Agricultural Science and Sustainability – BSc (Hons)

4 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 develop strong scientific understanding and practical skills in modern agriculture, with a clear focus on environmental care and long-term sustainability. It is well suited to students interested in farming systems, agri-food industries, or environmental careers, combining hands-on experience with scientific and business learning.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a solid foundation in sustainable agriculture through subjects such as Introduction to Sustainable Development, Environmental Chemistry, Forestry, and Animal Production. This year focuses on understanding the basics of agricultural systems while also developing practical laboratory and farm-based skills.

Year 2

In Year 2, students move into more applied learning with modules like Dairy Production Management, Beef and Sheep Production, Soils and Peatland, and Ecology. They also study Farm Business and Tillage Crop Management, helping them understand how farming systems operate in practice and how sustainability fits into everyday farm decision-making.

Year 3

The third year focuses on more advanced agricultural topics such as Grassland Management and Nutrient Planning, Farm Management and Planning, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Students also complete a work placement, giving them valuable real-world experience in farming, agribusiness, or environmental organisations.

Year 4

In the final year, students explore advanced themes such as Carbon Management in Agriculture, Advanced Soil Science, Climate Change and Atmospheric Processes, and Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. They also complete a final year research project, allowing them to investigate a real agricultural or environmental issue in depth.

Focus Areas

Sustainable farming systems, environmental management, animal and crop production, soil science, climate change and carbon reduction, agribusiness and farm planning, biodiversity and ecology, GIS and data tools, agricultural policy, and applied research.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to apply scientific and practical knowledge to real agricultural and environmental challenges, manage sustainable farming systems, and assess environmental impacts effectively. They will also develop strong analytical, research, and decision-making skills, preparing them for careers across agriculture, sustainability, and environmental sectors.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This programme supports eligibility for Green Cert recognition and aligns with professional standards in agriculture, advisory services, and environmental management roles.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The Technological University of the Shannon is known for strong industry connections and high graduate employability, with programmes designed to support students into successful careers through practical training and work placement opportunities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on this programme gain strong hands-on experience throughout their studies, combining classroom learning with real farming, laboratory work, and field-based training. A major strength of the course is its practical focus, where students regularly engage with live agricultural systems, environmental monitoring, and modern tools used in sustainable farming and agri-science.

A key part of this experience takes place at Gurteen College, where students spend time on a working 414-hectare farm, applying what they learn directly in real agricultural settings. Students also complete a significant work placement in Year 3, giving them valuable exposure to the industry and helping them build confidence in a professional environment:

Practical farm training at Gurteen College, working with livestock, crops, soil management, and day-to-day farm operations
Laboratory-based learning in environmental chemistry, biology, soil testing, and agricultural analysis
Use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping, land use planning, and environmental data interpretation
Fieldwork involving ecological surveys, biodiversity assessment, and environmental monitoring
A structured industry work placement in agriculture, environmental services, agribusiness, or related organisations
Use of farm management and nutrient planning tools, along with agricultural data analysis systems
Group-based projects focused on real agricultural and environmental challenges, helping build teamwork and problem-solving skills
Training in farm safety, compliance procedures, and sustainability practices used across the agricultural sector
Exposure to environmental auditing and sustainability reporting methods used in modern agri-food industries
Access to university laboratories, learning resources, and applied science facilities that support practical and research-based learning

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this programme develop strong scientific understanding and practical agricultural skills that prepare them for a wide range of careers in agriculture, environmental management, and the agri-food sector. Many go on to work as agricultural advisors, environmental officers, farm inspectors, sustainability consultants, or agribusiness professionals, supported by the course’s strong emphasis on real-world training and industry experience.

With its close connection to industry and a strong work placement element, the programme ensures graduates are well prepared for employment in both private companies and public sector organisations:

University career and employability supports, including CV preparation, interview training, and one-to-one guidance through professional development services
A structured work placement of 500+ hours with opportunities in organisations such as environmental agencies, agri-food businesses, research institutions, and public bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency
Strong graduate employability outcomes, with the Technological University of the Shannon recognised for producing work-ready graduates across science and agricultural disciplines
Industry-relevant training aligned with national agricultural standards, including eligibility for Green Cert (Trained Farmer Status)
Connections with employers in agriculture, environmental consultancy, and sustainability-focused industries
Practical, job-ready skills that match current and future demand in sustainable agriculture and environmental management

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