Course Summary
Agricultural Systems Technology is aimed at students who wish to learn how to build, develop, and manage technology for the agriculture sector. Students will gain a deep understanding of how to use technology in order to improve and enhance sustainability, efficiency and reliability in farming and food production. You will take classes in engineering, science, mathematics and data science. Upon completing the course, you will be uniquely equipped to build, develop and manage technologies such as computer systems, networks, data management and sensors, machinery systems and precision agriculture.
Student View - Claudia McCormick
Growing up on a beef farm in Co. Offaly, I have always been involved in the day to day farming and felt Agricultural Science was the best path for me. I chose the course Agricultural Systems
Technology (AST), as I have always had a keen interest in not only farming but engineering, technology, and understanding why things do what they do.
The course is a great way to understand the background of our farming practices and how we can use technology to improve them further. The course is small and close-knit, which means you know everyone, and it makes classes very enjoyable.
AST has given me so many opportunities, including studying for a semester abroad at Queensland University in Australia. I completed my PWE with Self Help Africa, where I worked on projects where technology is used to create better farming practices for third world country farmers.
With the way the world is changing and growing, I think studying AST is the way forward.
View the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, Undergraduate Programmes prospectus here
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.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Career Progression
Graduates will find rewarding and challenging employment in agri-food industries, including; Production agriculture, Environmental Protection, Consulting, Equipment manufacturing, and Agri-Tech.
Typical roles include technical and managerial positions in; Production, Service Provision, Environmental Protection, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Process & Product Design. There are also excellent graduate study opportunities to specialise in Environmental Technology, Food Engineering and Sustainable Energy and Green Technology.
Further Research
DISCLAIMER: These links are to official sources of information for this course - we accept no responsibility for the information on them.
