Bachelor of Science Sustainable Farm Management & Agribusiness

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

South East Technological University

Program Overview

The BSc (Honours) Sustainable Farm Management and Agribusiness (SE503) at Atlantic Technological University is a four-year honours degree that blends scientific, business, technical and practical agricultural training to prepare students for sustainable food production and agribusiness careers. It suits students interested in modern agriculture, farm management, sustainability, rural enterprise and agri-industry innovation, through classroom learning, fieldwork and industry experience in Ireland’s evolving agri-food sector.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 – Foundations of Agriculture & Environmental Science

In the first year, students gain core knowledge in agricultural science and farm systems through subjects such as Applied Physics & Chemistry, Principles of Crop Production, Animal and Plant Biology, Ruminant Animal Production, Farm Health & Safety, Agribusiness Management and Basic Mathematics. These modules introduce the scientific principles of crop and livestock systems alongside essential business, safety and analytical skills needed to understand modern farm enterprises.

Year 2 – Applied Agricultural Science & Sustainability

The second year focuses on developing applied technical and sustainability skills with modules such as Agricultural Microbiology, Farm Financial Accounting, Genetics and Breeding, Concepts in Soil Science, Animal Nutrition, Agricultural Marketing, Agricultural Micro Economics, Applied ICT in Agriculture and Concepts in Sustainable Agriculture. Students learn about nutrient cycling, breeding strategies, agricultural economics and digital agricultural tools while exploring sustainable cropping and soil management.

Year 3 – Business, Systems & Professional Practice

In the third year, students engage with modules that expand business expertise and systems thinking, including Agricultural Marketing II, Farm Buildings and Regulations, Agricultural Macro Economics, Alternative Food Systems, Applied Soil Science and Research Skills. This year also prepares students for professional work experience by building analytical, regulatory and communication competencies relevant to farm enterprise and agribusiness.

Focus areas :
Agricultural science, crop and livestock systems, soil science, agricultural economics & marketing, sustainable agriculture, farm business and agribusiness management, applied ICT in agriculture, research and professional skills.

Learning outcomes :
Integrate scientific and business skills to manage sustainable farm enterprises; apply analytical and technical methods in agriculture; evaluate and implement sustainable farming practices; analyse economic and marketing aspects of agribusiness; communicate professionally in farm and industry contexts.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This is an NFQ Level 8 honours degree recognised under Irish higher education standards, preparing graduates for professional roles in farm management, agri-advisory services, agricultural policy, rural enterprise, technical sales and related agribusiness sectors.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Atlantic Technological University’s applied science and agricultural programmes are designed with strong links to industry and field-based learning, helping graduates gain practical competencies appreciated by employers in agriculture, sustainability consultancies, state agencies and the broader agri-food industry.

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.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of SETU's BSc (Hons) in Sustainable Farm Management and Agribusiness excel in Ireland's thriving agri-sector, blending practical farm skills with business acumen for roles driving sustainable food production. High demand ensures rapid employment in advisory and management positions, supported by hands-on training and optional organic streams.

Career Support:

SETU facilitates work placements, farm visits, and skills modules in digital agriculture, crop production, and agribusiness management for direct industry entry.
Strong graduate employment rates in agribusiness; entry-level salaries €35,000–€45,000 annually, rising with experience in advisory roles.
Collaborations with Teagasc, state agencies, and agri-firms for practical training, research, and technical sales opportunities.
NFQ Level 8 Honours degree delivers long-term value for 'trained farmer' status, tax benefits, and professional advancement globally.
Outcomes include farm advisory services, agricultural officers in state bodies, technical sales, agri-finance, and consultancy.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates advance to SETU Level 9/10 MSc programs in sustainable agriculture or agribusiness, with funded research options. Organic stream supports specialized postgraduate study abroad via Erasmus+. Broad skills enable PhD pathways or international Master's in farm management.