Bachelor of Science (Honours) Agriculture and Environmenttal Management

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Atlantic Technological University

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Agriculture and Environmental Management at Atlantic Technological University is a four-year honours degree that develops students’ understanding of sustainable agricultural systems alongside environmental science, equipping them to manage land, resources, and food production in ways that support environmental stewardship and commercial viability. It suits students who are interested in agricultural science, ecosystem management, sustainable farming practices and policy-linked environmental solutions, combining fieldwork, laboratory analysis and professional placements. (Qualifax; ATU)

Curriculum structure

Year 1 – Scientific Foundations & Agricultural Context

In the first year, students build core scientific and agricultural knowledge through modules such as Introduction to Agricultural Systems, Crop and Soil Science Fundamentals, Animal Biology, Principles of Environmental Science, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Academic & Professional Skills. These courses introduce biological and chemical principles, basic ecology and environment systems, crop and animal basics, and develop communication and analytical skills that underlie sustainable agriculture and environmental management. (Qualifax)

Year 2 – Applied Agricultural Science & Environment

In the second year, learners move into more applied modules like Soils and Soil Fertility, Plant Production and Protection, Animal Nutrition & Health, Environmental Monitoring, Water Quality Assessment, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Data Analysis for Environmental Science. These subjects strengthen both agricultural competence — such as understanding soil health, crop protection, and livestock systems — and environmental science skills such as assessing water quality and mapping land resource use. (ATU Course Info)

Year 3 – Integration of Agriculture & Environment with Placement

Year three focuses on integrating agricultural and environmental knowledge through modules such as Sustainable Grassland & Pasture Management, Agri-Environmental Policy, Environmental Legislation, Applied Ecology, Agricultural Business Management, and a substantial Work Placement in a farm, consultancy, state agency or environmental organisation. Students apply technical skills, problem-solving and systems thinking in real-world contexts, strengthening both professional competence and industry experience. (Qualifax)

Year 4 – Advanced Specialisation & Research Project

In the final year, students deepen expertise through advanced modules like Advanced Soil and Water Conservation, Sustainable Farm Systems, Environmental Impact Assessment, Climate Change and Agriculture, Precision Agriculture & Technology, and a major Research Project. This year emphasises independent investigation into complex agricultural and environmental challenges, integration of scientific, economic and policy knowledge, and readiness for professional practice or postgraduate study. (ATU Course Info)

Focus areas (in a string):
Sustainable agriculture, soil and crop science, animal systems, environmental monitoring, GIS and data analysis, agri-environmental policy and legislation, conservation and resource management.

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Apply scientific methods to agricultural and environmental systems; assess soil, water and ecological health; integrate sustainable farming with environmental stewardship; conduct research and data analysis; communicate solutions to diverse stakeholders.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This NFQ Level 8 honours qualification aligns with Irish higher education standards, preparing graduates for roles in sustainable agriculture, environmental management, consultancy, research, advisory services and agri-environmental policy work. (ATU / Qualifax)

Reputation (employability rankings):
Atlantic Technological University is recognised for applied science education with strong industry links, and its agriculture and environment graduates are equipped for professional roles in farm management, environmental consultancy, state and local government agencies, NGOs and sustainability sectors. (Institutional context)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Mandatory Work Placement: A 12-15 week professional placement in Year 3 within environmental consultancies, state agencies (e.g., Environmental Protection Agency), the energy sector, or other relevant organisations.
High Proportion of Practical Work: 50% of the coursework involves direct hands-on experience through fieldwork and laboratory practicals.
Fieldwork & Site Visits: The programme begins in Year 1 with a field visit module (The Environment Around Us), setting a precedent for applied learning. Site visits are integrated throughout to connect theory with real-world sites.
Specific Software & Digital Tools: Training includes computer mapping (typically Geographic Information Systems - GIS), data analysis, and core IT skills using Microsoft Office applications, as covered in the Information Technology 1 module.
Group Projects & Collaboration: Teamwork is emphasised from the start. For example, the Communications in Science module requires students to work as a team to research an environmental issue and deliver a joint poster and oral presentation.
International Study Options: Opportunities include studying abroad at partner universities (e.g., Mid-Sweden University) via Erasmus+ or participating in a two-week international summer school in the Netherlands or Sweden.
Professional Accreditation: The degree is accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM), allowing students to become student members and connect with the professional industry body.
Assessment for Skill Development: Assessments are designed to build professional competencies, including scientific report writing, presentations, and practical skills evaluation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of ATU Mountbellew's BSc (Hons) in Agriculture and Environmental Management secure strong employment in sustainable farming and environmental sectors, often leveraging hands-on farm experience and placements for rapid career entry. Alumni like Louise Payne have progressed to graduate programs at companies such as Kepak. Typical roles include farm advisor, environmental consultant, agri-business manager, and sustainability officer.

Career Support:

ATU facilitates Year 3 placements like Teagasc Sheep Research Farm, lab practicals, and IT skills development on the 120-hectare working farm.
High employability, many securing jobs pre-graduation; entry-level agriculture/environmental salaries in Ireland €35,000–€45,000 annually.
Partnerships with Teagasc, Department of Agriculture, Cormac Tagging, Kepak, and agri-food firms for scholarships, research, and placements.
NFQ Level 8 Honours qualifies as 'Trained Farmer' status for farm inheritance/tax benefits and meets FAS/GLAS advisor requirements.
Outcomes cover farming, agri-foods, environmental consultancy, applied ecology, agri-business, and advisory services.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue ATU Level 9 programs like MSc in Environmental Management or teaching via Professional Master of Education (PME) for post-primary Agri Science roles. Globally recognized Level 8 supports PhD or international Master's in agriculture/sustainability. Farm-based projects and Year 1 common entry aid seamless transitions.