Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Atlantic Technological University - Donegal Letterkenny Campus

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at Atlantic Technological University is designed for students who want a strong mix of practical farming knowledge and scientific understanding of modern agriculture. You’ll study crop and livestock production, soil science, and farm business management while gaining hands-on experience through a structured farm and agribusiness placement.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students develop a solid foundation in agricultural science and farm management. Modules such as Plant and Animal Science, Soil Science, and Mathematics and Statistics introduce crop growth, livestock biology, and data handling, while Financial and Farm Accounting and Computer Applications help students understand farm finances and digital tools used in modern agriculture. This year focuses on building essential scientific knowledge alongside practical agricultural awareness.

Year 2:
The second year moves into more applied learning and professional development. Students continue studying agricultural production while strengthening practical skills through modules linked to farm management and enterprise development, and they complete a 12-week placement in a farm or agribusiness setting. This experience allows students to apply what they learned in class and gain confidence working in real agricultural environments.

Year 3:
In the final year, students focus on advanced agricultural systems and sustainable production. Modules such as Livestock Production, Animal Science, and Farm Waste and Environmental Science explore herd management, sustainable farming practices, and environmental responsibility. By the end of the year, students are prepared to manage modern farming operations and respond to industry challenges.

Focus areas (in a string):
Crop production, livestock management, soil science, agricultural sustainability, farm business management, agricultural technology, environmental management, agronomy, farm accounting, practical farm operations

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Apply agricultural science to crop and livestock systems, manage farm enterprises effectively, analyse soil and environmental conditions, use financial planning for farm decision making, demonstrate practical agricultural skills, evaluate sustainable farming strategies, communicate technical agricultural knowledge, apply professional experience from industry placement

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme is closely aligned with industry needs and includes practical training and work placement to prepare graduates for employment across farming, agribusiness, and the wider agri-food sector.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Graduates are prepared for careers across farm management, agricultural sales, advisory services, agri-business operations, and government or industry support roles, reflecting the programme’s strong focus on employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at Atlantic Technological University develop practical skills through hands-on farm training, laboratory work, and field-based learning. The programme is delivered at the Mountbellew agricultural campus, where students learn using a working farm, specialist agricultural facilities, and modern laboratories that reflect real industry environments. Practical experience is built into modules, supported by IT-based learning and a structured industry placement, helping students confidently apply agricultural knowledge in real-world settings:

Access to a working farm with dairy herd, beef unit, sheep flock, and forestry for practical livestock and crop management training
Farm infrastructure including milking parlour, grain store, livestock housing, and handling facilities for operational experience
Science and soil laboratories used for agricultural science practicals and environmental analysis
Agricultural workshops and machinery facilities for hands-on equipment training
Computer labs supporting data analysis, digital agriculture, and farm management tools
Group-based learning through practical assignments and collaborative agricultural projects
Fieldwork activities integrated into crop, soil, and livestock modules
12-week industry placement on a commercial farm or within an agribusiness environment
Library and dedicated study spaces supporting agricultural research and coursework
Specialist classrooms and teaching spaces designed for agricultural education

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at Atlantic Technological University finish with strong practical farming experience and applied scientific knowledge, making them well prepared for careers across the agri-food sector. Many move directly into roles such as farm manager, agricultural sales representative, agri-business executive, or agricultural technician. The integrated farm placement and hands-on learning approach ensure graduates develop skills employers value from day one:

12-week farm or agribusiness placement that helps students gain real industry experience and build employer connections
University careers support including CV preparation, interview guidance, and employer engagement events
Strong links with commercial farms and agribusiness employers through placement opportunities
Practical training in livestock production, crop management, and farm business planning aligned with industry needs
Graduates prepared for roles across farm management, agri-sales, advisory services, and agricultural operations
Work-ready experience developed through fieldwork, laboratory sessions, and farm-based training
Qualification suitable for employment in farming enterprises, agri-food companies, and agricultural services

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can progress to Level 8 honours degrees in agriculture or related areas such as agricultural science, agribusiness, or environmental management. Students may also continue to postgraduate diplomas or master’s programmes in agriculture, sustainability, or rural enterprise, opening pathways into advisory, consultancy, research, or senior management roles.