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Agriculture, Food & Nutrition

Undergraduate

Agriculture and Food is Ireland’s largest indigenous industry and is one that continues to show considerable growth, with great potential into the future. The UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science is ranked number one in Ireland and is placed twenty-fourth globally and fifth in Europe, based on the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings for the study of agricultural science. Unique programmes  in  UCD span the entire food chain, providing a diverse range of career opportunities in Ireland and internationally.

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About Agriculture, Food & Nutrition

Our focus at the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science is to develop the next generation of agriculture, forestry, horticulture, food and human nutrition leaders. Our graduates have an excellent record in obtaining challenging and fulfilling employment in a variety of sectors. These sectors include: food, agriculture, forestry, horticulture, health, business and services. You will develop professional skills for enterprise management, technical service and consultancy, management, research, education, marketing, communications and primary production of quality food, non-food (amenity plants) and fibre products.

Students will be exposed to the latest scientific discoveries and knowledge that underpins each  of our four-year honours degree programmes. The modular and innovative syllabus includes Professional Work Experience (PWE) and international study abroad opportunities. The programmes develop highly sought-after graduates with innovation, entrepreneurship, critical thinking and problem- solving skills.

The following courses are available in this area:
 
All our degrees have a similar first year, designed to give you a strong foundation in the core sciences, maths and economics , which are needed for the rest of our studies. Science modules are taught on the basis that you have not studied the subject before.

In subsequent years you specialise in one of the programme areas listed.

Students spend an average of 40 hours a week attending lectures, tutorials and laboratory-based practicals, as well as undertaking independent study. A combination of continuous assessment and end-of-semester written examinations is used. Certain modules also require project work.

In your first year, we provide a range of supports to ensure your transition to university life is as smooth as possible. A comprehensive induction and orientation programme, Peer Mentoring, dedicated Student Advisers, committed Programme Directors and Programme Office staff underpin our reputation for being the most friendly and close-knit community in UCD. Supports and initiatives such as the Maths Support Centre, tutorials, laboratories and continuous assessment are designed to assist you along the way.

Each of our 14 entry routes has a similar first year, designed to give you a strong foundation in the core sciences, maths and economics needed for the rest of your studies.

You will also have an opportunity to take one or more introductory modules from any of our courses in first year, providing you with an insight into the subsequent stages of each degree available within UCD Agriculture, Food & Nutrition. This is particularly beneficial for Agricultural Science students, who choose their preferred degree at the end of first year.

Among our accomplished alumni of UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science are: 

  • Richard Kennedy, Group CEO, Devenish & EY Entrepreneur of the year & EY International Entrepreneur of the year 2019
  • Ciaran Sweeney, General Manager, Fyffes Ireland
  • Mairead McGuinness, European Commissioner, European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and the Capital Markets Union 
  • Padraig Brennan, Director of Markets, Bord Bia 
  • Bill Callanan, Chief Inspector, Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine
  • Anne-Marie Butler, Senior Agricultural Manager, Ulster Bank
  • Tendai O’Connor, Brand Manager at Pernod Ricard & GradIreland Employee Of The Year for 2019
  • Daniel Davey, Performance Nutritionist, Leinster Rugby Team