The MSc 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).
Sustainable Development Goals
This course is available through the following application route(s)
A dynamic transformation is taking place in the world of agriculture, triggered by the rapid emergence and growth of AgTech startups. In addition, Big Tech companies have recently entered the farming and food industries.
UCD’s MSc Programme on Digital Technology for Sustainable Agriculture 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.
This 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 also 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 Lyons Research Farm.
Delivery Mode & Themes
This programme is primarily delivered face to face, but will also include some fully online modules and blended delivery models. All modules are optional and students will be able to take themed clusters of modules (e.g. three modules of precision farming, three modules of sensing technology, three modules of computers and electronics, three modules of data science) to reflect specific technical interests or needs for upskilling.
Individual Modules:
For students that are not in a position to take on the full programme a number of the modules on this programme can be taken individually via the Advance Centre catalogue. Most modules are online so that you can fit study around your work and life.
Module Information:
Under the "What modules can I take?" section below you will see general module information, for a more detailed description including module selection rules click here.
About This Course
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.
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.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BSEN40500 | Hyperspectral imaging | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BSEN40740 | Soil Technology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BSEN40760 | Computers & Electronics in Ag | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BSEN40780 | Remote Sensing and GIS | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CPSC40100 | Advances in Crop Mechanisation | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
STAT40800 | Data Prog with Python (online) | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BSEN30210 | Precision Agriculture | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BSEN30520 | Sensors and Sensing Systems | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BSEN30530 | Numerical Methods for Agricult | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BSEN40510 | Precision Livestock Management | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BSEN40520 | Optical Spectroscopy | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BSEN40750 | IoT enabled AgriFood Prod | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BSEN40090 | Thesis | Year-long (12 months) | 30 |
UCD is strongly committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), embedding sustainability in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement. Sustainability principles are integrated into this programme, ensuring students graduate equipped to address global challenges. UCD’s leadership in this area is internationally recognised, ranking 49th globally and 1st in Ireland in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2024. UCD also leads impactful research in areas such as climate action, clean energy, and social equity, supported by a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy focused on reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering a sustainable campus culture.
Here are the SDGs which align more visibly with this programme:
"Rapid advances in computing technologies are leading to radical transformations across a multitude of industry sectors. Data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence offer new solutions to challenges in sectors including agriculture. Although this degree is new within UCD, Digital Agriculture is recognised as one of the most critically important technical disciplines supporting the use of new and advanced technologies integrated into one system. The MSc programme provides students with an understanding of the tools that digitise data capture relating to the environment and activity (sensor technologies and systems), 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 mix of full-time and part-time students sharing modules opens a promising dynamic in which learners can complement and help one another in the broader context. The modules will employ technology-enabled flexible teaching approaches suitable for both full-time students and upskilling professional learners."
Dr Dimitrios Argyropoulos, Programme Director
Dr Dimitrios Argyropoulos, Programme Director of MSc Digital Technology on Sustainable Agriculture, has a strong track record in research and innovation. He is currently leading the €11 million Horizon Europe Watson project, an interdisciplinary consortium of 44 partners across 19 countries addressing the application of digital technology on food authenticity and traceability across the supply chain. He is also Principal Investigator in 10 ongoing European projects on sustainable and digitised agri-food value chains with industry and academic partners.
MSc in Digital Technology for Sustainable Agriculture (T385) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 9530
nonEU fee per year - € 29100
***Fees are subject to change
EU fee per year - € 9530
nonEU fee per year - € 29100
***Fees are subject to change
Fee information is available at www.ucd.ie/fees/
- UCD Scholarships for International Students - www.ucd.ie/global/scholarships/
- College level Non-EU scholarships - www.ucd.ie/eacollege/study/noneuscholarships/
- Approved by US Dept of Education for federally supported loans
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum upper second-class honours (NFQ level 8) or international equivalent in agriculture, biological science, physical science, environmental related, engineering, computer science or other appropriate discipline.
Where an applicant has no formal qualification encompassing agriculture/biology, practical knowledge of, and experience in, agriculture will be required.
Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to MSc in Digital Technology for Sustainable Agriculture:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | T385 MSc in Digital Technology for Sustainable Agriculture Master of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught |
* you can change options at the top of the page