Agri-Environmental Sciences

If you are passionate about environmental sustainability and interested in the intersection of agriculture and environmental management, the Agri-Environmental Sciences programme may be the perfect fit for you! This specialist applied science degree will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in the fields of agriculture and environmental management. Through a combination of classroom learning, practical field experience, and professional work placements, you will gain a deep understanding of rural environmental issues, sustainable agriculture practices, and the policies and schemes that protect our natural resources.

Click here to Download Course Pathways document.

First Year

Animal Biology & Evolution • Introductory Chemistry • Mathematics for Agriculture • Physics for Agricultural Science • Land Use & the Environment • Introduction to Biomolecules • Cell & Plant Biology • Information Skills • Optional Modules including Agricultural Economics & Business

Second Year

Focuses on the principles of crop and animal production and applied agri-environmental sciences. Modules include: Diversity in the Rural Landscape • Agricultural Botany • Soil Science • Applied Zoology • Microbiology • Introductions to Crop & Animal Science. On completion of second year, you develop field skills through a weeklong residential field course in the Burren, Co. Clare.

Third & Fourth Year

Focuses on environmental management in agriculture (e.g. soils, nutrients, pests and diseases). You will develop practical field and lab-based skills e.g. GIS, and study policies, schemes and practices to protect rural environments.

In fourth year, you complete advanced modules in agri-environmental management, environmental data and modelling, rural conservation and sustainable agriculture, and you conduct a supervised research project and produce a thesis. This provides an opportunity to study a topic of your own choice more deeply, and gain practical experience of research and scientific writing.

Students spend an average of 40 hours per week attending lectures, tutorials and laboratory-based practical classes, and in undertaking independent study. A combination of continuous assessment and end-of-trimester written examinations is used. A number of modules also involve written assignments and/or project-based work.

Professional Work Experience (PWE) 

A 16-week period of structured PWE takes place in third year. Assisted by a dedicated lecturer, students arrange placements on farms, environmental agencies and companies. This is a fantastic chance to get new experiences, make industry contacts and put theory from classes to practical use.

You can elect to study abroad for one trimester, at universities including:

• Cornell University, USA
• University of California, USA
• Kansas State University, USA
• University of Queensland, Australia

Many graduates follow career paths as environmental advisors, planners or consultants. Others work in State agencies that require both agricultural and  environmental  management skills, including:

• Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine
• Teagasc
• Environmental Protection Agency
• National Parks & Wildlife Service 
• Local Authorities

A high proportion of AES graduates go on to further studies at postgraduate level.

• Level 5/6 QQI-FET
• Open Learning Entry Route
• Mature Entry Route
• DARE Entry Route
• HEAR Entry Route
• University Access

Professor Helen Sheridan
e. helen.sheridan@ucd.ie

UCD Agriculture & Food Science School Office
Agriculture & Food Science Centre
Belfield, Dublin 4

Contact Us

Non-EU Undergraduate Fee information can be found here.

UCD offers a number of competitive undergraduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD undergraduate degree programme. For information on Undergraduate Scholarships, please see the UCD International Scholarships webpage.