Horticulture

The Horticulture Programme is your opportunity to make a positive impact on sustainability and climate change. Through sustainable plant cultivation, an increase in plant-based diets, and knowledge of biodiversity and conservation, many of today’s environmental challenges can be overcome. With a focus on environmentally friendly practices and innovative technologies, this degree equips you with the knowledge and skills to become a competent and confident leader in the horticulture community.

By studying core science subjects and specialist horticulture and environment modules, you will gain an understanding of sustainable management of food and ornamental plant production, knowledge of protecting and enhancing biodiversity and habitats, designing and managing landscapes, and the benefits of horticultural therapy. With opportunities for international study and strong links to the horticulture industry, this programme offers a range of exciting and diverse career paths. Join the Horticulture Programme and become part of the solution to today’s environmental challenges.

Click here to Download Course Pathways document.

You will study core science subjects in first year, and then develop your horticulture knowledge with specialist modules.

First Year

Core science subjects in the first year, including chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and you will develop horticulture knowledge with specialist modules.

Second Year

Build on your horticulture knowledge and skills with lectures, laboratory and field practicals, industry site visits, and you will study soils, ecology, microbiology, biochemistry and business.

Third Year

Further your knowledge in horticulture and science subjects, and undertake Professional Work Experience (PWE) for 5 months in Ireland or abroad. You can also opt to study abroad for one trimester.

Fourth Year

In final year you undertake a capstone research project, carrying out independent, supported research. Study diverse horticulture topics, and develop communication, writing, biostatistical, business and enterprise skills.

Assessment includes continuous assessment, project reports, presentations, written examinations and dissertation.

Professional Work Experience (PWE)

 All or part of your five-month PWE can be taken in Ireland or abroad, including in New Zealand, Australia, USA and Japan.

All or part of your five-month PWE  in third year can be taken abroad, with possibilities including Japan, New Zealand, Australia, USA, Britain and Europe.

Studying abroad for one trimester is also a popular option for many students.

• Cornell University, USA
• University of Queensland, Australia
• Lincoln University, New Zealand

Career opportunities include:

• Management
• Advisory
• Research
• Policy
• Sales
• Production

Opportunities also exist in State, EU and international organisations. Your transferable skills will ensure you are highly employable in many businesses and industries. Taught Masters, research Masters and PhD degrees are also available.

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

Dr Caroline Elliott-Kingston
e. caroline.elliottkingston@ucd.ie

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

Contact Us

We are facing enormous global challenges - how to feed a growing population with sustainably produced food under the reality of climate change. With new opportunities presented by a worldwide shift towards plant-based diets, and plant-based proteins, we need high quality horticulture students, who will become national and international leaders and global decision makers.

Horticulture is focused on Healthy People, Healthy Plants, and a Healthy Planet. The Horticulture degree is science-based, and centred on sustainable production of food and ornamental plants. It also focuses on biodiversity protection and conservation, climate, soils, national and international plant trade, invasive plant species management and landscape design. The degree teaches the science and practice of growing food and non-food crops, and developing and maintaining landscapes. In the early stages, you will concentrate on science subjects, and in later stages, you will develop horticultural expertise with specialist horticulture modules.

Career opportunities include business and management in horticultural enterprises, or you can progress to a taught Master’s degree or research Master’s and PhD degrees. Your transferable and problem solving skills will make you highly employable in multiple other industries.

The Horticulture Science Programme aligns with many of the UN Sustainable Development Goals including:

• Zero Hunger (SDG 2)
• Good Health and Well-being (SGD3)
• Quality Education (SDG4)
• Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
• Climate Action (SDG 13)
• Life below Water (SDG14)
• Life on Land (SDG 15)
• Partnership for the Goals (SDG 17)

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.