Bachelor of Science Organic Agriculture

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

South East Technological University Wexford Campus

Program Overview

The BSc in Organic Agriculture at South East Technological University is a three-year Level 7 programme designed for students who want to build a career in sustainable and organic farming. It combines practical farming skills with scientific understanding and business knowledge, with a strong focus on environmentally responsible food production and modern agricultural practices.

Curriculum Structure:
In Year 1, students are introduced to the core principles of agriculture and organic systems through modules such as Applied Physics and Chemistry, Principles of Crop and Grassland Production, Farm Health and Safety, Academic and Personal Skills Development, and Digital Skills for Agriculture. This year helps students build a strong scientific base while understanding how modern organic farms operate in practice.

In Year 2, students progress into more specialised areas of organic agriculture with modules including Agricultural Microbiology, Principles and Standards of Organic Production, Soil Science, Animal Nutrition, Farm Financial Accounting, Agricultural Marketing, Agroforestry Production Systems, Applied ICT in Agriculture, and Agricultural Microeconomics. This year strengthens both technical farming knowledge and essential farm business and sustainability skills.

In Year 3, students focus on advanced organic agriculture practices and industry readiness, developing a deeper understanding of sustainable farming systems, agricultural management, and the commercial realities of the organic sector. This final year prepares students for direct entry into employment or further study in agriculture and related fields.

Focus Areas:
Organic farming systems, sustainable agriculture, soil science, crop production, livestock production, agroecology, agribusiness, environmental sustainability, organic certification standards, rural development

Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will be able to manage organic farming systems, apply sustainable agricultural methods, understand certification standards, analyse farm performance, and contribute effectively to the organic and agri-food industry.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
This programme supports eligibility for the Green Cert, which is required for young farmer schemes and agricultural land transfer in Ireland. It is aligned with national agricultural standards and prepares students for roles in both organic farming and the wider agri-food sector.

Reputation (Employability rankings):
South East Technological University is a recognised Irish technological university with strong industry links in agriculture and agri-food. The programme is practical and industry-focused, supporting strong employability in organic farming, agribusiness, and sustainable agriculture careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the BSc in Organic Agriculture at South East Technological University gain strong practical skills by combining classroom study with real farm experience, laboratory work, and industry exposure. The programme is strongly focused on organic and sustainable farming systems, allowing students to learn directly through working with soil, crops, livestock, and environmentally responsible production methods. This hands-on approach is supported by field visits, applied projects, and digital learning tools that reflect real industry practices.

Experiential learning is delivered through practical training, scientific work, and industry engagement:

Practical learning in organic crop and livestock production systems focused on sustainable farming methods
Laboratory work in soil science, microbiology, plant science, animal nutrition, and agricultural chemistry
Field visits to organic farms and agri-food businesses to observe real production and certification systems
Applied learning in organic standards and certification processes used in the agricultural sector
Use of ICT and digital tools for farm planning, record keeping, and farm management decisions
Group projects focused on sustainability, farm systems, and environmental impact in agriculture
Final-year research project based on fieldwork or laboratory investigation in organic agriculture
Access to university library resources, scientific journals, and agricultural research databases
Ongoing guidance and mentoring from academic staff and industry professionals during practical work
Exposure to biodiversity-focused farming and sustainable land management practices through real-world learning opportunities

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BSc in Organic Agriculture at South East Technological University are well prepared to enter Ireland’s expanding organic and sustainable agriculture sector. The programme develops strong scientific understanding, practical farming ability, and business awareness, enabling graduates to work across farming, advisory, agribusiness, and food production roles. It also supports long-term career development in environmentally focused and sustainability-driven agricultural careers.

Typical graduate roles include Organic Farm Manager, Agricultural Advisor, Quality Assurance Officer, Agribusiness Sales Representative, and roles in organic certification, sustainable food production, and environmental management.

University services supporting employment:

SETU Careers Service offering CV preparation, interview training, and personalised career guidance
Structured farm and industry placements that help students build professional networks before graduation
Academic mentoring and practical supervision throughout the programme to strengthen employability skills

Employment stats and salary figures:

Strong employability due to hands-on training and industry placement experience
Entry-level salaries vary depending on role, with clear pathways to higher-paying specialist and management positions
Growing demand for organic and sustainable food production supports stable long-term career opportunities

University–industry partnerships:

Collaboration with Teagasc and Kildalton Agricultural College for practical organic farming training
Industry-based placements on commercial and organic farms
Exposure to real agri-food businesses and organic certification systems

Long-term accreditation value:

Supports eligibility for the Green Cert, required for young farmer schemes and land transfer in Ireland
Recognised Level 8 honours degree aligned with national agricultural and sustainability standards

Graduation outcomes:

Ability to manage organic farming systems and apply sustainable production methods
Prepared for careers in farming, agribusiness, advisory services, and food production
Strong foundation for leadership roles in sustainable agriculture and rural development

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can continue to postgraduate study such as Master’s degrees in Organic Agriculture, Agricultural Science, Sustainable Agriculture, Agribusiness, or Environmental Management at SETU or other higher education institutions.