This course is jointly provided Queen’s University, Belfast and CAFRE at Greenmount Campus. The first and second years of the programme are spent at Greenmount Campus, followed by a period of work placement, with the final year based at Queen’s University, Belfast. The teaching programme has been developed in consultation with employers, industry representatives and academics to offer students a combined curriculum of formal instruction and practical experience, aimed at enhancing their employability. This Honours Degree is available in two pathways; the three year course incorporates a four month work placement whilst the four year Professional Studies option allows students to take a one-year work placement.

Course Aim

The aim of the course is to develop technical, management, interpersonal and problem solving skills to prepare graduates for successful careers in agriculture and ancillary industries. The partnership arrangement between CAFRE and Queen’s University, Belfast capitalises on the strengths of both institutions to provide a course which is academically challenging but also focused on the application of economic and scientific principles.

Course Content

Year 1

• Animal husbandry
• Animal science
• Crop husbandry
• Enterprise technology ( Student Learning Projects)
• Information technology and core skills
• Introduction to farm business management
• Mechanisation and farm buildings
• Plant science

Year 2

• Agriculture and the environment
• Crop production
• Alternative land use and Diversification
• Enterprise management, (Student Learning Projects)
• Farm business management
• Farming and environmental management
• Grassland management
• Livestock production 1
• Livestock production 2
• Supply chain management and marketing
• Work placement (3 year option)

Year 3

• Professional Studies work placement option

Year 3/4

• Project
• Advances in crop and animal science and technology
• Farm animal health and welfare
• Business innovation and entrepreneurship
• Global issues in agriculture
• Policies for Environmental Sustainability

Placement

Work placement provides students with an excellent opportunity to relate academic theory to the work environment, develop identified work related skills, critically evaluate learning and appraise career opportunities. Students spend four months (3 year programme) or one year (4 year programme) on work placement. Students are responsible for identifying and arranging their own work placements.

Entry requirements

'A' Level

BBB at ‘A’ level including a Science subject (preferably Biology or Chemistry). If Biology or Chemistry is not one of the ‘A’ level subjects then GCSE Double Award Science or Chemistry at Grade C is required. Candidates will also be expected to have a good GCSE profile including passes at  Grade C, or better in English Language and Mathematics.

Irish Leaving Certificate

B2B2B2B2CC / B2B2B2B2B2 at Higher Level including Higher Level grade B2 in a Science subject, preferably Agricultural Science, Biology or Chemistry and if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade C in Mathematics and English.
Candidates not offering Agricultural Science, Biology or Chemistry at Higher Level must have Chemistry at Ordinary Level grade C.

National Diploma

Science/agriculture based National Diploma with normally eight Distinctions and ten Merits. Applications are considered individually on their own merit, GCSE background and first year results are taken into account.

Progression from HND

There are opportunities for progression from HND Agriculture to BSc Agriculture Technology.

Practical experience

All candidates are required to have at least three months relevant practical farming experience.

Additional qualifications

During the course students may have the opportunity to achieve additional, nationally recognised qualifications which give a competitive advantage in employment or career progression. These qualifications include:

• European Computer Driving License (ECDL)
• City and Guilds Licentiateship
• Emergency First Aid Certificate
• LANTRA Certificate of Basic Training in Manual Handling and Safe Lifting
• LANTRA Certificate of Basic Training in Rough Terrain Telescopic Lift Truck (Pallet and Bulk)
• Certificate in Basic Health and Safety

Scholarships

A number of scholarships, each worth  £1,000, are available to students studying on the BSc Agricultural Technology course

Careers

Agricultural graduates occupy managerial posts in government services, agricultural banking, consultancy, ancillary industry or farm management. The course is broadbased and is designed to provide students with the flexibility to adapt to a changing job market and each year a number of graduates obtain employment outside the sector.