BAgrSc (Hons) Agri-Environmental Sciences

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University College Dublin

Program Overview

The Agri-Environmental Sciences (ESS1) program at University College Dublin explores how agriculture and environmental sustainability work together, preparing students to manage land, water, soil, and biodiversity responsibly. This course is ideal for students interested in climate change, conservation, and sustainable food production while building strong scientific and environmental management skills.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In first year, students develop a strong scientific foundation through modules such as Land Use and the Environment, Introductory Chemistry, and Mathematics for Agriculture. They also study core biology topics including Animal Biology and Evolution and Cell and Plant Biology, alongside Introduction to Food and Agribusiness Management to understand environmental challenges within agricultural systems.

Year 2:
Second year introduces applied environmental science through modules such as Soil Science Basics, Agricultural Botany, and Agricultural Microbiology. Students also explore ecology in Principles of Environmental Biology and Ecology and develop practical field skills, including a residential field course that focuses on habitats, biodiversity, and landscape management.

Year 3:
In third year, students examine environmental management in agriculture through modules such as Agri-Environmental Issues and Policy, Soil Science Applications, and Systems Ecology. The year also includes Professional Work Experience and specialised topics like Climate, Carbon and Soil and Agrichemicals and the Environment, strengthening analytical and real-world problem-solving skills.

Year 4:
Final year focuses on advanced environmental analysis with modules such as Environmental Data and Modelling, Agri-Environmental Nutrient Management, and Environmental Management. Students complete an independent Research Project and can choose options like Wildlife Conservation or Ecosystem Monitoring, developing research, evaluation, and environmental decision-making skills.

Focus areas: Sustainable agriculture, soil science, biodiversity conservation, environmental policy, climate and carbon management, ecosystem ecology, rural landscape management, agri-environmental protection

Learning outcomes: Understanding of agricultural and environmental systems, ability to analyse soil and biodiversity data, knowledge of environmental policy and sustainability practices, field and laboratory research skills, environmental impact assessment, scientific communication and data analysis

Professional alignment (accreditation): Applied agri-environmental science degree with professional work experience and research project aligned to environmental management, sustainability, and agriculture sectors

Reputation (employability rankings): Graduates develop expertise in environmental management, sustainable agriculture, and policy-focused roles supported by field training, research experience, and professional work placement

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Agri-Environmental Sciences (ESS1) program at University College Dublin gain hands-on experience through a combination of fieldwork, laboratory training, and structured industry placement. The program focuses on real environmental challenges, allowing students to work with soil, biodiversity, and agricultural systems while developing practical analytical skills. Learning is supported by field courses, research projects, and professional work experience, ensuring students graduate with strong applied knowledge and industry exposure:

16-week Professional Work Experience placement in third year with farms, environmental organisations, and agri-environmental agencies
Residential field course in the Burren, Co. Clare focused on habitat assessment, biodiversity, and landscape management
Laboratory practicals supporting modules such as Soil Science, Agricultural Microbiology, and Environmental Biology
Training in environmental data analysis and GIS-based land-use and ecosystem evaluation
Supervised final-year research project focused on agri-environmental sustainability or environmental management topics
Field-based learning covering soil sampling, nutrient management, biodiversity monitoring, and ecosystem assessment
Continuous assessment through applied coursework, practical reports, and group-based environmental projects
Opportunities for international study at partner universities in the USA and Australia
Applied learning in agri-environmental policy, sustainability schemes, and climate-related agricultural management
Access to agricultural and environmental teaching laboratories and field-based learning environments

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Agri-Environmental Sciences (ESS1) program at University College Dublin are prepared for careers that combine environmental protection with sustainable agriculture. Students develop practical and analytical skills that lead to roles such as environmental advisor, sustainability consultant, agri-environmental officer, and environmental planner. These opportunities are strengthened by professional placement, field-based training, and strong links with agricultural and environmental organisations:

Graduates move into roles within environmental consultancy, agri-environmental advisory services, sustainability planning, and land management
Employment opportunities with organisations such as the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Teagasc, Environmental Protection Agency, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and local authorities
16-week Professional Work Experience placement in third year supports industry networking and real-world experience
UCD Careers Network offers career coaching, CV workshops, employer events, internship support, and recruitment fairs
Strong industry engagement through placements in environmental agencies, farms, research organisations, and advisory services
Practical fieldwork, laboratory training, and project-based learning build transferable technical and analytical skills
Graduates progress into careers across environmental management, sustainability, agriculture, conservation, and policy-related sectors

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this program, students can continue to postgraduate study in environmental science, sustainability, climate change, agricultural science, or rural development. Graduates may also pursue specialised master’s degrees, research programmes, or professional qualifications leading to careers in environmental consultancy, research, policy development, or academic fields.