Level 8 Degree in Agricultural Science and Sustainability (BSc Hons)

This 4 year course - run between Gurteen College and TUS (Thurles) - aims to provide students with a sound theoretical basis for understanding complex agricultural and environmental phenomena within a sustainable development context.

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Level 8 Degree in Agricultural Science and Sustainability (BSc Hons)


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BSc Hons Agricultural Science & Sustainability - Level 8 Degree

 

Course Overview

The Agricultural Sustainability Degree program, offered jointly by Gurteen College and TUS, empowers students to emerge as leaders in sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship, and fulfils the requirement for Trained Farmer Status (Green Cert).

Given the pivotal role of agriculture and food production in the Irish economy, sustainability has emerged as a cornerstone of the industry's future. Our program prepares graduates to meet the escalating demand for environmental and sustainability managers in agribusiness, providing them with the expertise to navigate and influence the trajectory of sustainable agriculture.

Whether pursuing the Level 7 Degree in Agricultural Sustainability (BSc) or the Level 8 Degree in Agricultural Sustainability (BSc Hons), students receive a robust blend of theoretical insights and practical experience.

Both the Level 7 and Level 8 degrees feature a second-semester work placement in year 3, offering students invaluable practical exposure and networking opportunities within the industry.

One key distinction between the Level 7 and Level 8 degrees is the additional year of study in the Level 8 program. In the Level 8 Degree in Agricultural Sustainability (BSc Hons), students have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and skills with specialised coursework in atmospherics, carbon management, and soil management during the fourth year. 

Upon completion of the program, graduates unlock diverse employment prospects in agriculture, agri-food, and environmental management sectors. They qualify for a spectrum of roles, including agricultural advisors, farm auditors, environmental officers/scientists in agribusinesses, the public sector, and NGOs, as well as opportunities in research and consultancy.

For more information and to apply, please visit course pages in TUS website:

 

 

Course Structure

The course is designed to give graduates both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential to work in a broad range of sectors. Both the Level 7 and Level 8 degrees culminate in a second-semester work placement in year 3, providing students with valuable practical experience and networking opportunities within the industry.

 

The Level 8 Degree (BSc Hons) has an additional year of study, where students have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and skills with specialised coursework in atmospherics, carbon management, and soil management during the fourth year. 

 

Level 7 Agricultural Science & Sustainability (BSc)

 

Year 1 – Semester 1- TUS Thurles

  • Family farming in Ireland

  • Introduction to Sustainable Development

  • Introduction to Environmental Chemistry

  • Introduction to Laboratory Practice and Measurement

  • Professional Skills in third Level

 

Year 1 – Semester 2 - Gurteen College

  • Tillage Crop Husbandry

  • Animal Production

  • Soils and Peatland

  • Forestry

  • Farm Safety and Risk Assessment

  • Biology and Botany

 

Year 2 – Semester 1 - Gurteen College

  • Tillage Crop Management

  • Dairy Production Management

  • Beef and Sheep Production

  • Animal Breeding Strategies

  • Animal Welfare

  • Behaviour and QA Standards

  • Farm Business

 

Year 2 – Semester 2 - TUS Thurles

  • The Irish Agri-Food Sector

  • Environment and Sustainable Development

  • Ecology

  • Farm Habitat Assessment

  • Farm Biodiversity Skills

  • Introduction to GIS and Surveying

 

Year 3 – Semester 1- TUS Thurles

  • Grassland Management and NMP

  • Farm Management and Planning

  • Introduction to Environmental Impacts of Agriculture

  • GIS and Environmental Resources

  • Impacts of Agriculture on Water Quality

 

Year 3 – Semester 2

  • Work Placement

 

Level 8 Agricultural Science & Sustainability (BSc Hons)

 

Year 4 – Semester 1

  • Agri-Environmental Policy and Key Issues

  • Sustainable Agricultural Systems

  • Economy and Sustainable Development

  • EMS and Auditing

  • Environmental Monitoring and Assessment

  • Project Management Skills

 

Year 4 – Semester 2

  • Extension and Innovation

  • Advanced Soil Science

  • Carbon Management in Agriculture

  • Atmospheric Processes and Climate Change

  • Final Year Project

 

Awards

Successful completion of the degree awards graduates with:

Level 8 - Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc Hons) in Agricultural Science & Sustainability

 

This course fulfils the requirement for Trained Farmer Status (Green Cert), validating their expertise in sustainable agricultural practices.

 

Duration & Schedule

Both the Level 7 and Level 8 programs are full-time courses starting in September 2024. The Level 7 program spans 3 years, while the Level 8 program extends to 4 years.

 

Eligibility

  • Candidates require a minimum of 5 O6/H7 grades in Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish.
  • Mature applicants may need to attend an interview and may be required to take an aptitude test.
  • Advanced entry into Year 2 is available for applicants holding a full Level 6 QQI/FET (FETAC) award in 'Advanced Certificate in Agriculture' with specific distinctions.

 

Next Start Date

The next intake for the course is scheduled for September 2024.

 

Application Details

Applications are accessible online via the Gurteen College website:

 

If you have completed an Advanced Level 6 in Agriculture at Gurteen College or equivalent, you are eligible for advanced entry to Year 2 of the degree. Download Application Form HERE

 

Or directly through the TUS website in the respective course page:

 

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

  • Proof of PPS Number (a formal document or card displaying your PPSN)

  • Proof of Name and Date of Birth (preferably a Birth Certificate or Passport)

  • Driving Licence (front and back) if applicable

  • Medical Card (front and back) if applicable

We recommend saving photos of the required documents to your device (laptop or PC) for easy uploading during the application process.

 

Tuition Fees & Accommodation

Gurteen College provides on-site residential accommodation for students who prefer to stay on campus. Residential students are required to pay the correct accommodation fees along with the first instalment of tuition fees. Contact us to learn more about tuition fees and accommodation options.

The costs for Gurteen's courses are all-inclusive, covering meals, printing, workbooks, WiFi, utilities, access to the student kitchen, and use of on-site sporting facilities.

 

Join us at Gurteen College and unlock the doors to a fulfilling career in sustainable agriculture and farming. For further details and to request an application pack, please email us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!