Agricultural Science

Bachelor of Science

Agricultural Science students with a lecturer on a field test
Agricultural Science students with a lecturer on a field test
Type of Programme
Full-time
Number of Places
32
Duration
3 Years
Course Code
MT 777
Entry Requirements
239 Points in 2023 and meet minimum entry requirements as listed below.
Application Deadline
See CAO for details
Location(s)
MTU Kerry South Campus, Teagasc Clonakilty Agricultural College, Kerry
Course NFQ Level
Level 7

Dr Gerard Corkery

T: +353 66 714 5610

Email: (email)

Overview

Agricultural science is the application of science and business to the primary production of quality food and ecosystem services. Agriculture is a huge growth industry, both in Ireland and internationally, and remains vital to the country’s economic development. Potential candidates interested in pursuing a career in the agri-food industry today, need to apply scientific knowledge to sustainable farm management. This helps to ensure that the range of agricultural activities – environmental awareness, food safety, animal welfare, advancements of agri-food technology and contemporary scientific knowledge are considered in the context of sustainable animal and crop production.

As a third-year student, you take part in a structured period of agri-food industry placement. It’s while on placement that you really 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 MTU Kerry South Campus, however, semester four is taught in Teagasc Clonakilty Agricultural College, Co. Cork.  First and foremost, agricultural science programmes give 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 sustainable agriculture and consumers. These programmes give you everything you need to launch an agri- science/agri-business career in Ireland and beyond. A BSc in Agricultural Science is listed as one of the qualifications which meets the requirements for Stamp Duty Exemption for Transfers of Land to Young Farmers (www. revenue.ie).

What will I study?

First year at a glance

  • Animal and Plant Biology: introduces basic biological concepts relating to the structure (anatomy) and workings (physiology) of bacteria, animal and plant cells
  • Agri-Chemistry: looks at basic chemical principles, concepts and terminology necessary for an understanding of agricultural science
  • Scientific Communication and Computer Applications: introduction to the most frequently used computer applications in laboratory analysis and develops skills for interpersonal communication including oral and written presentations
  • Essential Scientific Maths: this module will ensure that students will have appropriate numerical, algebraic and graphical skills and are able to apply these skills successfully within their discipline
  • Overview of the Agri-Food Industry: a holistic and comprehensive review of the agri-food sector in Ireland
  • Crop Science: the fundamentals of agronomy including crop morphology, identification of species and crop physiological requirements
  • Physics Concepts: provides knowledge of basic physics principles, concepts, ideas and terminologies and enable the student to apply to various physical phenomena
  • Soil Science: introduces the biological, chemical and physical properties of soil

Modules

What is a Module?

A module is a standalone unit of learning and assessment and is completed within one semester. A full-time student will normally study six modules in each semester; part-time and ACCS (Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects) students will have flexibility as to the number of modules taken.

The button below provides a link to all of the University's approved modules for this programme.

View Modules

Entry Requirements

Entry 2024

For admission to a programme, standard applicants must

  • score the necessary CAO points and
  • meet the minimum entry requirements

Leaving Certificate in five subjects i.e. O6/H7 in five other subjects. The five subjects must include Mathematics and either English or Irish grade O6/H7.

 

For Non-EU International Entry Requirements please visit https://www.mtu.ie/international/non-eu/.

Career options

Employment Opportunities

  • Farm management
  • Technical service and consultancy
  • Research
  • Education
  • Marketing and communications
  • Primary production of quality food products
  • Agribusiness
  • Consultancy

Progression

Further Studies

Suitably qualified Level 7 graduates are eligible to progress to year 4 (final year) of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agricultural Science. While the majority of students complete their honours degree in MTU there is also an agreed progression route which, on successful completion of year three, provides students the opportunity to apply for entry to year three of one of the following streams on the BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science in UCD

  • Animal and crop production
  • Agricultural systems technology
  • Food and agribusiness management

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