Course Summary
This degree is designed to equip future leaders of the dairy industry with the scientific, technical and business skills needed to succeed in this exciting industry. The first two years provide a strong foundation in business, science, mathematics, and technology-related modules, followed by relevant applied sciences, business, and communication modules.
* For entry to the Dairy Business programme in 2021, students will apply via the DN250 CAO Code. Previous to 2021 this programme was under the CAO Code DN252.
View the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, Undergraduate Programmes prospectus here
Student View - Mary Kate Condren
Having come from a dairy farming background in Co. Wicklow, agriculture always played a huge role in my life. This course combines both the business and management elements while also having a strong focus on agricultural topics such as nutrition and genetics.
As part of my professional work experience, I spent 20 weeks on the South Island of New Zealand on an 1100-cow farm. I was fortunate to be awarded a travel bursary from the ASA/Irish Farmers Journal, which helped cover some of the costs incurred for this trip. For the second semester of third year, we were based in Teagasc Moorepark and were privileged to have been lectured by some of the top dairy researchers in Ireland and the world over.
The opportunity to be mentored by progressive, high class farmers to develop grassland management skills and to obtain an insight into their business, imparting the knowledge and skills they gained, makes this course unique.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Language Options
Language options with this course
The following language options are available to study as part of this programme:
Availability of modules will be subject to timetable, places available and module requirements, more information can be found at the UCD Horizons page.
Availability of modules will be subject to timetable, places available and module requirements, more information can be found at the UCD Horizons page.
Availability of modules will be subject to timetable, places available and module requirements, more information can be found at the UCD Horizons page.
Availability of modules will be subject to timetable, places available and module requirements, more information can be found at the UCD Horizons page.
Availability of modules will be subject to timetable, places available and module requirements, more information can be found at the UCD Horizons page.
Availability of modules will be subject to timetable, places available and module requirements, more information can be found at the UCD Horizons page.
Availability of modules will be subject to timetable, places available and module requirements, more information can be found at the UCD Horizons page.
Availability of modules will be subject to timetable, places available and module requirements, more information can be found at the UCD Horizons page.
Availability of modules will be subject to timetable, places available and module requirements, more information can be found at the UCD Horizons page.
Availability of modules will be subject to timetable, places available and module requirements, more information can be found at the UCD Horizons page.
Availability of modules will be subject to timetable, places available and module requirements, more information can be found at the UCD Horizons page.
Availability of modules will be subject to timetable, places available and module requirements, more information can be found at the UCD Horizons page.
Availability of modules will be subject to timetable, places available and module requirements, more information can be found at the UCD Horizons page.
Availability of modules will be subject to timetable, places available and module requirements, more information can be found at the UCD Horizons page.
* Time abroad utilising this language
Disclaimer: Details subject to change - always check with the college.
Entry Requirements
Disclaimer: Details subject to change - If this is a course you are considering applying for you should check on the Colleges' website to ensure you have the latest entry requirements information.
To view Mature Entry requirements, or alternative requirements, please visit Qualifax or the Colleges' website
If you believe the data above to be incorrect, please let us know at [email protected] - thank you.
QQI / FET Links
PLC courses leading to the following QQI Major Awards may be used for entry into this course.
Search for PLC Courses offering these awards
(Click on the Codes)
| Note: Information for 2025 Entry | |
| Award Code | Award Title |
| 5M2586 | Horticulture |
| 5M2768 | AnimalCare |
| 5M3807 | Laboratory Techniques |
| 5M5267 | Food Science |
Points Calculator for QQI Awards:
Details of the QQI scoring system and a points calculator can be found HERE
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Naturalist
Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.
Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Career Progression
Graduates of the Dairy Business Programme are well-positioned for a range of roles, including: Dairy Farm Management, Research, Animal feed industry, Banking, Teaching, Consultancy. Research opportunities to Master’s and PhD level are also available.
Further Research
DISCLAIMER: These links are to official sources of information for this course - we accept no responsibility for the information on them.
