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BSc (Hons) Degree in Agricultural Technology

Agriculture > BSc (Hons) Degree in Agricultural Technology

Agriculture
Course Duration

Full-time: 3 years or 4 years including work placement

Course Location

Various

BSc (Hons) Degree in Agricultural Technology

This Degree course in Agriculture is jointly provided by Queen’s University, Belfast and CAFRE. The first and second years of the Honours Degree programme are spent at Greenmount Campus, followed by a period of work placement, with the final year based at Queen’s University, Belfast (QUB).

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. The aim of the course is to develop professional, technical, management, interpersonal and problem solving skills to prepare graduates for successful careers in the 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 is strongly focused on the application of business, economic and scientific principles.

Course content

Modules (Level 4:Year 1)

  • Applied animal science
  • Applied crop science
  • Enterprise technology
  • Introduction to business and research methods
  • Mechanisation and farm buildings

Modules (Level 5:Year 2)

  • Agri-food business marketing and management
  • Crop production systems
  • Livestock production and management
  • Sustainable agriculture (4 year option only)
  • Work placement

Modules (Level 6:Year 3/4)

  • Advances in crop and animal science and technology
  • Agricultural technology project
  • Business innovation and entrepreneurship
  • Farm animal health and welfare
  • Global issues in agriculture
  • Policies for environmental sustainability
Work placement

Students completing the Degree over three years spend four months on work placement. One year work placement options are completed as Year 3 of the course. Students are responsible for arranging their own work placements in conjunction with Queen’s University, Belfast Work Placement Advisers.

Course Progression

Graduates may have the opportunity to progress onto appropriate postgraduate studies or research.

Agricultural graduates are employed in a range of managerial posts in government services, agricultural banking, consultancy, research, education and training, ancillary industry or farm management. The course 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.

Fees and funding support

Students applying to study on the BSc (Hons) Degree in Agricultural Technology are enrolled as Queen’s University Belfast students and pay tuition fees set by Queen’s.

Course Entry Requirements

A-Level
BBB including at least two relevant subjects (see list below) plus GCSE Mathematics grade C.
Or ABB including one relevant subject (see list below) plus GCSE Mathematics grade C.
Note: Applicants not offering either Biology or Chemistry at A-Level should have GCSE Chemistry grade C or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC.

Relevant subjects: Agricultural Science; Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Environmental Science; Geography; Geology; Home Economics; ICT; Mathematics; Physics; Physical Education; Psychology; Technology & Design. Other subjects considered on an individual basis.

Irish leaving certificate
H3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in two relevant subjects (see list below) plus if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics.
Or
H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in a relevant subject (see list below) plus if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics.
Note:
Applicants not offering Agricultural Science, Biology or Chemistry at Higher Level must have Chemistry at Ordinary Level grade O4.

BTEC Extended Diploma
A relevant Agriculture/Science BTEC Extended Diploma with 100 credits at Distinction and 80 credits at Merit plus GCSE Chemistry grade C or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC plus GCSE Mathematics grade C.

Access/Foundation Course
Successful completion of a relevant Access Course (normally Science based) with an average of 65%. Plus GCSE Mathematics grade C or equivalent in Access Course.

The Admissions and Access Service at Queen’s University Belfast is responsible for the entry requirements to this course; for further details please visit www.qub.ac.uk/

In addition to meeting the course entry requirements applicants must also meet the General Entrance Requirements for Queen’s.

For other qualifications, please consult the UCAS website

To apply for the course please follow this link to the UCAS website

UCAS Course Code

Institution code: Q75 Code codes: D470 (4 year) D473 (3 year)

Accommodation

Students applying to study on the BSc (Hons) Agriculture Technology Degree Course, who would like accommodation at CAFRE – Greenmount Campus, should submit their application for accommodation between the 1st June-1st September 2022, directly to the college. Apply, even if they have not yet received exam results or a confirmed offer of a place on the degree course. Any applications submitted after the 1st September 2022 will not be eligible for accommodation. The accommodation application process opens on 1st June 2022, applications must be submitted online via the website.

 

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This course is offered in conjunction with:

Queens

For information on student bursaries:

Shaping the future of Higher Education with:

Ethan McFerran

Ethan McFerran
Student

“I applied to the course to learn about aspects of agriculture including livestock, business, finance and mechanics. I have gained both great technical knowledge and skills that I can apply to running a farm business. I especially enjoy the practical elements particularly the mechanisation module, as it is very hands-on.”

Mark Carson

Key Contact

Mark Carson
Senior Lecturer (Agriculture)

Mark.Carson@daera-ni.gov.uk

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