MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development

Garduate View - Philip Kennedy

For my undergraduate studies I completed a degree in Agricultural Science (Animal and Crop production) at UCD and then spent a number of years working in Ireland’s Agri-food industry both within the private and public sectors. 

I had always felt I wanted to go further with my education and having looked at different programs the MSc Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development offered at UCD really stood out to me as I was particularly interested in sustainability issues in modern farming- it looked to be a perfect fit! The course exceeded my expectations and I was really happy having made this choice in Master’s program. The modules are excellent and comprehensive. They are very well delivered by a really great lecturing staff and are quite interactive. This program very much built up and advanced my knowledge in the areas of sustainability and rural development and this is highly valuable to me in my current role with a governmental department. I completed this Master’s program as a part-time student over two years and I found it to be well structured in a way that allows for someone who is working full-time to pursue and meet the demands of a post-graduate Master’s qualification.  One highlight of the program for me was the range of international student classmates. This enhanced my overall learning on the course as different experiences and perspectives from around the world were shared regularly and weaved into collaborative student work. Overall this is a first-rate Master’s program and I would highly recommend. 

Graduate Profile - Caroline Dardis

Having completed my Bachelor of Agricultural Science at UCD, I felt that also undertaking my postgraduate studies here was a natural progression and would greatly benefit me academically. I chose the MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development as I felt the programme would complement my passion for agriculture and allow me to expand my knowledge on the sustainable agricultural systems needed to ensure the continued viability of the agricultural sector.

Throughout the MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development, I particularly enjoyed the interactive nature of the classes coupled with the thought-provoking projects and field trips. The programme itself covers a diverse range of topics relevant to agriculture, rurality, the environment, and society. One of the highlights for me was the ability to conduct and lead your own research project in the form of a minor thesis. Throughout my experience, UCD fostered a supportive learning environment and encouraged critical thinking and collaboration among students. I wholeheartedly recommend the programme to anyone passionate about building a more sustainable and resilient future for agriculture and rural communities. Given the current global shift towards sustainability, I believe this programme offers ample opportunities for those seeking a career in agriculture as the programme not only equips students with a comprehensive understanding of sustainability principles but also encourages them to think innovatively. I believe the programme is current, topical, and relevant, and it has provided me with invaluable experience and
knowledge that I will utilise into the future.

Graduate Profile - Mary Maina

I was working as a fertilizer market analyst at International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) Nairobi, Kenya and felt the MSc (Agr) Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development at UCD offered me an opportunity to acquire the skills needed to assist farmers in
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to address the challenges facing them in sustainably achieving food security.

The MSARD programme offers a unique opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds to develop their social skills, to understand sustainability along the agricultural value chain and the immense potential of rural areas beyond agricultural production. The programme is well delivered by experienced lecturers with up-to-date reading materials and well-planned field visits. It allows room for constructive criticism, is very informative and passionately delivered.

My career objective is to enable smallholder farmers to sustainably achieve food security, improve their livelihoods and cope with shocks. This programme has provided me with the initial foundation required to drive my career in my desired direction.

Graduate Profile - Niamh Flannely

After completing my undergrad degree at UCD in Horticulture, Landscape and Sportsturf Management, I successfully secured a place in the MSc (Agr) Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development programme. I had developed a keen interest in food production in the final year of my undergrad. With pressing issues around climate change and food security, the SARD programme gave me the skills and knowledge needed to work within the food production industry.

What I enjoyed most about the programme was the wide range of backgrounds of the students which brought many ideas and experiences from all corners of the world. The quality of modules and lectures were excellent along with topical material, field trips and guest speakers. The modules are valuable in developing your skill sets before you undertake your dissertation where you can focus on your own research interests.