Agricultural science is the application of science and business to the production of quality food. Agriculture is a huge growth industry, both in Ireland and internationally, and remains vital in the country's economic development.

Farmers, or indeed anyone interested in pursuing a career in agriculture today, need to apply scientific knowledge to farm management. This helps to ensure that the range of agricultural activities – environmental protection, food safety, animal welfare, the handling and operation of agriculture machinery – are considered in the context of animal and crop production.

A twelve-week work placement is a central feature of the agriculture course. As a third-year student, you take part in a structured period of work experience in a relevant setting. It’s while on placement that you see the value of your academic learning in a real-life working environment. Your placement lays the foundations of your personal career path. It’s all about developing skills, gaining knowledge and cultivating the attitude needed to build a rewarding career.

Modules are delivered at the Institute of Technology Tralee and Teagasc’s Clonakilty Agricultural College.

First and foremost, the BSc in Agricultural Science course gives your career a sound scientific foundation. Students take modules in a variety of scientific areas, including animal, crop, environmental and food sciences. In the economics and business module, you learn about the relationship between agriculture and consumers.

This agriculture course gives you everything you need to launch an agribusiness career in Ireland and beyond. 

Agriculture graduates work in food and farm business, state bodies, education and research, farm management, consultancy and marketing & communications.

Note that a BSc in Agricultural Science is listed as one of the agriculture related qualifications which meets the requirements for Stamp Duty Exemption for Transfers of Land to Young Farmers (Leaflet SDB2 www.revenue.ie).