Over the last three years, there has been a decline in ag science points across Level 7 and Level 8 degree programmes, causing concern across the sector. The number of Leaving Cert students selecting agriculture as their first preference for Level 8 courses in 2025 is down by 6%.

However, the recent round one offers for agriculture courses increased by 9%. Along with this, CAO points for each of the Level 8 degree programmes in agriculture science have jumped this year, indicating that more students are interested in studying these courses at third-level and starting careers in the sector.

For the first time in three years, the Central Applications Office (CAO) points for agricultural science in University College Dublin (UCD) are above 400, hitting 432.

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Points at University College Cork (UCC) have increased by 42 from 446 in 2024 to 484 this year. To study the Level 8 course at University of Galway, points stand at 420. This is a rise of 11 points from 2024. The Dundalk Institute of Technology agricultural science course has risen by 10 points this year, while there was a small increase in points at South East Technological University.

Irish Country Living spoke to the department heads in each of the colleges that offer a Level 8 degree in agricultural science.

1. Professor Frank Buckley professor of agricultural science and head of discipline, University College Cork

“Demand for agriculture science at UCC continues to be strong. Applications through CAO were well up on last year.

“We took the opportunity to increase our intake by six places this year, yet our points requirement rose compared to last year, which is pleasing.

“We put this down to the many unique selling points and opportunities available to our students over the course of their studies.

“Our aim has always been to attract bright, ambitious students. At 484 points and based on our experience and feedback from employers, we are very satisfied that we are achieving just that.”

2. Dr Eleanor Kent, head of land sciences department, South East Technological University

“Agricultural programmes at SETU continue to attract strong interest, with Level 8 applications rising by 11% year-on-year and Level 7 applications increasing by 5%. Entry points for Level 8 courses moved upwards, while Level 7 saw only minor adjustments. Notably, the number of students accepting agricultural offers is on a steady upward curve compared to previous years.

“This strong demand for agricultural programmes is positive for the industry. Students increasingly recognise the diverse career opportunities with a degree in agricultural science, in a sector which has consistently shown great resilience through many crises. The importance of education for students wishing to pursue a career in farming is central to securing the future of the agri food industry.”

3. David Styles, director of agricultural science, University of Galway

“The BSc degree in agricultural science at University of Galway continues to receive applications considerably in excess of the 35 places available, with a CAO points threshold of 420 this year, up from 409 last year. This reflects a strong interest in the subject and a positive employment outlook for the agricultural sector more widely.

“The first cohort of students in agricultural science graduated this year, as it’s still a relatively new programme in the University of Galway.

“The strong demand for the offering reflects students’ growing awareness of the need to embed principles of sustainability and resilience into the development of Ireland’s agriculture and food sectors, to safeguard vibrant futures and high-quality career outcomes in agri food.”

4. Professor Frank Monaghan, dean of agriculture, University College Dublin

“At UCD there was a 16% increase in students applying for BAgrSc courses in 2025. This indicates a very strong demand for our programmes, which we are delighted about.

“We believe a number of factors explain the demand, including the range of specialisations we offer, which gives students a lot of choice. The success of our graduates, many holding senior positions in the agri food sector and beyond, is evidence of excellent post-graduation employment opportunities. This is something we highlight to prospective students.

“We also have a long history of agricultural education at UCD – we’ll be celebrating 100 years of Agriculture at UCD in 2026.”

5. Dr Siobhán Jordan, head of department of agriculture, food and animal health, Dundalk Institute of Technology

“The demand for the Level 8 programme at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT) and Teagasc, Ballyhaise Agricultural College this year reflects a growing awareness in Ireland of the need to balance agricultural productivity with environmental responsibility.

“Places on the programme are competitive, and graduates will be well positioned to meet the demands of an evolving agri food sector. Employers across the farming, agribusiness, advisory services, and agri technology sectors are increasingly seeking professionals who can integrate sustainable practices into their daily operations. This means a new generation of farmers and advisors who can help the sector meet EU environmental obligations while safeguarding its global reputation for high-quality food.”

6. Dr Gerard Corkery, head of department, biological and pharmaceutical sciences, Munster Technological University

“The MTU agricultural science programme on the Kerry campus required 331 points in CAO Round 1 this year. For 2025/26, we expect to offer 32 places to first year students, where they will begin their studies in our recently opened state-of-the-art An Cuan building on the Kerry Campus.

“The continuing healthy demand reflects the central role of the agri food sector in Ireland’s economy and the opportunities arising from new challenges. This year’s intake highlights confidence in agricultural science as a rewarding and future-focused career choice.”

7. Jon Parry, principal of Gurteen College, Co Tipperary

The agricultural science and sustainability Level 8 degree is jointly delivered by Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and Gurteen College.

“The degree was launched in 2022 and is now in its fourth year of student recruitment. Over the years, CAO application numbers and class sizes have remained remarkably consistent. In September 2025, we will again welcome a full group of 35 new first-year undergraduates onto the degree.

“In addition to the 35 new first-year students joining a course in September 2025, there are 10 graduates from the Gurteen Level 6 agriculture course joining the second year of the degree through advanced entry. The number of CAO applicants has remained consistent over the years and produced solid high-quality groups of students.”

8. Gerard McDaid, agricultural science lecturer, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo

“We have a strong intake of students for our Level 8 Agriculture degree programmein in 2025. Over the last number of years the number of students on our course has increased substantially with the points requirement continuing to remain constant, albeit with a slight decease this year.

“It is worth noting that we have filled our Level 8 programme on round one offers in the last number of years, with no round two offers made, and this is the case this year again.”

See farmersjournal.ie for CAO agriculture science points 2021-2025.