Why study BSc (Horticulture) at Kildalton (SETU partnership) — student-friendly case for you

• Hands-on, industry-connected: the BSc Horticulture run with Kildalton College is built around practical skills (polytunnels, nurseries, plant production, landscape and amenity systems), labs and work placements so you graduate ready to work.

• Specialised campus environment: Kildalton (Piltown, Co. Kilkenny) is a dedicated agricultural & horticultural college with large practical facilities and greenhouses — great for students who want field-based learning.

• Two academic routes available at SETU: a three-year Level 7 BSc (Horticulture) delivered with Kildalton and also SETU offers a Level 8 Honours BSc in Horticulture (a 4-year honours route) — check which award your chosen course runs under when you apply.

 

Level of study / Award

• Level 7 — BSc (Ordinary), Horticulture (typically 3 years) — commonly the programme delivered at Kildalton in partnership with SETU/Teagasc. 

• Level 8 — BSc (Honours), Horticulture (typically 4 years) — SETU also lists honours degrees in horticulture (confirm specific intake/course code when applying).

 

Campus locations (where you’ll study)

• Kildalton College, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny — core horticulture practical work (greenhouses, nurseries, plant production).

• SETU Waterford / Cork Road Campus — some modules, business/academic tuition, labs and central student services; a shuttle operates between Cork Road campus and Kildalton during term.

 

Mode of learning

• On-campus (face-to-face) for practical horticulture modules (majority at Kildalton). Some theoretical / lecture modules or assessments may be delivered on SETU campus or via blended methods where appropriate. Check each year’s timetable — the degree is largely campus-based with practical placement components.

 

Duration, Credits / Points

• Duration: Level 7 BSc — 3 years full-time; Level 8 Honours BSc — 4 years full-time.

• Credits (Honor’s route): Level 8 Honours BSc typically 240 ECTS over 4 years; Level 7 Ordinary BSc is typically 180 ECTS (confirm exact credit award on the course page).

 

Typical intake dates & application routes

• Main intake: September (Autumn) — this is the standard academic start for undergraduate programmes in Ireland. International applicants should allow time for visa processing. SETU lists application deadlines and intake guidance on its international pages (non-EU/visa applicants have set deadlines). If applying through CAO for an undergraduate CAO-listed course, follow CAO timelines (CAO opens in Nov; main deadline early February; offers from late August).

 

Entry criteria (international students) — what you need to prepare

1. Academic qualifications: completion of secondary education equivalent to Irish Leaving Certificate (Varies by country — e.g., Indian Class 12 with relevant subjects). Specific grade/GPA requirements depend on the programme and year of entry (and whether applying to Level 7 or Level 8). 

2. English language: SETU publishes accepted tests and minimum scores — commonly IELTS Academic 5.5–6.0 (some programmes require a higher minimum or minimum band scores); TOEFL and other certifications are also accepted — check the SETU English language requirements page for precise thresholds for your course. 

3. Application pathway: CAO (for CAO-listed undergraduate places) OR SETU’s international online application portal for non-CAO applicants. Mature-student or advanced-entry routes are also possible if you have relevant prior higher education or work experience. 

4. Work placement / Garda vetting: some placements (practical internships) may require additional checks; if you plan to work with vulnerable groups or in certain industries you may need Garda vetting or equivalent. (Check course placement guidance).

 

Subjects / Programme structure (what you’ll study)

• Core practical modules: plant propagation, nursery production, greenhouse production, pest & disease management, soil science, plant nutrition, ornamental production, fruit & vegetable production. 

• Business & professional modules: farm/enterprise management, agribusiness, marketing, project work, workplace skills and employability. 

• Specialisation streams: students often choose specialisms such as production horticulture, amenity & landscape, plant protection, or nursery/ornamental production (exact specialisms available can vary by year). 

• Placement / Work Experience: built into the degree — you’ll undertake industry placements to gain practical experience and employability skills.

 

Disciplines / Specialisations offered

• Production Horticulture (fruit & veg)

• Ornamental/Nursery production & Bedding plant production

• Landscaping & Amenity horticulture

• Protected cropping / greenhouse technology

• Plant health, pest & disease management
  Availability of these streams depends on the specific course version (Level 7 vs Level 8) and choices offered each year.

 

Career outcomes & employability

Graduates typically work as: horticulture/production managers, nursery supervisors, landscape designers/technicians, technical advisors, sales/marketing roles in horticultural supply companies, arboriculture and amenity management, crop production specialists, or continue to postgraduate study (research or MSc programmes). The programme’s placement component and Teagasc/industry links help with recruitment.

 

Latest updates or special requirements (important)

• New developments: SETU is an evolving technological university with new faculties and facilities (watch for course updates, new research centres, and planned developments such as veterinary/animal science expansions at Kildalton). Always check the course page for the latest details before applying. 

• English & documentary checks: SETU enforces published English language minima and will require certified transcripts, passports and other documents for international/visa applicants (see SETU Global application guidance).