A new pathway linking Dunboyne College of Further Education with University College Dublin is offering students an alternative route into agricultural science without applying through the CAO.

The integrated tertiary degree pathway was developed by UCD, Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB), Dunboyne College and the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence, with support from the National Tertiary Office.

It is aimed at students interested in agriculture, food production, environmental sustainability and agricultural technology who may feel that a university degree is out of reach, who may prefer to begin their studies closer to home or did not have the opportunity to study agricultural science at school.

Applicants do not need a farming background or previous practical experience.

Students will begin by completing a QQI Level 5 award in Applied Science Laboratory Techniques at Dunboyne College.

Modules will include animal anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, laboratory skills, communications and work experience.

The first year is intended to give students a strong foundation in the sciences underpinning agricultural science, while providing smaller class sizes, learner supports, career guidance and a gradual transition into university study.

Students will visit UCD during the year, including UCD Lyons Farm, and will also engage with local farms, agribusinesses and research environments.

It allows students to begin their studies locally in Dunboyne before progressing to UCD and graduating with an honours degree through a more flexible pathway

Links with the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence will provide exposure to automation, laboratory instrumentation, data-driven systems and emerging agri-tech tools, including lidar scanners, drones and robots.

The course will also introduce students to areas such as precision farming, smart sensors and bioprocessing, helping them understand how technology is being used to improve productivity, sustainability and decision-making across the agri food sector.

Work experience is a mandatory part of the programme and will allow students to gain practical experience in a professional setting and develop an understanding of potential careers across the agricultural and science sectors.

Progression to UCD

Unlike a standalone further education qualification followed by a separate university application, the programme is a planned and integrated pathway developed jointly by LMETB, Dunboyne College of Further Education and UCD.

Students who successfully complete the Dunboyne element and meet the progression requirements will enter Year 1 of UCD’s Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree. To progress, students must achieve a full QQI award with five distinctions. This must include mathematics, which may also be met through Leaving Certificate results, along with distinctions in two science-related modules such as biology, chemistry or physics.

Once at UCD, students take core science and mathematics modules before choosing from 11 degree specialisations. These include agri environmental sciences, agricultural systems technology, animal science, crop science, dairy business, food and agribusiness management, forestry and horticulture.

Applications are made directly to Dunboyne College or through the National Tertiary Office (nto.hea.ie). The programme does not operate through the CAO, meaning students who did not apply for the degree programme in agricultural science at UCD can still apply.

Applicants must be aged 17 or older by 31 December of the entry year and have completed the Leaving Certificate, LCVP, Leaving Certificate Applied or a QQI Level 4 major award. They must also submit a 100 to 200-word personal statement and attend an interview. There are 12 places available in the first intake.

Beginning locally may help reduce accommodation, travel and day-to-day living costs. The administrative fee is €30, while educational visits to UCD and the AMTCE are covered by the college. For farming families, the local first year may also allow students to remain connected to home and helping on the family farm.

Flexible pathway

Announcing the programme earlier this year, Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless said: “This new Tertiary Degree in Agricultural Science reflects our commitment to widening access to higher education while supporting one of Ireland’s most vital sectors.

“It allows students to begin their studies locally in Dunboyne before progressing to UCD and graduating with an honours degree through a more flexible pathway.

“This programme will help develop the next generation of highly-skilled graduates by providing a clear and accessible route from further education through to an honours degree at UCD,” the minister added.

See dunboynecollege.ie or email Angela Cahill (tertiary manager) at nto@lmetb.ie