- Demonstrate enhanced problem-solving skills for application to issues in agriculture and rural development and the ability to formulate/evaluate potential solutions
- Plan and implement strategic communications campaigns in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (SARD) settings
- Understand and interpret strategies applied in achieving the objectives of SARD in Irish, EU and developing country contexts
- Understand the nature and practice of rural diversification
- Understand the context in which sustainable agriculture and rural development related policies are devised
- Understand the key principles and practices that make agriculture sustainable
This course is available through the following application route(s)
This Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (SARD) programme at UCD responds to contemporary and future transformations in agriculture and rural development. The programme takes a place-based approach to rural change and rural futures, and addresses how agriculture can contribute to sustainable development. It examines how farming and rural areas are changing, and how communities and government can address future challenges and opportunities. These issues are relevant in Ireland and internationally, in the Global South and Global North.
This programme prepares graduates for roles of leadership, advocacy and influence in local, national and international development settings. This is achieved by strengthening capabilities in the relevant analytical, communications and entrepreneurship skills, underpinned by the provision of an enhanced understanding of the theory, policy and practice of rural development.
The learning environment fosters individual and group-based activities, which develop students’ skills of inquiry, critical thinking, self-directed and collaborative learning. A variety of teaching and learning approaches are used including group project work, student presentations, individual assignments, field trips and case study work.
Graduates are awarded a 30-credit Graduate Certificate, NFQ Level 9.
The modules in this course comprise part of a more extensive graduate programme in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development. Students who complete the Graduate Certificate course can build on this course in future years to obtain the Graduate Diploma or a Masters Degree in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development.
About This Course
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of: Please select both core modules |
RDEV40490 | Sustainable Agriculture | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of: Please select both core modules |
RDEV40300 | Theory & Practice of Rural Enterprises | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)1 of: Please select one of the four option modules. |
RDEV40560 | Agricultural Extension & Innov | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)1 of: Please select one of the four option modules. |
RDEV40790 | Agricultural Education | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)1 of: Please select one of the four option modules. |
ANSC40320 | Global Food Systems | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B)1 of: Please select one of the four option modules. |
RDEV40840 | Rural Placemaking | Spring | 10 |
Graduate Profile - Mary Maina
I was working as a fertilizer market analyst at International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) Nairobi, Kenya and felt the MSc (Agr) Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development at UCD offered me an opportunity to acquire the skills needed to assist farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to address the challenges facing them in sustainably achieving food security.
The MSARD programme offers a unique opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds to develop their social skills, to understand sustainability along the agricultural value chain and the immense potential of rural areas beyond agricultural production. The programme is well delivered by experienced lecturers with up-to-date reading materials and well-planned field visits. It allows room for constructive criticism, is very informative and passionately delivered.
My career objective is to enable smallholder farmers to sustainably achieve food security, improve their livelihoods and cope with shocks. This programme has provided me with the initial foundation required to drive my career in my desired direction.
Graduate Profile - Niamh Flannely
After completing my undergrad degree at UCD in Horticulture, Landscape and Sportsturf Management, I successfully secured a place in the MSc (Agr) Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development programme. I had developed a keen interest in food production in the final year of my undergrad. With pressing issues around climate change and food security, the SARD programme gave me the skills and knowledge needed to work within the food production industry.
What I enjoyed most about the programme was the wide range of backgrounds of the students which brought many ideas and experiences from all corners of the world. The quality of modules and lectures were excellent along with topical material, field trips and guest speakers. The modules are valuable in developing your skill sets before you undertake your dissertation where you can focus on your own research interests.
Graduate Certificate Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development (X390) Part Time
EU fee per year - € 3950
nonEU fee per year - € 9700
***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.
EU fee per year - € 3950
nonEU fee per year - € 9700
***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.
- Applicants must hold a minimum of a second class honours degree, or international equivalent, in a range of subject areas.
- Applications are welcome from people from a broad range of disciplinary backgrounds including humanities, sciences and business who are interested in pursuing careers in the broad arena of rural and community development.
- Exceptions may be made for applicants who do not hold the minimum educational requirement if they can demonstrate substantial relevant professional or voluntary experience.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
The Grad Cert Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development welcomes applicants from people from a broad range of disciplinary backgrounds including humanities, sciences and business who are interested in pursuing careers in the broad arena of rural and community development.
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Graduate Certificate Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to | Application Type | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | X390 Graduate Certificate Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development Graduate Certificate |
Part-Time Commencing 2024/2025 September |
Graduate Taught | Apply |
* you can change options at the top of the page