Bsc (hons) In Agricultural Science in Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland

Bsc (hons) In Agricultural Science in Waterford Institute of Technology

Agricultural Science is the application of science and other disciplines (e.g. business) to the production of quality food. It encompasses a wide range of services provided to farmers and other food producers to ensure quality standards and profitable production systems.

What is the BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science course?

The purpose of the course is to prepare students for a career in the areas of agricultural science and agri-business. Graduates will have a strong background in the areas of science, food, agriculture, the environment, business and quality assurance. Self-management, team working, business awareness, problem solving, land management and communication are all areas which will be strongly incorporated into the main core of this level 8 programme.

Stamp duty exemption

This course fulfils the requirements for stamp duty exemption for land transfer for young farmers (Green Cert.)

BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science placement

In the second semester of year 3, students can choose between a farm placement or an industrial placement.

• The Farm placement is designed to give the student experience of practical farming on a high quality farm. The placement aims to allow learners to apply and develop their knowledge and skills. The farm placement is organised by Teagasc and the student will be placed on a mixed farm enterprise in order to gain a broad experience of farming. The student will be monitored by the host farmer, by Teagasc staff and the student will keep a reflective work log. Students are also encouraged to seek placements overseas e.g. New Zealand, UK. The completion of a work log will develop the student’s ability to engage in reflective learning.

• The Industrial Placement will allow learners to apply and develop their skills in the agri-food industry.  Students will be placed for work experience for a minimum of 15 weeks during semester 2 of year 3. The industrial placement will be organised by WIT and monitored by the employer, WIT staff with the student keeping a reflective work log. The placement is designed to meet the needs of industry whilst providing the student with a broader skills-base.  It is envisaged that the practical element of employment will complement the course content and help develop skills that are essential in today’s work environment. The industrial placement will be organised by WIT staff and monitored by the employer and WIT staff with the student keeping a reflective work log. The completion of a reflective work log will develop the student’s ability to engage in reflective learning.

Career Opportunities for BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science graduates 

Graduates from BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Science can expect to find employment in the following areas:

• Senior technical positions in Quality Control in agri-food industries

• Sales & Marketing Departments of agri-businesses

• Technical personnel in organisations offering environmental and other services to farmers

• Start-up Agricultural-based businesses

• With further qualifications, graduates are qualified to teach agricultural science, work in farm advisory services and follow postgraduate studies

• The course fulfils the requirements for stamp duty exemption or land transfer for young farmers (Green Cert.)