Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Agricultural Studies

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Agricultural Studies

The agri-food and drink sector continues to make a significant contribution to the Irish economy, accounting for 10.5% of Ireland’s exports (€8.16 bn) and 8.2% of total employment in 2008.

The independent Agri-Vision 2015 report concentrates on the new opportunities and challenges and on the direction that the farming and food industries must follow to thrive in an increasingly competitive and changing world. It recommends that the primary agricultural sector must improve its ability to develop as a knowledge-based sector and maximise its production of public goods. It also states that the future competitiveness of the Irish food industry will be based on its ability to raise its levels of efficiency, improve R&D capabilities, increase scale and embrace further technical innovation.

Given the scale of these developments, there is a demand for trained personnel with the necessary skills, which AIT’s degree in agricultural science provides. This add-on honours degree will provide you with training in food microbiology, biotechnology, husbandry and other skills specifically related to the agriculture and food industries.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Holders of an appropriate Bachelor of Science qualification in veterinary nursing or agriculture science or an equivalent Level 7 qualification are eligible to apply to join this programme.

Modules

Food Microbiology, Molecular Biotechnology in Agriculture, Bioanalysis, Food Processing and Technology, Food Safety, Health and Safety, Animal Husbandry, Land Use and Environment, Farm Management and Planning, Project.

Progression

An honours degree is an effective basis for postgraduate training and research leading to Master’s and PhD (Level 9/10) qualifications.

Professional Recognition

Graduates of this programme are deemed eligible by the Teaching Council to apply for a Postgraduate Diploma in Education programme at Irish universities to be recognised to teach the subjects Biology and Agricultural Science.

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of this degree, you may be employed in processing, quality assurance analysis/bioanalysis, validation, management and optimisation.

Graduates holding both this award and the award of BSc in Veterinary Nursing have been successful in gaining entry to the four-year veterinary programme in Kosice, Slovakia.

Additional Information

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