Programme Overview:
- Duration:
- 1 Years
- Attendance:
- Full Time
- Mode of Delivery:
- Blended
- Next Intake:
- 2024/2025 September
- Contact Name:
- Katie O'Neill
- Contact Number:
- 01 716 1781
- Fees:
- Fee Information
Digital Technology for Sustainable Agriculture is the integration of new and advanced technologies into crop and livestock farming systems to enable farmers and other professionals in the sector to improve food production.
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.
Curricular information is subject to change
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
Graduates of the MSc Digital Agriculture may find employment opportunities in the following areas:
Credit structure: 90 total credits, 60 credits of taught modules and 30 credits for a research project
All autumn and spring modules are optional and must be selected in consultation with the Programme Director.
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.
Modules include:
MSc Digital Technology for Sustainable Agriculture (T385) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 9300
nonEU fee per year - € 29100
***Fees are subject to change
Fee information is available at www.ucd.ie/fees/
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.
"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.
This 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 Lyons Research Farm.
The following entry routes are available:
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised