MSc(Agr) Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development
University College Dublin
Key Information
Campus location
Dublin, Ireland
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 year
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 9,690 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* EU fee per year - € 9690; non-EU fee per year - € 27720
Introduction
The MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development responds to the new agenda for agriculture and rural area development. It represents a return to core values in the development of rural areas which are rooted in agricultural change as well as responding to new societal demands such as safe and ethically produced food, a healthier environment and sustainable and affordable energy. These issues are relevant in Ireland, industrialised countries and in the developing world.
This programme, which is offered on both a full-time and part-time basis, prepares graduates for roles of leadership, advocacy and influence in local, national and international development settings. This is achieved by strengthening capabilities in the relevant analytical, communications and entrepreneurship skills, underpinned by the provision of an enhanced understanding of the theory, policy and practice of rural development.
The learning environment fosters individual and group-based activities, which develop students’ skills of inquiry, critical thinking, self-directed and collaborative learning. A variety of teaching and learning approaches are used including group project work, student presentations, individual assignments, field trips and case study work.
Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate options are available.
Vision and Values Statement
The MSc in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development is offered on both a full-time and part-time basis, offering a flexible approach by which students can equip themselves with the required skills and knowledge base to develop careers in the broad arena of sustainable agriculture and rural development. The goal of our programme is to prepare graduates for roles of leadership, advocacy and influence in local, national and international development settings. This is achieved by strengthening their capabilities in the relevant analytical, communications and entrepreneurship skills, underpinned by the provision of an enhanced understanding of the theory, policy and practice of rural development. The learning environment fosters individual and group-based activities, which develop students’ skills of inquiry, critical thinking, self-directed and collaborative learning. A variety of teaching and learning approaches are used including group project work, student presentations, individual assignments, field trips and case study work.
Gallery
Ideal Students
Who should apply?
Full-Time option suitable for:
- Domestic (EEA) applicants: Yes
- International (Non-EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region: Yes
Part-Time option suitable for:
- Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
- International (Non-EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No
The Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Programme is aimed at people from a range of disciplinary backgrounds (including humanities, sciences, business) who are interested in pursuing careers in the broad arena of rural and community development in Ireland or internationally.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships on our website.
Curriculum
What modules can I take?
Stage 1 - Core
- Policies & Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development
- Minor Thesis
- Theory & Practice of Rural Enterprises
- Research Methods Part I
- Research Methods Part II
- Strategic Communications
- Sustainable Agriculture
Stage 1 - Option
- Organic Agriculture
- Economics and Sociology in Rural Development
- Planning for Development
- Agricultural Extension & Innov
- Understanding the Family Farm Business
- Behaviour Change in Ag
- Community-Led Local Dev
Program Outcome
- Complete a research proposal related to sustainable agriculture and rural development issues, undertake relevant field and desk research, review and present literature and present and analyse relevant data.
- Demonstrate enhanced problem-solving skills for application to issues in agriculture and rural development and the ability to formulate/evaluate potential solutions.
- Plan and implement strategic communications campaigns in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (SARD) settings.
- Understand and interpret strategies applied in achieving the objectives of SARD in Ireland, the EU and internationally
- Understand the nature and practice of rural diversification.
- Understand the context within which sustainable agriculture and rural development-related policies are devised
- Understand the key principles and practices that make agriculture sustainable.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Careers & Employability
Graduates from this programme will be equipped with the required skills and knowledge base to develop careers in the broad arena of sustainable agriculture and rural development in Ireland or Internationally in both the public and private sectors.
Graduates typically find employment in government, agricultural and rural development agencies, local development agencies, NGOs involved in rural development, as well as donor agencies and international development organisations.
Graduate Roles:
- Development Managers
- Advisors
- Consultants
- Public servants
- Researchers