The Thurles campus of Limerick Institute of Technology has been running a level 7 B.Sc. Environmental Management in Agriculture degree for the last three years. In 2018, this degree will be offered as a four-year, Level 8 option. The fourth year will include soil science modules and allow for a final year project focused on agriculture and the environment.

According to the college, the new course is keenly focused on sustainability issues including biodiversity management, water quality and carbon management in agriculture.

The college confirmed that current students are already securing work placements in farm auditing companies, dairy co-operatives and environmental consultancies.

Roles for graduates of the programme will include environmental technician/manager, farm auditors and agri-environmental consultants.

Key features of the programme include a significant practical component to the programme including field skills, laboratory work, computer skills and mapping.

A full module studying farm enterprises will also be undertaken in the first year of the programme. This will be based in Gurteen College with access to their 1,000-acre farm.

For further information on the programme contact Clifford Guest, programme leader, at 0504 28253, email: Clifford.guest@lit.ie, or http://lit.ie/Courses/LC434