Agricultural Science and Sustainability – BSc

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Technological University of the Shannon Thurles Campus

Program Overview

This BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science and Sustainability is designed for students who want to build a strong scientific understanding of agriculture while focusing on sustainability and modern farming practices. It is well suited to students interested in farming, agri-food industries, or environmental careers, combining practical learning with science, technology, and business skills.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students develop a solid foundation in agricultural science through modules such as Introduction to Sustainable Development, Introduction to Environmental Chemistry, Forestry, and Family Farming in Ireland. Students also build core scientific and practical skills through laboratory work and environmental mathematics, helping them understand how agriculture connects with the environment and society.

Year 2

In Year 2, students move into more applied learning with modules such as Dairy Production Management, Beef and Sheep Production, Soils and Peatland, and Tillage Crop Management. They also study Ecology and Farm Business, gaining a clearer understanding of both the biological and economic sides of farming, with a strong focus on sustainability in real-world agricultural systems.

Year 3

In the final year, students focus on advanced agricultural and environmental topics through modules such as Grassland Management and Nutrient Planning, Farm Management and Planning, and Environmental Impacts of Agriculture. The year also includes Professional Development and a Work Placement, giving students valuable industry experience and preparing them for employment or further study.

Focus Areas

Sustainable agriculture systems, environmental management, animal and crop production, soil science, farm business and planning, ecology and biodiversity, climate and environmental impact, agricultural technology and data tools, professional development, and industry work placement experience.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to apply scientific and practical agricultural knowledge to real farming and environmental challenges, manage sustainable farm systems, and evaluate the environmental impact of agriculture. They will also develop strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and workplace skills that prepare them for careers across agriculture, food production, and environmental sectors.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This programme supports recognition for Trained Farmer Status (Green Cert) and aligns with industry expectations in agriculture, environmental management, and the agri-food sector, strengthening graduates’ employability and professional readiness.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Technological University of the Shannon is known for strong graduate outcomes and industry-focused education, with a solid reputation for producing highly employable graduates, particularly in applied science and agricultural disciplines.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on this programme build strong practical skills through a combination of classroom teaching, laboratory work, and real-world agricultural experience. A major strength of the course is its close connection with Gurteen College, where students gain direct experience on a large working farm and see how modern agriculture operates in practice. This is supported by field activities, data-based learning, and exposure to industry tools and techniques used in sustainable farming and environmental management.

Experiential learning is built into every stage of the programme through hands-on training, applied science work, and industry engagement:

Practical farm training at Gurteen College, working with livestock, crop production, soil management, and everyday farm operations
Laboratory sessions in environmental chemistry, biology, soil analysis, and agricultural testing methods
Fieldwork in ecology and biodiversity, including environmental monitoring and assessment of farmland ecosystems
Use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software for mapping land use, analysing environmental data, and supporting farm planning
Training in farm management systems and nutrient planning tools used in modern sustainable agriculture
A structured work placement (minimum 500 hours) in agriculture, environmental organisations, agribusiness, or public sector bodies
Group projects based on real agricultural and environmental challenges to build teamwork and problem-solving skills
Access to university laboratories and applied science facilities that support agricultural research and practical learning
Training in farm safety, compliance procedures, and sustainability standards used across the agricultural industry
Professional development activities that prepare students for employment in agriculture and environmental sectors

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this programme are well prepared for careers in agriculture, environmental management, and the wider agri-food sector, where there is growing demand for professionals with both scientific understanding and practical farming knowledge. Many students move into roles such as agricultural advisors, environmental officers, farm auditors, sustainability consultants, or agribusiness professionals, supported by the programme’s strong industry focus and hands-on training.

The course is designed to make students job-ready through practical experience and industry engagement, helping them transition smoothly into employment:

University career and employability support services, including CV preparation, interview training, and one-to-one career guidance
A structured work placement experience that provides direct industry exposure and improves employability before graduation
Strong links with agriculture and environmental sectors, supporting real-world learning and career opportunities in relevant industries
Recognition that supports Green Cert (Trained Farmer Status), strengthening professional credibility in agriculture
Preparation for growing employment areas such as sustainable farming, environmental monitoring, and climate-focused agricultural practices
Graduate outcomes aligned with national demand for skilled professionals in agriculture and environmental science sectors

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can progress to Level 8 honours pathways or continue to postgraduate study at Level 9 (Master’s) and Level 10 (PhD) in areas such as sustainable agriculture, environmental science, agribusiness, climate change, soil science, or land management at Technological University of the Shannon or other higher education institutions.