Bachelor of Science Agriculture

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

South East Technological University Waterford

Program Overview

The BSc in Agriculture at South East Technological University (SETU) is designed for students who want to build a strong understanding of modern agriculture, combining practical farming skills with science, business, and environmental knowledge. It suits students interested in farming, agribusiness, and sustainable food production, with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and industry readiness.

Curriculum Structure:
In Year 1, students are introduced to the fundamentals of agriculture and science through subjects such as Plant Biology, Animal Production, Chemistry for Land Sciences, and Agricultural Mechanisation. This year focuses on understanding how crops, livestock, soil, and machinery all connect within a working farm system, while also developing essential communication and computer skills for agricultural work.

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

In Year 3, the programme focuses on advanced agricultural science and business topics such as Agricultural Entrepreneurship, Food Safety Management Systems, Quality Food Production, Financial Management Systems, and Project Research and Design. This year helps students develop stronger decision-making, management, and analytical skills needed for modern farm and agribusiness roles.

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

Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will be able to manage modern farm systems, apply scientific and environmental principles to agriculture, understand agri-food supply chains, and make informed decisions in both farming and agribusiness contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
This programme supports industry expectations within the agricultural sector and aligns with key pathways such as the Green Cert requirement for young farmers and land transfer eligibility in Ireland.

Reputation (Employability / Rankings):
South East Technological University is a recognised Irish technological university with strong industry links. This programme is highly practical and placement-driven, leading to good employment opportunities in farming, agribusiness, and the wider agri-food sector.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students of the BSc in Agriculture at South East Technological University gain strong practical experience by combining classroom learning with real farm-based training and applied science work. The programme is closely linked with Kildalton Agricultural College, where students engage in hands-on agricultural training using modern farm systems, livestock units, crop production setups, and laboratory-based scientific analysis. Learning is further strengthened through structured farm placements, applied fieldwork, and project-based assessments that help students connect theory with real agricultural practice.

Experiential learning is delivered through a blend of campus-based facilities, specialist agricultural training environments, and industry-linked placements, ensuring students graduate with real-world readiness:

  • Practical training at Kildalton Agricultural College with access to working farm units for dairy, beef, sheep, and crop production

  • Laboratory-based learning in plant science, animal biology, soil science, and agricultural chemistry

  • 12-week farm placement on commercial farms organised in collaboration with industry partners, allowing students to gain real farm management experience

  • Use of agricultural machinery and mechanisation equipment for field operations and farm systems training

  • ICT and agricultural business tools used for farm accounts, planning, and management decision-making

  • Project-based learning and group assignments focusing on farm systems, sustainability, and agri-business development

  • Access to university learning resources, including scientific libraries and digital research databases for agricultural studies

  • Exposure to environmental and sustainability-focused field studies linked to modern farming practices

  • Guidance and mentoring from academic staff and industry professionals throughout practical training and placements

Facilities and learning resources are designed to support both scientific understanding and practical farming skills, ensuring students are fully prepared for careers in modern agriculture.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BSc in Agriculture at South East Technological University are well prepared to enter Ireland’s growing agri-food sector, with opportunities across farming, agribusiness, advisory services, and food production industries. The programme builds strong practical and management skills, enabling graduates to work confidently in both hands-on farm roles and wider agricultural enterprises.

Typical graduate roles include:

  • Farm Manager across dairy, beef, sheep, and tillage systems

  • Agribusiness sales and technical support roles (feed, fertiliser, machinery, and services)

  • Agricultural advisory and field officer positions within the agri-food sector

  • Quality assurance, production, and processing roles in food industries

University services supporting employment:

  • Career support services offering CV preparation, interview practice, and job search guidance through SETU Careers

  • Structured work placement experience that helps students build direct industry connections before graduation

  • Strong links with agricultural training providers and industry partners that support graduate employment opportunities

Employment outcomes and industry value:

  • High employability due to integrated farm placements and practical, hands-on training throughout the degree

  • Strong relevance to Ireland’s national agri-food sector, where demand for skilled agricultural graduates remains consistent

University–industry partnerships:

  • Collaboration with Teagasc and Kildalton Agricultural College for training and practical agricultural education

  • 12-week farm placement on commercial farms, giving students direct exposure to real industry operations

Long-term accreditation value:

  • The programme supports eligibility for the Green Cert, which is important for young farmer schemes and land transfer requirements in Ireland

  • Recognised Level 7 qualification that is valued across the agricultural and agri-food industry

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this programme, students can progress to Level 8 honours degrees such as Agricultural Science or Land Management in Agriculture at SETU, with further opportunities to pursue postgraduate study in agriculture, agribusiness, or environmental and sustainability-related fields.

Program Key Stats

EUR13,500
EUR 35
Sept Intake : 1st Jun


45 %

Eligibility Criteria

NA
24
60

NA
NA
5.5
70

Additional Information & Requirements

Country Requirements

Career Options

  • Managers of modern farm enterprises
  • Agricultural Advisor
  • Agribusiness Sales Representative
  • Livestock Production Specialist
  • Crop Production Specialist
  • Quality Assurance Officer
  • Agri-food Industry Technician
  • Feed or Fertiliser Sales Executive
  • Farm Inspector
  • Supply Chain Assistant
  • Agricultural Contractor

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