Agricultural Science

A Bachelor of Agricultural Science introduces you to the science underpinning crop and animal production, land management, and food systems. You will study plant biology, soil science, animal physiology, genetics, and agri-economics, alongside modules in environmental sustainability and rural development. Practical work is central to the programme: you spend time on farms, in laboratories, and complete a structured work placement, typically with an agri-business, farm advisory service, or research body. UCD's programme includes a study-abroad or Erasmus option in your third year. A typical week combines lectures, tutorial problem-solving, field trips to farms or research plots, and laboratory practicals, giving you both scientific depth and hands-on agricultural experience.

Entry to UCD's BAgrSc at NFQ Level 8 is through the CAO and typically requires a minimum of six Leaving Certificate subjects, including English and either Irish or another language. Higher Level Mathematics and at least one science subject such as Biology, Chemistry, or Agricultural Science are strongly recommended and may be required. CAO points for this programme are moderate, though they can vary year to year depending on demand. If you do not meet direct entry requirements, you can progress from a Teagasc Level 5 or Level 6 course or a QQI FET Agriculture award, which offers a recognised pathway into Level 7 and Level 8 programmes. Mature applicants aged 23 or over may apply through the mature student route, and HEAR and DARE schemes are available for those from socioeconomic or disability backgrounds.

Demand for agricultural science graduates in Ireland remains steady, supported by the importance of the agri-food sector to the Irish economy and ongoing pressure to meet sustainability and emissions targets. Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture regularly recruit graduates, and large co-operatives and food multinationals such as Kerry Group and Glanbia offer structured graduate programmes. Growing emphasis on climate-smart farming, carbon sequestration, and the EU Green Deal is creating new roles in environmental agronomy and sustainability reporting. Overall, graduate employment rates in this field are strong, particularly for those with practical placement experience.