Why Study Bachelor of Science (Honours) Agricultural Science at SETU

Here are some of the main reasons this is a good choice, especially as an international student:

• Comprehensive skill set: This honours degree gives you knowledge in crop & animal production, business, science, environment, ICT, quality assurance etc. It blends theoretical and practical learning.

• Practical farm experience: You’ll do a 12-week farm placement (in Year 2) to gain real-world experience on commercial farms. Practical modules are taught in both Kildalton College and SETU Waterford campuses.

• Recognition / Green Cert: This programme fulfills the requirements for the “Green Cert” for stamp duty exemption / land transfer for young farmers. That can be a useful financial / legal benefit in Ireland.

• Career flexibility: Graduates can go into farm management, advisory services, agribusiness, quality control, environmental roles, agrifood sector, further studies etc.

 

Level of Study & Award

• Level: NFQ Level 8 (Honours degree)

• Award: Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agricultural Science

 

Campus Locations

• Kildalton College (Co. Kilkenny) for core agricultural / farm-based practical modules

• SETU Waterford Campus (Cork Road, Waterford) for the more theoretical, business, scientific, managerial modules.

 

Mode of Learning

• On-campus, full time: The course is delivered in person, with laboratories, lectures, field/farm work

• Some modules are heavily practical (farm placement, work with animals/plants, mechanisation, etc.) and must be done in person. Technology / ICT / business modules may include lectures, labs, but still on-site.

• There is no indication that this programme is available fully online or in a blended mode as the main delivery; practical agricultural work demands in-person attendance.

 

Subjects / Programme Structure (What You Will Study)

Here’s a snapshot of how the course is structured and the kinds of modules / topics you’ll cover in each year.

Year	Key Topics / Modules
Year 1	Introduction to agriculture & farm practices, animal & plant biology, mechanisation & safety, crop & grassland basics, farm health & safety, basic business / farm accounts, communication/ICT skills, soil science fundamentals, environmental awareness.
Year 2	More scientific/agronomic modules: animal production, crop production systems, plant nutrition, genetics/breeding, soil & water systems, mechanisation, business modules, possibly modules on sustainable practices. Also a farm placement (12 weeks) for practical experience.
Year 3	Advanced production systems, more business/management: agribusiness, quality assurance, sustainable energy, marketing, farm financial management, etc. Some scientific modules, environment & regulatory aspects
Year 4	Applying your learning: project work, possibly a capstone research or applied project, advanced management, leadership, specialist topics (e.g. integrated pest management, water management, environmental regulation), selection of electives.

 

Disciplines / Specialisations offered

While the programme is broad, there are some areas of specialisation or elective streams:

• Agribusiness / farm business management

• Sustainable farming practices, environmental regulation

• Crop & animal production systems

• Quality assurance, food safety

• Technology in agriculture: ICT, mechanisation, renewable energy, etc.

• Water management & sustainable resource systems

• Electives may cover Integrated Pest Management, Sustainable Water Management Systems, etc.

 

Career Outcomes

Graduates of BSc (Honours) Agricultural Science can expect to access a wide variety of career paths, such as:

• Farm Manager or Owner

• Agricultural Advisor / Extension Officer

• Roles in agribusiness firms (sales, marketing, quality control, feed/fertiliser companies)

• Technical / scientific roles in crop / animal production, sustainability, environmental / land management

• Regulatory or consulting roles (food safety, environmental regulation)

• Opportunities in supply chain, resource management, sustainable farming / organic farming

• Further studies: postgraduate (Master’s) or research degrees in agriculture, environmental science, food science etc.

• Potential to teach in agricultural colleges or in training/extension services.