MSc(Agr) Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development
Dublin, Ireland
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 29,100 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for full time non-EU | EUR 10,430 for full-time EU | EUR 14,550 for part-time non-EU | EUR 5,270 for part-time EU
Introduction
The MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development responds to contemporary and future transformations in agriculture and rural development. The programme takes a place-based approach to rural change and rural futures, and addresses how agriculture can contribute to sustainable development. It examines how farming and rural areas are changing, and how communities and government can address future challenges and opportunities. These issues are relevant in Ireland and internationally, in the Global South and Global North.
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.
Gallery
Ideal Students
Who should apply?
Full-Time option suitable for:
- Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
- International (Non EU) applicants: Yes
Part Time option suitable for:
- Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
- International (Non EEA) applicants: 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 contact our Admissions team!
Curriculum
What modules can I take?
Stage 1 - Core
- Research Methods Part I
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Community-Led Local Dev
- Policies & Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development
- Theory & Practice of Rural Enterprises
- Research Methods Part II
- Minor Thesis
Stage 1 - Option
- Organic Agriculture
- Economics and Sociology in Rural Development
- Agricultural Extension & Innov
- Understanding the Family Farm Business
- Agricultural Education
- Global Food Systems
- Behaviour Change in Ag
- Rural Placemaking
Program Outcome
- Complete a research proposal related to a sustainable agriculture and rural development issue, undertaking 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 sector.
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
Student Testimonials
Program Admission Requirements
Show your commitment and readiness for Grad school by taking the GRE - the most broadly accepted exam for graduate programs internationally.