Horticulture (HLS6)

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

Students spend an average of 40 hours a week attending, lectures, tutorials and laboratory practicals, as well as participating in industry site visits, field and greenhouse workshops, and undertaking independent study and research.

Assessment includes continuous assessment (e.g. class tests, essays) and end-of-trimester written  examinations. In your final year, assessments are largely based on the project reports.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

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

This degree maintains strong links with the horticulture industry.

Career opportunities include management, technical advisory, consultancy, research, quality assurance and sales or marketing positions, working for companies or within your own business.

Opportunities also exist in state, semi-state, EU and international organisations. Your transferable skills will also make you highly employable in other industries. Master’s and PhD degrees are also available.

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.

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)