MSc in Digital Technology for Sustainable Agriculture  (T385)

The MSc Digital Technology for Sustainable Agriculture programme is targeted towards providing students with cutting edge training in digital technology areas that include a number of modules in computer programming, data processing, Internet-of-Things and machine learning implementations. The programme will build student’s knowledge and skills-base to address the complexities of developing, deploying and managing digital technology in the agri-food sector with a focus on enhancing efficiency, sustainability and resilience at all levels of food production. The programme provides students with an understanding of the “Digital Technology” tools that digitise data capture relating to the environment and activity (sensors circuits, systems and programming), move the data (accumulation networks), store the data (databases), analyse data to gain insights (models and AI), share the resulting information along the agricultural value chain (distribution networks) and provide actors and stakeholders access to the digital chain (interfaces). The programme offers hands-on experience on a range of novel digital technology, training in state-of-the-art labs and applied research in a real life environment at the UCD Lyons Research Farm. Ireland is home to the world’s top 10 technology companies. It is known as the IT Capital of Europe. There are excellent job opportunities, with 5,000 job vacancies in the sector at present. Big Tech companies have recently, to a greater or lesser extent, entered farming and food industries. In addition, a dynamic transformation is taking place in the world of agriculture, triggered by the rapid emergence and growth of AgTech startups. This highlights the immense career possibilities and promising future for our graduates in the areas of precision farming, decision support in agriculture, IoT, smart sensors, intelligent algorithms, data, and predictive analytics.

1 - Understand the main components and processes underpinning agricultural systems
2 - Understand the scientific underpinning of digital technology for agriculture
3 - Assess the role of, and potential for development, of technology for sustainable agricultural development
4 - Devise scientific investigations relevant to all aspects of agricultural systems technology, apply appropriate research methodologies, and interpret findings
5 - Manage sensors, data and information in the farm management environment
6 - Deploy and manage digital technology applied to agriculture
7 - Use a range of written and oral communication techniques and channels to interact effectively with all stakeholders
8 - Design and manage real-time monitoring networks and IoT systems applied to agriculture

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.

Ireland is home to the world’s top 10 technology companies. It is known as the IT Capital of Europe and is among the world’s most technologically developed nations. There are excellent job opportunities, with 5,000 job vacancies in the sector at present. Big Tech companies have recently, to a greater or lesser extent, entered farming and food industries. In addition, a dynamic transformation is taking place in the world of agriculture, triggered by the rapid emergence and growth of AgTech startups. This highlights the immense career possibilities and promising future for our graduates in the areas of precision farming, decision support in agriculture, IoT, smart sensors, intelligent algorithms, data, and predictive analytics.

Stage 1

T385 Digital Technology for Sustainable Agriculture (Sept) is a 1-year 90-credit full-time Masters Programme comprising 30 Core credits per trimester to ensure a balanced workload. The 30-credit module BSEN40090 Biosystems Engineering Thesis is a Core Module and must be taken by all students in the Summer Trimester.

See the UCD Assessment website for further details, including worked examples of how degree award GPAs are calculated

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Module Weighting Info