I’m interested in studying Agriculture, what courses are available?
What are my options to study Agriculture?
Agriculture is Ireland’s largest indigenous industry and is one that continues to show growth with great potential for the future. Forests have never been as important as they are now. The gardening and landscaping sector is thriving nationally while the Agri food sector employs approximately 167,500 people in Ireland (Teagasc). There are many opportunities within this sector from farming, engineering, forestry to consultancy, creating new food products and many more. If you are someone who enjoys hands on, practical work, this sector may have something to suit you.
What courses are available in agriculture through the C.A.O. system?
There are a huge variety of courses on offer to study Agriculture within the C.A.O. system at levels 6, 7 and 8. There is the option to study a general Agricultural Degree and specialise in a particular discipline later (for example in U.C.D. (456 points), Letterkenny I.T. (202 points), N.U.I.G (new this year), U.C.C. (496 points).
Or students can study a more specific agricultural degree such as,
· Agricultural Engineering at G.M.I.T. (309 points)
· Food Science at U.C.D. (477 points)
· Food Science & Nutrition at L.Y.I.T. (194 points)
· Forestry at Waterford I.T. (243 points)
· Landscape Architecture at U.C.D. (407 points)
· Rural Enterprise and Agri Business at G.M.I.T. (281 points)
More information on the full variety of agricultural courses available and entry requirements can be found at www.qualifax.ie and www.careersportal.ie .
Are there further education courses available?
Yes, Teagasc run one and two year courses at their agricultural colleges throughout Ireland. They are a mix of theory and practical work and are available at level 5 and level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (N.F.Q.). Applications to these further education courses are made online directly to Teagasc at www.teagasc.ie, not C.A.O.
The colleges include:
· Ballyhaise College, Co. Cavan
· Clonakilty College, Co. Cork
· Gurteen Agricultural College, Co. Tipperary
· Kildalton College, Co. Kilkenny
· Mountbellew Agricultural College, Co. Galway
· Salesian Agricultural College, Pallaskenry, Co Limerick.
What further education courses are available?
Teagasc offer a great variety of courses throughout Ireland, including:
· Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture
· Dairy Herd Management
· Agriculture Mechanisation
· Forestry
· Poultry Management
· Crops and Machinery Management
· Horsemanship
· Horticulture
· And many more
What are the entry requirements for the further education courses?
There is no minimum educational requirement for the courses but applicants who have achieved a leaving certificate standard of education are likely to benefit most. Applicants must be over 17 years on 1 January following entry to the course. Mature students are welcome. Applications are open now and can be made directly to the Agricultural college of choice by 1st June.
For more information and to apply, go to www.teagasc.ie
Are there any other courses available?
Yes, there are other short courses available through www.fetchcourses.ie. There are courses available in Horsemanship, Animal Care, Horticulture, Food Science and others. Check out the website for further information. Also, check out Donegal ETB for local courses available at www.donegaletb.ie .
There are many options available, at both Higher and Further Education, to study agriculture. It is worthwhile to do your research now to see if this is a possibility for you. Remember to keep all your options open. For more information on courses and applications, contact McCullagh Careers today at info@mccullaghcareers.ie or 0872120527.