BAgrSc (Hons) Animal and Crop Production

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University College Dublin

Program Overview

The Animal & Crop Production (BAgrSc) at University College Dublin is designed for students who want to build a career in modern, sustainable farming by combining animal science, crop production, and agribusiness. You’ll study how food is produced from both livestock and crops while developing practical skills and scientific knowledge needed for today’s agricultural industry.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In first year, students develop a strong foundation in biological and agricultural sciences. Modules such as Animal Biology and Evolution, Cell and Plant Biology, and Introduction to Crop Science introduce how plants and animals function in agricultural systems, while Introduction to Agricultural Economics and Business provides insight into the agri-food industry. This year builds core scientific knowledge and introduces the structure of agricultural production.

Year 2
The second year focuses on applied agricultural science and production fundamentals. Students study Soil Science Basics, Agricultural Botany, and Agricultural Microbiology to understand plant growth and soil health, alongside Animal Nutrition I and Fundamentals of Arable Crop Production. These modules develop technical skills needed to manage both livestock and crop systems effectively.

Year 3
In year three, students move into advanced production science and gain industry exposure. Modules such as Animal Breeding I, Animal Nutrition II, and Plant Diseases: Biology and Control deepen understanding of productivity and sustainability, while Professional Work Experience provides hands-on industry learning. This year strengthens practical decision-making and real-world agricultural management skills.

Year 4
The final year allows students to specialise in production systems and farm management. Students take modules including Dairy Production, Beef Production, and Cereal Production together with Farm Business Management and Professional Communications. This prepares graduates to lead agricultural enterprises and implement sustainable farming strategies.

Focus areas (in a string):
Animal production systems, crop production, soil science, plant biology, livestock nutrition, agricultural sustainability, farm management, agribusiness, agricultural technology, food production systems

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Apply scientific principles to animal and crop production, manage livestock nutrition and breeding strategies, evaluate soil and crop performance, design sustainable farming systems, analyse agricultural business operations, implement farm management decisions, understand integrated food production systems, interpret agricultural data, communicate technical agricultural information, gain industry-ready practical experience

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The program is delivered by the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science and combines scientific education with practical training, professional work placement, and farm-based learning aligned with careers in agriculture and agribusiness.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Students benefit from practical learning, industry placement opportunities, and exposure to commercial farming systems, helping graduates secure roles across farming enterprises, agribusiness companies, advisory services, and the wider agri-food sector.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Animal & Crop Production (BAgrSc) develop practical skills through hands-on farm learning, laboratory work, and a structured professional work placement. Teaching is closely linked to real production systems, particularly through regular visits to UCD Lyons Farm where students work with livestock enterprises, crop trials, and modern farm management tools. The program combines applied science, field-based learning, and industry exposure so students graduate with real-world agricultural experience:

Regular teaching visits to UCD Lyons Farm in third and fourth year to observe and evaluate dairy, beef, sheep, pig, and crop production systems in a working research farm
Professional Work Experience placement in third year (January to August) completed in Ireland or internationally within agriculture or the agri-food industry
Laboratory practicals embedded in modules such as Soil Science Basics, Agricultural Microbiology, Animal Nutrition, and Plant Diseases: Biology and Control
Access to a large mixed-enterprise research and teaching farm supporting dairy, beef, sheep, pigs, equine, and crop production systems
Use of precision agriculture tools including GPS-guided machinery, precision plot sowers, crop harvesters, and digital farm data management systems
Computerised livestock monitoring including animal feeding systems, intake tracking, and RFID-based animal identification
Dedicated crop research plots used for cereal, forage, and rotational crop production trials
Animal handling and teaching facilities including dairy milking parlour, sheep housing units, pig production facilities, and livestock research infrastructure
Long-term grazing platforms and monitored paddocks used for pasture management and sustainability studies
Group-based applied projects focused on farm planning, crop performance, and livestock production decision-making
Opportunities for international study experience with partner agricultural universities during the program

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Animal & Crop Production (BAgrSc) at University College Dublin are well prepared for careers across the modern agri-food sector, combining scientific knowledge with practical production and business skills. Students commonly move into roles such as agribusiness executive, agricultural consultant, livestock production specialist, or crop production advisor, while others pursue opportunities in advisory services and agri-industry organisations:

Career opportunities across agribusiness companies, livestock and crop production enterprises, consultancy services, government and semi-state agriculture agencies, financial services, and agricultural media
Professional Work Experience placement in third year allows students to gain industry contacts and hands-on experience before graduation
Practical training at UCD Lyons Farm develops real-world skills in dairy, beef, sheep, pig, and crop production systems
Applied coursework and group projects strengthen decision-making skills in farm management, sustainability, and production planning
Exposure to precision agriculture technologies and modern farm systems supports careers in agri-technology and innovation
Industry-focused teaching ensures graduates develop communication, technical, and analytical skills valued by employers across the agri-food sector
Opportunities for international placement and study broaden global career prospects
Graduates are prepared for roles in commercial farming, agribusiness management, advisory services, and production-focused agricultural careers

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can continue to postgraduate study in areas such as Agricultural Science, Animal Science, Crop Science, Agribusiness, Sustainable Agriculture, or Food Production Systems. The program also provides a strong foundation for research-based master’s degrees and PhD opportunities in livestock production, crop systems, agricultural sustainability, and agri-technology.