Horticulture

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BAgrSc (NFQ Level 8)

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Irish/UK/EU Applicant

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Scholarships Available

Sustainable Development Goals

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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Direct entry to DN250HLS6 Horticulture (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 / AS Level D/

A Level E\
IB SL 4 / HL 3

Subject Requirements (Laboratory Science) : GCSE C / AS Level D /

A Level E\
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.

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The Horticulture Programme is your opportunity to make a positive impact on sustainability and climate change. Through sustainable plant cultivation, an increase in plant-based diets, and knowledge of biodiversity and conservation, many of today’s environmental challenges can be overcome. With a focus on environmentally friendly practices and innovative technologies, this degree equips you with the knowledge and skills to become a competent and confident leader in the horticulture community.

About This Course

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Why is this course for me?

The Horticulture Programme is your opportunity to make a positive impact on sustainability and climate change. Through sustainable plant cultivation, an increase in plant-based diets, and knowledge of biodiversity and conservation, many of today’s environmental challenges can be overcome. With a focus on environmentally friendly practices and innovative technologies, this degree equips you with the knowledge and skills to become a competent and confident leader in the horticulture community.

By studying core science subjects and specialist horticulture and environment modules, you will gain an understanding of sustainable management of food and ornamental plant production, knowledge of protecting and enhancing biodiversity and habitats, designing and managing landscapes, and the benefits of horticultural therapy. With opportunities for international study and strong links to the horticulture industry, this programme offers a range of exciting and diverse career paths. Join the Horticulture Programme and become part of the solution to today’s environmental challenges.

Course Pathways

Click here to Download Course Pathways document.

What Will I Study?

You will study core science subjects in first year, and then develop your horticulture knowledge with specialist modules.

First Year

Core science subjects in the first year, including chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and you will develop horticulture knowledge with specialist modules.

Second Year

Build on your horticulture knowledge and skills with lectures, laboratory and field practicals, industry site visits, and you will study soils, ecology, microbiology, biochemistry and business.

Third Year

Further your knowledge in horticulture and science subjects, and undertake Professional Work Experience (PWE) for 5 months in Ireland or abroad. You can also opt to study abroad for one trimester.

Fourth Year

In final year you undertake a capstone research project, carrying out independent, supported research. Study diverse horticulture topics, and develop communication, writing, biostatistical, business and enterprise skills.

Assessment includes continuous assessment, project reports, presentations, written examinations and dissertation.

Professional Work Experience (PWE)

All or part of your five-month PWE can be taken in Ireland or abroad, including in New Zealand, Australia, USA and Japan.

International Study Opportunities

All or part of your five-month PWE  in third year can be taken abroad, with possibilities including Japan, New Zealand, Australia, USA, Britain and Europe.

Studying abroad for one trimester is also a popular option for many students.

• Cornell University, USA
• University of Queensland, Australia
• Lincoln University, New Zealand

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Career opportunities include:

• Management
• Advisory
• Research
• Policy
• Sales
• Production

Opportunities also exist in State, EU and international organisations. Your transferable skills will ensure you are highly employable in many businesses and industries. Taught Masters, research Masters and PhD degrees are also available.

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.

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How this degree contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals?

We are facing enormous global challenges - how to feed a growing population with sustainably produced food under the reality of climate change. With new opportunities presented by a worldwide shift towards plant-based diets, and plant-based proteins, we need high quality horticulture students, who will become national and international leaders and global decision makers.

Horticulture is focused on Healthy People, Healthy Plants, and a Healthy Planet. The Horticulture degree is science-based, and centred on sustainable production of food and ornamental plants. It also focuses on biodiversity protection and conservation, climate, soils, national and international plant trade, invasive plant species management and landscape design. The degree teaches the science and practice of growing food and non-food crops, and developing and maintaining landscapes. In the early stages, you will concentrate on science subjects, and in later stages, you will develop horticultural expertise with specialist horticulture modules.

Career opportunities include business and management in horticultural enterprises, or you can progress to a taught Master’s degree or research Master’s and PhD degrees. Your transferable and problem solving skills will make you highly employable in multiple other industries.

The Horticulture Science Programme aligns with many of the UN Sustainable Development Goals including:

• Zero Hunger (SDG 2)
• Good Health and Well-being (SGD3)
• Quality Education (SDG4)
• Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
• Climate Action (SDG 13)
• Life below Water (SDG14)
• Life on Land (SDG 15)
• Partnership for the Goals (SDG 17)

Testimonial

I chose this course as I had a key interest in developing as a plant scientist and researching the effects of climate change and abiotic stresses on plants in Ireland. This course has allowed me to develop my lab skills necessary for professional development. Since undertaking this course I’ve had opportunities to work in plant health research divisions with the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine in Celbridge, Co. Kildare and Bartletts Tree Experts in Reading, England. I’ve also had the pleasure to represent UCD at the All-Ireland Young Horticulturist of the Year awards. I would highly recommend this course for anyone with an interest in plants.

William Kennedy, 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.

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How to Apply

General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Horticulture:

* you can change options at the top of the page

Additional special entry route(s) to Horticulture:

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.

Further Information

Contact UsEventsInformation for your CountryUndergraduate AdmissionDownload BrochureDownload BrochureView UCD ProspectusChat to Students

Other Courses of Interest

• Agri-Environmental Sciences (ESS1)
• Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (LDS2)
• Forestry (FOS1)
• Food Science (FSS2)