Food & Agribusiness Management  (FAS3)

UCD’s Food and Agribusiness Management programme aims to provide graduates with the necessary combination of skills in business and science required for managerial and professional careers in the food production and marketing chain, and the businesses and organisations that support it. Our students initially study core agricultural science subjects, and then develop a keen understanding of the Irish and international food systems with specialist agribusiness and finance modules. We value and therefore help our students to become active, autonomous learners and critical thinkers, with an ultimate aim of fostering professional development, leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. A variety of supportive but challenging learning environments are provided, where we aspire to integrate best practice teaching with insights from the latest research in the agri-food sector. To achieve the programme’s aims, an inquiry based learning approach is employed incorporating a diverse range of teaching and assessment strategies such as traditional lectures and tutorials, project work, business case studies, group work and policy analysis. A 30 week professional work experience placement in Ireland or abroad gives our students first hand experience of employment in the food and agribusiness sector. Our students should flourish both as individuals and team players, developing the mix of knowledge and skills required for a successful career in the agri-food industry, from principles of farm management and economic analysis to effective communication and time management.

1 - Describe the core principles of economics, business and financial management, and how these apply to farming, food production and marketing
2 - Apply economic, business and financial analysis to support decision making in the agri-food industry, and effectively communicate the results
3 - Develop agribusiness strategies and prepare business and marketing plans
4 - Explain key agricultural, food and environmental policies, and analyse their effects on the food system, the wider rural economy and the natural environment
5 - Understand core animal and crop production sciences, and evaluate their role in efficient farm management and achieving environmental objectives
6 - Describe basic food sciences including food quality and safety assurance, and assess their role in production and processing systems
7 - Analyse and evaluate food supply chains and agricultural markets
8 - Interface between the technical, scientific and commercial aspects of production, processing and marketing within the agri-food sector
9 - Develop and utilise a wide range of generic skills useful in further career development through specific class exercises, professional work experience and project work
10 - Demonstrate research, critical thinking and problem solving skills as they apply to the food and agribusiness sector
11 - Develop and apply skills in quantitative analysis

UCD is Ireland’s Global University and its largest university with a track record in empowering students to enter a diverse range of careers that reflects the most diverse curriculum on the Island of Ireland. Consistently, over 90% of graduates are employed or in further study or training 9 months following course completion. The QS World Ranking on Graduate Employability has placed UCD at number 1 in Ireland for Graduate Employability since 2018. On the global stage UCD leads the Irish higher education sector and is the only Irish university to be ranked inside the world’s top 80 for Graduate Employability.

At University College Dublin we are aware that for many students, programme outcomes in terms of graduate jobs and career options is important. The purpose of this statement is to help you understand and appreciate the range of skills you may develop during your time at UCD and how you may develop your employability. Visit the UCD Careers Networks website and MyCareer, the UCD Career management Platform, to access career information, internships and graduate roles as well as information about the range of initiatives, supports and events available to you.

Stage 3

Students take 55 credits of core modules and a 5 credit elective module. A 30 credit Professional Work Experience module is mandatory and must be undertaken in Stage 3.

Stage 4

In addition to the 50 credits of core modules, students must take elective modules amounting to 10 credits. It is recommended that students take their elective modules in Autumn to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits in each trimester.