University College Cork (UCC) has officially launched its Level 8 agricultural science course.

The course, which will be run in collaboration with Teagasc, was launched last Saturday in the college. The degree will be anchored in the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Studies at UCC and in the Animal and Grasslands Research Centre in Teagasc Moorepark. A four-year course, up to 30% of the programme will be delivered by Teagasc onsite at Moorepark.

Students will undertake a 28-week period of work placement commencing in February, in semesters two and three of third year. This 20-credit placement will also encompass preparation, health and safety training and spray certification.

The third-year placement will take place on farms mostly throughout the Munster region. Students must be in possession of a valid driving licence prior to commencing their placement in year three of the programme, according to the course specifications.

The course is to begin in September 2019. There are currently 12 Level 8 courses in agriculture nationwide, with Letterkenny IT launching its first Level 8 course this month.