RDEV40830
Source: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=MODULE&MODULE=RDEV40830&TERMCODE=202500&ACYR=2026 Parent: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=COURSE&MAJR=FAS1&AUDIENCE=
Academic Year 2025/2026
Farm Diversification and Land Use Change (RDEV40830)
Subject: : Rural Development
College: : Health & Agricultural Sciences
School: : Agriculture & Food Science
Level: : 4 (Masters)
Credits: : 5
Module Coordinator: : Dr Brian Leonard
Trimester: : Autumn
Mode of Delivery: : On Campus
Internship Module: : No
How will I be graded? : Letter grades
Curricular information is subject to change.
This module focuses farm diversification as a means by which to increase agricultural sustainability in economic and social terms. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the motivations for engaging with diversification, and the barriers that inhibit developing a diversified enterprise. In addition, consideration will be given to the alternative enterprise options available to farmers and the ways in which developing a diversified farm enterprise are supported by institutional funding and subsidised training. A field trip to a diversified farm will provide a chance to see an example of what is discussed in class in action.
About this Module
Open All Close All
What will I learn?
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module, students will be able to:\ \ - Summarise the range of options available to farmers considering an alternative enterprise \ - Explain the benefits economic and social benefits of diversification\ - Understand the motivations and barriers for farm diversification\ - Examine the support structures available to farmers considering alternative enterprises\ - Apply theories underpinning farm diversification to real life scenarios\ - Evaluate how new forms of farm enterprise can have a positive economic impact on rural areas\ \
Indicative Module Content:
Module content will include topics such as: \ \ - Barriers and motivations to diversification \ - Agri-tourism \ - On farm accommodation \ - Supports for business and idea development \
How will I learn?
Student Effort Hours:
| Student Effort Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 124 |
| --- | --- |
| Total | 124 |
\
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures, group work, peer review, field trip
Am I eligible to take this module?
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Not applicable to this module.
\
Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module. \ \
How will I be assessed?
Assessment Strategy
| Description | Timing | Component Scale | Must Pass Component | % of Final Grade | In Module Component Repeat Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exam (In-person): End of trimester exam | End of trimester Duration: 1 hr(s) | Graded | No | 50 | Yes |
| Group Work Assignment: Poster or Infographic | Week 11 | Graded | No | 25 | Yes |
| Report(s): Field trip report | Week 6 | Graded | No | 25 | Yes |
\
Carry forward of passed components
No
\
What happens if I fail?
| Remediation Type | Remediation Timing |
|---|---|
| In-Module Resit | Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board |
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. \
Assessment feedback
Feedback Strategy/Strategies
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment\ • Peer review activities\
How will my Feedback be Delivered?
Not yet recorded.
When is this module offered?
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
| Autumn | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks | Thurs 12:00 - 13:50 |