The aim of this course is to produce graduates with knowledge and skills in agriculture with a focus on sustainability. While the course provides the students with a sound theoretical basis for understanding complex agricultural and environmental phenomena within a sustainable development context, its focus is on the practical application of knowledge and skills including agri‑business and on‑farm settings.

Agriculture and food is an expanding and vital sector in the Irish economy and sustainability is becoming increasingly important within that sector. The requirement for environmental and sustainability managers in the agribusiness sector is constantly growing. This degree is designed to develop graduates with expertise in the management of agriculture’s interaction with the environment who will be ideally qualified to take advantage of the growing employment opportunities.

The course is designed to give graduates the practical skills in the laboratory, fieldwork and farm skills to work in a broad range of sectors. There are also subjects on personal development which are valuable for success in the workplace. In the second semester of year 3, students will have the opportunity to take part in a work placement of their choice to hone their practical skills while in year 4 they will study atmospherics, carbon management and soil management which are essential in developing sustainable agricultural systems.