BSc in Agriculture
Course code: WD126
What is the BSc in Agriculture course?
Agriculture is of major importance to the Irish economy and most farms are family-operated with the farmer being the owner and manager.
The first two years of the course concentrates on equipping the student with the knowledge and skills needed to manage a modern commercial farm. The third year aims to expand the student's business, managerial, scientific and IT skills.
Career Opportunities
- Managers of progressive farm enterprises
- Managers in Agri-Food cooperatives
- Managers in Meat Processing plants
- Sales positions in Agribusiness
Follow on study
BSc (Hons) in Land Management at WIT
Kildalton College
Students on the BSc in Agriculture study both at WIT and at the Teagasc Kildalton College of Agriculture. The scientific and business-related modules are taken at WIT and the agriculture-based modules are taken at Kildalton. A free bus service operates between Kildalton and WIT.
Farm Placement
In the second year of the course students spend 12 weeks on farms specially chosen by Teagasc in order to get practical experience in agriculture. A number of students choose to travel overseas for farm experience e.g. New Zealand.
Transfer
Students who have successfully completed FETAC approved Level 5 or Level 6 with a merit at Kildalton College or equivalent can apply to transfer into year 2 of the BSc in Agriculture. Students can apply through the WIT website (Undergraduate / external transfers) or contact the course leader.
Course Outline
| Year 1 | |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| Introduction to Farm Accounts Plant Biology Communication Skills Computer Applications Mechanisation & Safety Animal Breeding & Welfare |
Chemistry for Land Sciences Agriculture in the Economy Animal Biology Animal Production Agricultural Mechanisation Tillage Crop Production |
| Year 2 | |
| Semester 3 |
Semester 4 |
Soils Management |
Placement |
| Year 3 | |
| Semester 5 |
Semester 6 |
| Agriculture and Environment Food Analysis & Development ICT & Business Writing Marketing for Small Business Business Management Project (Research and Design) |
Nutrient Management Planning Quality Food Production Food Safety Management Systems Agricultural Entrepreneurship Financial Management Systems Agriculture Project |
Course Facts
Course Title: BSc in Agriculture
Course Code: WD126
Course Level: 7
Duration: 3 years
Course Entry
Leaving Certificate:
- Total number of different subjects at OD3 or better: 5
Required Subjects:
- English / Irish: OD3/HD3
Advanced Entry into Year 2:
- HC in Science in Agriculture Year 1
- FETAC Level 5 – Certificate in Agriculture with Merit from Kildalton / Clonakilty / Ballyhaise / Mountbellew / Gurteen or equivalent Agricultural Colleges
- FETAC Level 6 – Advanced Certificate in Machinery and Arable Crops, Dairy Herd Management, Drystock Management with Merit from Kildalton / Clonakilty / Ballyhaise / Gurteen or equivalent Agricultural Colleges
- Certificate in Farm Business Management (FAB) – Merit in FAB Certificate
Note: Applications from FETAC Level 5 & 6 and FAB must be made before May 31st as an interview is required
Advanced Entry into Year 3:
- HC in Science in Agriculture or equivalent
Note: Applications by transfer students from equivalent courses must be made before May 31st as an interview is required.
For further information:
Course Leader: Dr Eddy Fitzgerald
Email: efitzgerald@wit.ie
Recent Entry Points
| Year | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
| Minimum Points | 320 |
But don't just take our word...
The combination of farming and managerial skills I learnt at WIT and Kildalton equipped me extremely well for my current job as farm manager at the Teagasc research farm at Moorepark. It is different from running an ordinary commercial farm because the livestock and grassland management is designed for research programmes but I am learning a lot from other staff.
Aidan Brennan, BSc in Agriculture
