Course Summary
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.
View the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, Undergraduate Programmes prospectus here
Student View - Owen Cashman
Coming from a dairy farm in Co. Cork I was always interested in food production and farming but it was while studying Agricultural Science for my leaving certificate that I really developed a passion for the subject. I choose UCD because it is recognised as the most established level eight agricultural science degree course in Ireland.
The standard of modules and teaching was excellent. Once you get into stage three and four any interest you develop is well tested with a balance of practical observation in UCD Lyons Farm and well taught modules.
A major learning curve for Animal and Crop Production students is professional work experience in stage three. I travelled to a pasture based dairy farm in Missouri in the US. You gain practical and technical experience and learn about food systems and research across the world. If the opportunity allows it can be complemented by great opportunities to see farming in different parts of the world.
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.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
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.
Career Progression
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.
Further Research
DISCLAIMER: These links are to official sources of information for this course - we accept no responsibility for the information on them.
