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Agricultural Science and Sustainability - BSc

Course Code: US740


Level

7

Duration

3 Years

Department

Applied Science


CAO Points

251

Course Type

Undergraduate - CAO

Location

Thurles

The aim of this course is to produce graduates with knowledge and skills in agriculture with a focus on sustainability. While the course provides the students with a sound theoretical basis for understanding complex agricultural and environmental phenomena within a sustainable development context, its focus is on the practical application of knowledge and skills including agri‑business and on‑farm settings.

This course is offered in conjunction with Gurteen College and fulfils the requirement for Trained Farmer Status (Green Cert) (provisional). Students of this course will spend the semester 2 in year 1 and semester 1 of year 2 on the Gurteen College campus.

What are the entry requirements?

Leaving Certificate

A minimum of 5 O6/H7 grades in Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish.  

QQI FET/FETAC Applicants & Mature Applicants

Refer to section ‘Entry Requirements’ for further information.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

Advanced Entry into year 2

Applicants presenting the full level 6 QQI/FET (FETAC) award in ‘Advanced Certificate in Agriculture’ that includes 3 distinctions in any of the three specialisations listed below will be considered for advanced entry requirements.  

  • Advanced Certificate in Dairy Herd Management – Level 6
  • Advanced Certificate in Drystock Management – Level 6
  • Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (Crops and Machinery) – Level 6

Download Undergraduate Advanced Entry Form 2023

Who can I contact?

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What modules will I study?

  • Year 1

    Title: Semester 1 Modules

    Credits:

    read more »

    Family farming in Ireland, Introduction to Sustainable Development, Introduction to Environmental Chemistry, Introduction to Laboratory Practice and Measurement, Professional Skills in third Level.


    Title: Semester 2 Modules (Gurteen College)

    Credits:

    read more »

    Tillage Crop Husbandry, Animal Production, Soils and Peatland, Forestry, Farm Safety and Risk Assessment, Biology and Botany.


  • Year 2

    Title: Semester 1 Modules (Gurteen College)

    Credits:

    read more »

    Tillage Crop Management, Dairy Production Management, Beef and Sheep Production, Animal Breeding Strategies, Animal Welfare, Behaviour and QA Standards, Farm Business.


    Title: Semester 2 Modules (TUS Thurles)

    Credits:

    read more »

    The Irish Agri-Food Sector, Environment and Sustainable Development, Ecology, Farm Habitat Assessment, Farm Biodiversity Skills, Introduction to GIS and Surveying.


  • Year 3

    Title: Semester 1 Modules (TUS Thurles)

    Credits:

    read more »

    Grassland Management and NMP, Farm Management and Planning, Introduction to Environmental Impacts of Agriculture, GIS and Environmental Resources, Impacts of Agriculture on Water Quality.


    Title: Semester 2

    Credits:

    read more »

    Work Placement


Are there opportunities for further study?

Students who sucessfully complete this level 7 course may progress to the final year of our level 8 in Agricultural Science & Sustainability. 

What are the career prospects?

Graduates can avail of employment opportunities in agriculture, agri-food and environmental management. Graduates are qualified for a wide range of roles such as agricultural support services, farm auditors, environmental officers/scientists with agribusinesses, the public sector and NGOs, or as researchers and consultants

Graduates of the programme will achieve Trained Farmer Status (Green Cert) (provisional).

To work as a Farm Advisor submitting plans and payment claims to the Department of Agriculture for farmer clients you must be on the Department’s Farm Advisory System (FAS) list of approved advisors.  Requirements for listing include a Level 8 degree in Agricultural Science and undertaking FAS training.

More Information

Further information on this course can be found on the Gurteen College website here.