Experience provides students with practical experience from within the forestry sector and allows you to apply the skills you have learned in the classroom in the real world. As part of final year, students go on a tour of different forestry areas in another country. We travelled to Northern Ireland, but other years have travelled to Northern England, Iceland and Germany. The forestry industry in Ireland is growing and the demand for graduates in this field is increasing each year. The UCD forestry course is one of the top degrees in Ireland with many graduates having impactful careers that shape the industry. As a result of my experience in UCD, I would highly recommend the UCD forestry course.”
Matthew Sweeney, Student
Marie Doyle
e. mdoyle@ucd.ie
UCD Agriculture & Food Science School Office
Agriculture & Food Science Centre
Belfield, Dublin 4
