Animal & Crop Production
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BAgrSc (NFQ Level 8)
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Irish/UK/EU Applicant
International (non-EU) Applicant
Study Abroad
Scholarships Available
Sustainable Development Goals
This course is available through the following application route(s)
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Direct entry to DN250CPS1 Animal & Crop Production (BAgrSc) 4 Years
Duration: : 4 Years
Attendance: : Full Time
Delivery: : On Campus
NFQ Level: : 8 (240 credits)
Level: : Undergraduate
Award: : Bachelor of Agricultural Science
Next Intake: : September
General Entry Requirements (A-Level) : BCC / CCCD / CCC
+ C AS Level
General Entry Requirements (IB) : 27
Subject Requirements (Mathematics) : GCSE C / A Level E
(or AS Level D)
IB SL4 / HL3
Subject Requirements (Laboratory Science) : GCSE C / A Level E
(or AS Level D)
IB SL 4 / HL 3
CAO Points 2025 : 431
Leaving Cert Subject Entry Requirements : O6/H7 in English, Irish, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject and two other recognised subjects.
Country Specific Entry Requirements: : Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
Other School Leaving Requirements: : See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Curricular information is subject to change.
Entry via DN250UAS1 Agricultural Science (BAgrSc) 4 Years
Duration: : 4 Years
Attendance: : Full Time
Delivery: : On Campus
NFQ Level: : 8 (240 credits)
Level: : Undergraduate
Award: : Bachelor of Agricultural Science
Next Intake: : September
General Entry Requirements (A-Level) : CCC + D AS Level
General Entry Requirements (IB) : 27
Subject Requirements (Mathematics) : GCSE C / AS Level D / A Level E\ IB SL 4 / HL 3
Subject Requirements (Laboratory Science) : GCSE C / A Level E
(or AS Level D)\
IB SL 4 / HL 3
CAO Points 2025 : 431
Leaving Cert Subject Entry Requirements : O6/H7 in English, Irish, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject and two other recognised subjects.
Country Specific Entry Requirements: : Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
Other School Leaving Requirements: : See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Read more about Agricultural Science
Curricular information is subject to change.
UCD’s Animal and Crop Production programme offers a comprehensive education in the science and business of animal and crop production. You will learn about the development and improvement in farm animal and crop production, gain broad knowledge on growth, physiology, nutrient utilisation, agribusiness, agri-environment and develop the skills to create economical and sustainable agricultural production systems. Plus, you will gain communication and IT skills to help you stay up-to-date on evolving technical, economic, and regulatory frameworks.
About This Course
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Why is this course for me?
UCD’s Animal and Crop Production programme offers a comprehensive education in the science and business of animal and crop production. You will learn about the development and improvement in farm animal and crop production, gain broad knowledge on growth, physiology, nutrient utilisation, agribusiness, agri-environment and develop the skills to create economical and sustainable agricultural production systems. Plus, you will gain communication and IT skills to help you stay up-to-date on evolving technical, economic, and regulatory frameworks.
With practical experience gained through visits to UCD’s Lyons Farm and international placements, you will graduate with a wellrounded education and be prepared for a variety of careers in agribusiness, animal and crop industries, consultancy, and government agencies.
Course Pathways
Click here to Download Course Pathways document.
What Will I Study?
First year concentrates on developing the basic sciences, before the focus moves to more applied sciences. You can also choose elective modules, while the facilities at UCD Lyons Farm are widely used as teaching aids in the final two years of the course. Modules include:
First Year
Animal Biology & Evolution • Introductory Chemistry • Mathematics for Agriculture • Physics for Agricultural Science • Agricultural Economics & Business • Introduction to Biomolecules • Cell & Plant Biology • Information Skills • Optional Modules
Second Year
Soil Science • Microbiology • Agricultural Botany • Animal Nutrition • Business Management
Third Year
Animal Breeding & Reproduction • Plant Diseases: Biology & Control • Animal Nutrition II • Professional Work Experience (PWE)
Fourth Year
Dairy Production • Beef Production • Sheep Production • Grass & Cereal Production • Farm Business Management • Professional Communications
Students spend an average of 40 hours a week attending lectures, tutorials and laboratory-based practicals, and undertake independent study. In third and fourth year, students make regular visits to UCD’s Lyons Farm. A combination of continuous assessment and end-of-trimester written examinations is used. Certain modules also require project work.
Professional Work Experience (PWE)
Between January and August in third year, you undertake a period of PWE in Ireland or abroad.
International Study Opportunities
Between January and August in third year, you undertake a period of PWE in Ireland or abroad. You can also study abroad in trimester one of third year, at universities including:
- Lincoln University, New Zealand
- Iowa State University, USA
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities
Graduates are employed in a wide variety of areas, such as:
- Agribusiness
- Animal and crop industries
- Consultancy
- Semi-state or government agencies
- Financial services
- Print, radio and television media
This is also a very suitable degree if you intend to pursue full-time farming or combine part-time farming with a professional career. Research opportunities to Master’s and PhD level are available.
Other Entry Routes
- Level 5/6 QQI-FET
- Open Learning Entry Route
- Mature Entry Route
- DARE Entry Route
- HEAR Entry Route
- University Access
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View All Modules
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Module Type | Module | Trimester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 Core Modules | AESC10010 | Land Use and the Environment | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 1 Core Modules | CHEM00020 | Introductory Chemistry | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 1 Core Modules | MATH10230 | Mathematics for Agriculture I | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 1 Core Modules | PHYC10180 | Physics for Ag. Science | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 1 Core Modules | RDEV10020 | Information Skills | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 1 Core Modules | RDEV10030 | Introduction to Agricultural Economics and Business | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 1 Core Modules | ANSC10010 | Introduction to Animal Science | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 1 Core Modules | BIOL10010 | Animal Biology and Evolution | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 1 Core Modules | BIOL10030 | Cell and Plant Biology | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 1 Core Modules | CHEM10010 | Introduction to the Chemistry of Biomolecules | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 1 Core Modules | CPSC10010 | Introduction to Crop Science | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules might expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. | FDSC10030 | Our Food, Our Planet: Introduction to Sustainable Food Systems | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules might expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. | PHYC10190 | Aspects of Physics for Ag. Sci | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules might expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. | RDEV10040 | Introduction to Food and Agribusiness Management | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 2 Core Modules | AESC20060 | Soil Science Basics | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 2 Core Modules | FOR20100 | Applied Biostatistics | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 2 Core Modules | HORT20070 | Agricultural Botany | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 2 Core Modules | MICR20010 | Agricultural Microbiology | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 2 Core Modules | ANSC20010 | Genetics and Biotechnology | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 2 Core Modules | ANSC20020 | Animal Nutrition I | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 2 Core Modules | BSEN30020 | Buildings and Environment | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 2 Core Modules | CPSC20020 | Fundamentals of Arable Crop Production | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 2 Core Modules | FDSC20100 | Agricultural Biochemistry | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 2 Core Modules | RDEV20140 | Health, Welfare & Safety in Agriculture | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of: The modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. | AERD20030 | Business Management | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of: The modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. | BIOL20050 | Climate Change and Agriculture | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of: The modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. | BSEN30170 | Agricultural Mechanisation: Engines and Crop Machinery | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of: The modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. | FDSC20010 | Food Macronutrients | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of: The modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. | AESC20050 | Applied Zoology | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of: The modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. | BSEN20150 | Agricultural Engineering Principles | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of: The modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. | CPSC20030 | Principles of Crop Science | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of: The modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. | CPSC20040 | Physiological Plant Ecology | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 3 Core Modules | CPSC30010 | Professional Work Experience | 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) | 30 |
| Stage 3 Core Modules | AESC30100 | Pests, Parasites and Beneficials | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 3 Core Modules | AESC30220 | Soil Science Applications | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 3 Core Modules | ANSC30010 | Animal Reproduction | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 3 Core Modules | ANSC30020 | Animal Breeding I | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 3 Core Modules | ANSC30040 | Animal Nutrition II | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 3 Core Modules | BIOL30010 | Plant Diseases: Biology and Control | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 4 Core Modules | AERD30190 | Farm Business Management | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 4 Core Modules | ANSC30120 | Non-ruminant Animal Production (Swine & Poultry) | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 4 Core Modules | ANSC30400 | Beef Production | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 4 Core Modules | ANSC30410 | Dairy Production | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 4 Core Modules | CPSC30040 | Grass and Forage Production | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 4 Core Modules | CPSC40010 | Cereal Production | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 4 Core Modules | AERD30210 | Food and Agricultural Policy | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 4 Core Modules | ANSC30390 | Sheep Production | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 4 Core Modules | CPSC30030 | Root and Alternative Crop Production | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 4 Core Modules | RDEV30060 | Professional Communications | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. | AESC40150 | Wildlife Conservation | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. | AESC40660 | Plants, Roots and Productivity | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. | BSEN40410 | Food Chain Integrity | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. | CPSC30050 | Organic Agriculture | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. | CPSC30100 | Emerging Crop Pathogens | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. | RDEV30380 | Knowledge Tfr for Farm Innovat | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. | AESC40140 | Agri-Environmental Nutrient Management | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. | ANSC30130 | Principles of Animal Health, Behaviour and Welfare | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. | ANSC40040 | Advanced Dairy Production | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. | BSEN30020 | Buildings and Environment | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. | CPSC40040 | Developments in Grassland | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives. | CPSC40050 | Devs in Crop Production & Util | Spring | 5 |
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How this degree contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals?
Our BAgrSc in Animal and Crop Production, is meticulously crafted to cultivate leaders in sustainable agriculture. Dive into a curriculum that blends scientific expertise, technical proficiency, and business acumen to drive innovation in farming practices. Our program places you at the forefront of agricultural sustainability, addressing urgent environmental, economic, and social challenges both locally and globally.
Aligned with the sustainability vision of UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, our curriculum spans the entire agricultural food chain, emphasizing sustainable farming practices and their connections to food products, human health and nutrition. By integrating traditional methods with cutting-edge sustainability initiatives, we empower graduates to make a significant impact in reshaping the future of agriculture, paving the way for a wealth of career opportunities.
In addition to this the programme relates to the relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s):
- No Poverty (SDG 1)
- No Hunger (SDG 2)
- Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
- Climate Action (SDG 13)
- Life on Land (SDG 15)
Testimonial
I come from a farm in Galway which sparked my interest in a career in Agricultural. In 3rd year we do Professional Work Experience and it gives students a real chance to get out on the farm and learn practical stuff. The highlight for me was going to study at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign in America for one Semester. I’d say to anyone thinking of studying Agriculture & Food Science in UCD to just go for it! It was the best 4 years of my life; I’ve great memories and friends and I’d highly recommend UCD, not just Ag Science, but UCD in general, it’s a great College.
Ronan Dunleavy, Student
Fees, Funding and Scholarships
Non-EU Undergraduate Fee information can be found here.
UCD offers a number of competitive undergraduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD undergraduate degree programme. For information on Undergraduate Scholarships, please see the UCD International Scholarships webpage.
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Animal & Crop Production:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceInt | CPS1 Animal & Crop Production Bachelor of Agricultural Science Full-Time Commencing September 2026 Undergraduate Degree (Non EU) Apply |
| showAudience-audienceInt | UAS1 Agricultural Science Bachelor of Agricultural Science Full-Time Commencing September 2026 Undergraduate Degree (Non EU) Non EU Undergraduates Apply |
| showAudience-audienceEU | DN250 Agricultural Science Bachelor of Agricultural Science Full-Time Commencing September 2026 Application through CAO Apply via CAO |
* you can change options at the top of the page
Additional special entry route(s) to Animal & Crop Production:
These options have additional eligibility requirements to cater for specific applicant cohorts. You should not apply via these routes before consulting the requirements or contacting the responsible UCD office.
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceInt | UAS1 Agricultural Science Bachelor of Agricultural Science Full-Time Commencing September 2026 Access Progression Pathway Access Progression Pathway Apply Application to this Non-EU Access Progression Pathway is by invitation only. If you are not currently enrolled on an Access programme at UCD, your application will be marked as invalid. If you are not a current Access student, but you are a non-EU applicant seeking admission to an undergraduate degree, please submit an application via the "Undergraduate Degree (Non-EU)" course type. |
Further Information
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