Food & Agribusiness Management
Source: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=COURSE&MAJR=FAS1&AUDIENCE= Parent: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=DISCIPLINE&DISP=AGF&LEVL=UG
BAgrSc (NFQ Level 8)
I am an
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)
Open All Close All
Direct entry to DN250FAS1 Food & Agribusiness Management (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 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
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.
During the Food & Agribusiness Management degree, you will learn how the principles of business and economics apply to farming, food production and marketing. You will study core science subjects in first year, then specialise in agribusiness in subsequent years. You gain an understanding of how the Irish and international food systems deliver food products and services that people want, and how farmers and food manufacturers can produce profitably and sustainably.
About This Course
Open All Close All
Why is this course for me?
During the Food & Agribusiness Management degree, you will learn how the principles of business and economics apply to farming, food production and marketing. You will study core science subjects in first year, then specialise in agribusiness in subsequent years. You gain an understanding of how the Irish and international food systems deliver food products and services that people want, and how farmers and food manufacturers can produce profitably and sustainably.
The four-year course provides a unique opportunity to understand both business and science, focusing on the agri-food sector – Ireland’s largest indigenous industry. You will learn skills that can be used across a wide range of roles both within and outside the agri-food sector.
Course Pathways
Click here to Download Course Pathways document.
What Will I Study?
Students spend an average of 40 hours a week attending lectures and tutorials, participating in laboratory-based practical classes and undertaking independent study.
First Year
In first year you will study core science modules in biology, chemistry and physics, all applied to the agri-food sector, alongside introductory modules in land use and the environment, agricultural economics and agribusiness.
Second Year
Second year builds on this foundation with classes in business management, applied economics, and crop, food and environmental sciences. Second year will also widen your knowledge through new subjects in business law and biostatistics. You can opt for a two-module elective pathway in food, diet and health, spreadsheet modelling or animal science (or mix between the two).
Third Year
At the start of third year you will learn specialist technical skills in statistical analysis, spreadsheet modelling and financial planning, together with additional knowledge of food science. The rest of the year is devoted to a 30 week Professional Work Experience (PWE) placement. Here you will obtain industry knowledge and workplace skills first hand, and begin building your personal network of professional contacts.
Fourth Year
Final year focuses on deepening your agribusiness expertise with specialist modules in a variety of areas such as enterprise development, strategy, communications, farm business management and diversification, food marketing, agri-taxation and agri-environmental and policy and e-business. You will also undertake a research project on a topic of your choice, working with one of our knowledgeable and approachable lecturers.
Professional Work Experience (PWE)
A 30-week period of structured PWE takes place in third year where you will spend the second trimester working in the food and agribusiness industry in Ireland or abroad. This helps you apply the knowledge you have gained, and can lead directly to employment following graduation.
Other assessments include completing business plans, presentations, case studies and traditional exams.
International Study Opportunities
There are also opportunities to take a trimester abroad in third year. Possibilities include universities in New Zealand, Australia, Italy and the USA.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities
Our graduates have an excellent record of finding employment in various sectors, including:
- Food processing
- Food distribution and marketing
- Financial services
- Consultancy services
- Agri-food media
- Farm management
Popular graduate study programmes include: PhD by research; MSc in Marketing; MAgrSc in Agricultural Extension and Innovation and MSc in Food Business Strategy.
Other Entry Routes
- Level 5/6 QQI-FET
- Open Learning Entry Route
- Mature Entry Route
- DARE Entry Route
- HEAR Entry Route
- University Access
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 | 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 | RDEV10040 | Introduction to Food and Agribusiness Management | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 1 Options - A)1 of: Choose one option module. Students who wish to take Food, Diet & Health (FDSC10010) should select the module in the Spring trimester. | FDSC10010 | Food Diet and Health | Autumn and Spring (separate) | 5 |
| Stage 1 Options - A)1 of: Choose one option module. Students who wish to take Food, Diet & Health (FDSC10010) should select the module in the Spring trimester. | ANSC10010 | Introduction to Animal Science | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 1 Options - A)1 of: Choose one option module. Students who wish to take Food, Diet & Health (FDSC10010) should select the module in the Spring trimester. | FDSC10030 | Our Food, Our Planet: Introduction to Sustainable Food Systems | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: The following modules are closely related to your programme and may be taken instead of an elective worth 5 credits | BSEN10010 | Biosystems Engineering Design Challenge | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: The following modules are closely related to your programme and may be taken instead of an elective worth 5 credits | CPSC10010 | Introduction to Crop Science | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: The following modules are closely related to your programme and may be taken instead of an elective worth 5 credits | HORT10020 | Plants and People | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: The following modules are closely related to your programme and may be taken instead of an elective worth 5 credits | HORT10030 | Plant-based Diets | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 2 Core Modules | AERD20030 | Business Management | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 2 Core Modules | FDSC20010 | Food Macronutrients | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 2 Core Modules | FOR20100 | Applied Biostatistics | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 2 Core Modules | MICR20010 | Agricultural Microbiology | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 2 Core Modules | AERD20020 | Business Law | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 2 Core Modules | CPSC20030 | Principles of Crop Science | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 2 Core Modules | RDEV20030 | Applied Economic Analysis | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 2 Core Modules | RDEV20140 | Health, Welfare & Safety in Agriculture | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 2 Options - A)1 of: Choose one option module for Autumn trimester. | AESC20060 | Soil Science Basics | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 2 Options - A)1 of: Choose one option module for Autumn trimester. | AESC30110 | Diversity in the Rural Landscape | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 2 Options - B)1 of: Choose one option module, for FDSC20110, spring offering only. | FDSC20110 | Food Diet and Health II - Making Healthy Food Choices | Autumn and Spring (separate) | 5 |
| Stage 2 Options - B)1 of: Choose one option module, for FDSC20110, spring offering only. | ANSC20020 | Animal Nutrition I | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of: The following modules are closely related to your programme and may be taken instead of electives worth 10 credits. | CPSC30050 | Organic Agriculture | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of: The following modules are closely related to your programme and may be taken instead of electives worth 10 credits. | FDSC20240 | Professional Skills Developmen | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of: The following modules are closely related to your programme and may be taken instead of electives worth 10 credits. | ANSC20010 | Genetics and Biotechnology | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 3 Core Modules | AERD30180 | Professional Work Experience | 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) | 30 |
| Stage 3 Core Modules | AERD30010 | Spreadsheet Modelling and Business Applications | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 3 Core Modules | AERD30050 | Financial Planning and Control | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 3 Core Modules | AERD30200 | Statistics and Econometrics | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 3 Core Modules | BSEN40410 | Food Chain Integrity | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 3 Core Modules | FDSC30150 | Principles of Meat Science | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of: The following modules are closely related to your programme and may be taken instead of an elective worth 5 credits | AESC30080 | Agri-Environmental Issues and Policy | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of: The following modules are closely related to your programme and may be taken instead of an elective worth 5 credits | RDEV30160 | Food Poverty and Policy | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of: The following modules are closely related to your programme and may be taken instead of an elective worth 5 credits | RDEV30380 | Knowledge Tfr for Farm Innovat | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 4 Core Modules | RDEV40670 | Food & Agribusiness Research Project | 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) | 10 |
| Stage 4 Core Modules | AERD30190 | Farm Business Management | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 4 Core Modules | AERD40020 | International Food Marketing | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 4 Core Modules | AERD40180 | Enterprise Development | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 4 Core Modules | RDEV40830 | Farm Diversification and Land Use Change | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 4 Core Modules | AERD30210 | Food and Agricultural Policy | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 4 Core Modules | AERD30220 | Agri-Taxation | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 4 Core Modules | AERD40040 | Food and Agribusiness Strategy | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 4 Core Modules | AERD40190 | Agri-Environmental Economics and Policy | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 4 Core Modules | RDEV30060 | Professional Communications | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: The following modules are closely related to your programme and may be taken in place of electives. | ANSC30020 | Animal Breeding I | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: The following modules are closely related to your programme and may be taken in place of electives. | CPSC30050 | Organic Agriculture | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: The following modules are closely related to your programme and may be taken in place of electives. | RDEV30160 | Food Poverty and Policy | Autumn | 5 |
| Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: The following modules are closely related to your programme and may be taken in place of electives. | RDEV30380 | Knowledge Tfr for Farm Innovat | Autumn | 5 |
\
How this degree contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals?
The content of the Food and Agribusiness Management programme is relevant to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
No poverty (SDG 1): by understanding the food chain "from farm to fork", graduates of the programme can identify opportunities for adding value to agricultural products, thereby increasing profits and improving livelihoods.
Zero hunger (SDG 2): with its focus on food production, distribution, and management, the programme and its graduates can contribute to efforts to eliminate hunger and achieve food security.
Decent work and economic growth (SDG 8): the programme equips its graduates with business skills and an entrepreneurial spirit, which can lead to job creation and economic growth in rural areas.
Responsible consumption and production (SDG 12): understanding agribusiness management helps promote sustainable practices in food production and consumption, thereby reducing waste and environmental impact.
Climate action (SDG 13):students taking this programme will learn which policies and practices may be most cost effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the agri-food sector.
Life on land (SDG 15):with sustainable land management approached from both science and business perspectives, graduates of the programme will learn how to help protect ecosystems and biodiversity.
Testimonial
I enjoyed both science and business in school but wasn’t sure which I wanted to pursue. I chose Food and Agribusiness Management as I felt it would provide me with the opportunity to experience both, and it has. The lecturers in the School of Agriculture and Food Science are enthusiastic and have been extremely supportive throughout my time here. As a student in UCD I have been exposed to brilliant opportunities, including the chance to spend a semester at Purdue University in Indiana, USA. The highlight of my time as a FAM student was my PWE which I undertook with Grant Thornton.
Nóirín O’Malley, 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 Food & Agribusiness Management:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceInt | FAS1 Food & Agribusiness Management Bachelor of Agricultural Science Full-Time Commencing September 2026 Undergraduate Degree (Non EU) Non EU Undergraduates 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 Food & Agribusiness Management:
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
Contact UsEventsInformation for your CountryUndergraduate AdmissionDownload BrochureDownload BrochureView UCD ProspectusChat to Students