Agricultural Science
Graduates will be equipped with practical multidisciplinary skills to pursue vibrant careers across all areas of agriculture and agrifood. To make a difference in the agrifood sector, you should choose this exciting new course.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | National University of Ireland | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
4 years
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements:
Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e., Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint), Computer Science or Agricultural Science) and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.
Leaving Certificate General Entry Requirements
For holders of the Leaving Certificate, six subjects are required, with a minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and at least Grade O6/H7 in four other subjects.
An applicant may combine the results of the Leaving Certificate examinations obtained in different years for matriculation purposes for all programmes with the exception of Medicine (see section 1). This concession applies to matriculation only; it does not apply to the calculation of points for admission.
Acceptable Subjects
All subjects of the current Leaving Certificate examination are accepted for matriculation purposes, with the following exceptions:
Gaeilge–Bonnleibhéal (Irish, Foundation Level) will not be accepted for matriculation or points purposes.
Mathematics (Ordinary Alternative/ Foundation Level) will be accepted for matriculation purposes, but not as a substitute for the subject Mathematics in programmes for which the subject Mathematics is currently an entry requirement. Neither will a score be awarded for a grade in this subject.
Home Economics (General), which has been discontinued from 2004, is not an acceptable matriculation subject for admission to University of Galway. However, Leaving Certificate Home Economics–Scientific and Social is an acceptable matriculation subject for admission.
The combining of the following subjects is not permitted:
• Physics with Chemistry (joint) may not be presented with either Physics or Chemistry
• Only two of History, Economic History and Economics may be presented
• Music and Musicianship may not be presented with Music
• Agricultural Economics may not be presented with Economics
• Classical Studies may not be presented with Latin or Greek.
Laboratory Science Subjects:
The following subjects in the Irish Leaving Certificate are recognised laboratory science subjects:
• Agricultural Science
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics and Chemistry (joint)
• Physics.
For Engineering and Science programmes, Computer Science is a recognized Laboratory Science subject. For Engineering programmes, Technology, Engineering, Design and Communication Graphics or Construction Studies may be accepted in lieu of a Laboratory Science subject.
Bonus Points for Maths
A bonus of 25 points will be allocated to students who achieve grade H6 or above in Higher Level (HL) Mathematics. This means that the maximum cumulative Leaving Certificate points total will increase from 600 to 625 (existing maximum points plus bonus points).
The bonus points will only be relevant in cases where the subject HL Mathematics (including bonus points) is scored as one of the candidate’s six best subjects for points purposes. Consequently, if HL Mathematics (cumulative points score) is not among these six subjects, the bonus points will not be included in the total points score.
The maximum possible adjusted points score for applicants to Medicine will increase from 560 to 565. (For all scores over 550, each 5-point band equals one extra point.) The baseline score of 480 points will still apply but can include the bonus points if HL Mathematics (cumulative points) is among the best six subjects.
Age
Students must normally have attained the age of 17 by 15 January following entry, for example, for entry in 2024, date of birth must be on or before 15 January 2008. If a student under that age seeks to enter the University, special application must be made to the President of the University.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Distinction 66
Merit 46
Pass 28
Note: While Link Modules are acceptable for points scoring purposes, they may not be counted as one of the six subjects to satisfy minimum entry/matriculation requirements. Students will have the opportunity to use their points allocation for the Link Modules as one of their six subjects for the purposes of calculating points.
QQI FET Applicants General Information
Careers / Further progression
Career Opportunities
The NUI Galway BSc Agricultural Science degree is designed to meet the demand from agrifood employers in Ireland and globally for graduates with the interdisciplinary skills and depth of knowledge of the agrifood sector that can effect positive change within the institutions and in the sector.
The top 1000 agrifood companies in Ireland are listed on: http://www.top1000. ie/industries/agribusiness. At the global level, agrifood companies feature very strongly in the Forbes 2000 list of the largest companies globally: https://www. forbes.com/global2000/#4cc0efed335d. In addition to careers in existing companies, graduates with interests in entrepreneurship and self-employment will be facilitated to pursue the establishment of their own enterprises. The NUI Galway BSc Agricultural Science degree has extensive contacts with public sector and NGO institutions that can also provide excellent career pathways for our graduates.
Further Study
Graduates will be extremely well positioned to pursue postgraduate programs at Masters or PhD level. In particular, graduates will be eligible to pursue more specialised agri-related Masters degree programs at NUI Galway, including:
• MSc in Climate Change, Agriculture & Food Security (Taught)
• MSc in Agrifood Technology & Sustainability
• MSc in Agribiosciences (Structured Research)
The programme team are part of the Ryan Institute, the largest Research Institute in University of Galway whose sustainability mission is focused on agriculture and the bioeconomy www.ryaninstitute.ie. There are diverse opportunities for research positions with the programme team, and within the wider Ryan Institute.
Further information
Mature—Applying on the Grounds of Mature Years
If you are at least 23 years of age on or before 1 January 2024 and if your school leaving examination results do not meet normal matriculation and entry requirements, you may apply on the grounds of mature years. In general, applicants are selected on the basis of academic aptitude, which may include certain Leaving Certificate subjects, relevant work and life experience, and evidence of motivation and interest in the programme area. These areas should be addressed in the written application.
It is strongly advised that intending applicants consult the Mature Students Guide, prior to making an application, for information on the application process and assessment criteria. Full details are available from October 2022 in the Mature Students Guide, which can be accessed online or by emailing University of Galway.
In addition, University of Galway will host a Mature Students Information Evening on Wednesday 10 January 2024. This special information evening is designed for anyone aged 23 or over who may be considering studies at University of Galway in 2024. To attend this evening please sign up now at:
All applicants intending to apply for Medicine in 2024 on the grounds of mature years will be required to take the HPAT Test. Registration closing date for the test is 20 January 2024 and the test date is Friday 16 February–Monday 19 February. Mature applicants must also have an Honours Science subject to H4 Leaving Certificate standard prior to taking the HPAT test. Successful candidates will be invited to the MMI interview in May.
Applications must be made by 1 February through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Please note that a late application cannot be made by those applying on grounds of mature years. The applicant must ensure that copies of all relevant information—for example, certificates, transcripts and a personal statement—are included with the CAO application.
Admission on the grounds of mature years is competitive. Applicants who are successful in gaining admission on the grounds of mature years are also assessed on the basis of their school leaving qualifications (if any) in competition with other applicants.
Find out more Access Centre
e. maturestudents@universityofgalway.ie
w. universityofgalway.ie/mature
CAO w. cao.ie
HPAT Test Information w. hpat-ireland.acer.edu.au/
Further advice and guidance t. +353 91 49 2695 w. universityofgalway.ie/mature
Average Intake: 20 - 30 students
Entry 2024
Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20 January 2024 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1 February 2024 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1 May 2024 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2024 at 5pm
Exceptional online late application (see page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee €60 Closing Date: 22 July 2024 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2024. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2024, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2024 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €60 applies.
Exceptional Late Applications (Exception to the timetable)
The exceptional closing date of 22 July at 5pm applies only to applicants who are registered as an undergraduate student on 1 May 2024 in any year in any one of the participating HEIs (subject to the exclusions listed below). In order to avail of the Exceptional Late Application facility you must have entered the HEI through the CAO system. This is an exceptional late closing date and all steps must be completed by 5pm on 22 July. No changes may be made after this date.
If you did not enter your current course through the CAO system, you must first contact the Admissions Office of the HEI to which you wish to apply and they will inform you if you may submit an application direct to the institution.
Exclusions:
You may submit a late application only for entry to courses other than your existing course. If you wish to repeat the year in the same course you must arrange this within your HEI.
Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Marino Institute of Education, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick and Maynooth University have special procedures in place in the case of current or previous students who wish to apply for entry to another course in the same HEI. Such applicants must contact their Admissions Office to determine the application procedure. However, if you are a student in another HEI and you wish to apply to any of these five HEIs, you should apply through CAO.
Refer to page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook on how to make an Exceptional Late Application.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
Why choose this course?
• The US $8 trillion agrifood sector is the largest contributor to economic development globally. In Ireland, the agrifood sector is a rapid-growth sector extensively providing food, employment and livelihoods.
• The dynamic agrifood sector requires multidisciplinary skills to advance both agricultural productivity and sustainability, from production to consumption.This degree has a major focus on agricultural sustainability and innovation. Graduates will be equipped with practical multidisciplinary skills to pursue vibrant careers across all areas of agriculture and agrifood. To make a difference in the agrifood sector, you should choose this exciting new course.
Work Experience
In Year 3, students spend a semester on a work placement—either a farm or another enterprise in the wider land and agri-food sector. In addition to providing work experience and networking opportunities, the placement provides a detailed case study enterprise unique for each student, underpinning subsequent problem-based learning within performance benchmarking and (sustainable) business planning modules.
Study Abroad
The Agricultural Science BSc team will facilitate study or work (placement) abroad opportunities for students as they arise and where they are high-quality and consistent with the mission and quality education outcomes.
Career Opportunities.
Your course year by year
Year One
• Introduction to Biology
• Chemistry: The World of the Molecule
• Physics
• Introduction to Agricultural Science
• Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture
• Introduction to Sustainable Development
This year is taught through lectures, lab-based practical classes, interactive online assessments and AgSci tutorials and seminars.
Year Two
• Livestock Animal Nutrition
• Farm Safety and on-farm Risk Assessment
• Animal Health, Welfare and Quality Assurance
• Introduction to GIS
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Animal Breeding and Reproductive Physiology
• AgriBiosciences
• Rural Environments: Sustainability and Management
• Comparative Rural Business Development
• Farming for a Circular Bioeconomy
• Economic Geography
Year Three
• Geographical Perspectives on Rural Change
• Soil Science
• Agribiosciences for Sustainable Global Development
• Farm Financial Management and Planning
• Grassland and Forage Production
• Elective module (Alternative Placement Report, or Scientific Writing Skills or Introduction to International Development)
• Agri-food placement (all of semester 2)
• Farm Practice and Performance Benchmarking (parallel to placement)
You will specialise further in your academic training and spend a semester on a work placement within a leading and dynamic agricultural or agrifood enterprise.
Year Four
• Food Systems and Geographies
• Geographies of Tourism: Planning, Development and Sustainability
• Climate Change, Plants and Agriculture
• Animal Production Systems I (dairy)
• Animal Production Systems II (beef)
• Farm Planning
• Farm Business Planning
• Agronomy of Crop Production (2023+)
• Whole Farm Planning
• Plant and Agri-Biotechnologies
• Animal Systems III (sheep, pigs and poultry)
• Elective module (International Development Seminars
Find out more
Professor Cathal O’Donoghue
Professor Charles Spillane
Dr David Styles
College of Science and Engineering
t. +353 91 49 2480
e. cathal.odonoghue@universityofgalway.ie
e. charles.spillane@universityofgalway.ie
e. david.styles@universityofgalway.ie
w. universityofgalway.ie/gy322