Bachelor of Science (Honours) Agriculture

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

South East Technological University Waterford

Program Overview

The BSc (Honours) in Agriculture at South East Technological University is a four-year Level 8 programme designed for students who want to build a strong career in modern farming, agri-food industries, and agricultural science. It combines scientific understanding, business skills, and extensive practical experience, making it ideal for students who want to work in both hands-on and management roles within agriculture.

Curriculum Structure:
In Year 1, students develop a solid foundation in agricultural science and farm systems through modules such as Plant Biology, Animal Biology, Chemistry for Land Sciences, Agricultural Mechanisation, Introduction to Farm Accounts, and Communication Skills. This year focuses on understanding the core science behind farming while also building essential academic, technical, and communication abilities.

In Year 2, students move into more applied agricultural learning with subjects like Crop Technology, Dairy Production, Cattle Production, Agricultural Soils Management, and Environmental Science. A key part of this year is the 12-week supervised farm placement, where students gain real-world experience working on commercial farms and applying classroom learning in practical settings.

In Year 3, the focus shifts toward agribusiness and advanced farm management with modules such as Agricultural Entrepreneurship, Food Safety Management Systems, Quality Food Production, Financial Management Systems, ICT and Business Writing, and Marketing for Small Business. This year helps students develop leadership, planning, and decision-making skills for modern agricultural enterprises.

In Year 4, students specialise further through advanced topics including Livestock Management, Crop Management, Soil Nutrient Management, Biodiversity Management, Research Methods, and a major Student Project. This final year strengthens research skills and prepares students for high-level roles in farming, sustainability, and agricultural management.

Focus Areas:
Agricultural science, farm management, livestock production, crop production systems, soil science, agribusiness, food safety, sustainability, agricultural entrepreneurship, environmental management

Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will be able to manage modern farm enterprises, apply scientific and environmental principles to agriculture, analyse farm business performance, and contribute effectively to the agri-food sector and rural development.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
This programme supports eligibility for the Green Cert, which is important for young farmer schemes and agricultural land transfer requirements in Ireland. It also includes industry-based training and placement experience aligned with national agricultural standards.

Reputation (Employability rankings):
South East Technological University is a recognised Irish technological university with strong links to the agri-food industry. The programme is highly practical and placement-focused, leading to strong employability in farming, agribusiness, and food production careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the BSc (Honours) in Agriculture at South East Technological University gain strong practical experience by combining classroom learning with real farm training, laboratory work, and industry placements. A major strength of the programme is its close connection with Kildalton Agricultural College, where students work directly in active farm environments and apply scientific knowledge to real agricultural systems. Alongside this, students also complete fieldwork, research projects, and placements that prepare them for real careers in farming and the agri-food sector.

Experiential learning is built around hands-on training, industry exposure, and applied scientific work:

Practical farm training at Kildalton Agricultural College using working dairy, beef, sheep, and tillage systems
Laboratory-based work in plant science, animal science, soil analysis, microbiology, and agricultural chemistry
A 12-week supervised farm placement on commercial farms, giving real experience in day-to-day farm operations and management
Optional industry placement opportunities in agri-food companies and agricultural organisations in later stages of the programme
Use of agricultural machinery and mechanisation equipment for crop production and farm system operations
ICT and digital tools for farm management, including budgeting, planning, and data-driven decision-making
Final-year research project involving fieldwork or laboratory-based investigation using scientific methods
Access to university library resources, research journals, and agricultural databases to support academic and project work
Field visits and industry exposure related to sustainability, environmental management, and modern farming practices
Continuous support and mentoring from academic staff and industry professionals throughout placements and practical training

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BSc (Honours) in Agriculture at South East Technological University are well prepared to enter Ireland’s modern and fast-developing agri-food sector. The programme builds strong scientific knowledge, practical farming ability, and business skills, enabling graduates to take on roles in farm management, advisory services, and agricultural enterprises. It also supports long-term career growth in both traditional farming and modern agri-business industries.

Typical graduate roles include Farm Manager, Agricultural Advisor, Agribusiness Sales Representative, and Quality Assurance Officer, along with positions in food production, supply chain, and agricultural services.

University services supporting employment:

SETU Careers Service offering CV preparation, interview training, and personalised career guidance
Structured work placement experience that helps students build strong industry connections before graduation
Ongoing academic mentoring and industry engagement throughout the programme to support employability

Employment stats and salary figures:

Strong employability due to compulsory farm placements and practical, industry-focused training
Entry-level salaries in agriculture vary depending on role and sector, with clear progression opportunities into higher-paying management and specialist positions
Consistent demand in Ireland’s agri-food sector supports stable long-term career prospects

University–industry partnerships:

Collaboration with Teagasc and Kildalton Agricultural College for hands-on agricultural training
12-week supervised farm placement on commercial farms across Ireland
Direct exposure to real agricultural enterprises and industry working environments

Long-term accreditation value:

Supports eligibility for the Green Cert, required for young farmer schemes and agricultural land transfer in Ireland
Recognised Level 8 honours degree valued across farming, agribusiness, and food industries

Graduation outcomes:

Prepared for employment across farming, advisory, and agri-food sectors
Ability to manage farm systems, support agricultural businesses, and work in sustainable food production
Strong foundation for leadership and technical roles in modern agriculture

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this programme, students can progress to postgraduate studies such as Master’s degrees in Agricultural Science, Agribusiness, Environmental Management, or related specialist areas at SETU or other higher education institutions.