Program Overview

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Bachelor of Science (Agricultural Science)

The BSc in Agricultural Science at the University of Galway is designed to prepare the next generation of agrifood professionals to meet the demands of a changing world. As the global agrifood sector faces increasing environmental challenges and shifts toward a climate-neutral, circular bioeconomy, this four-year degree equips students with the scientific, technical, and business skills needed to drive sustainable and resilient food systems.

Course Overview

• The course is delivered by the College of Science and Engineering.
• The CAO code for this course is GY322.
• The average intake is 20-30 students per year.
• The course is delivered on campus.
• The NFQ level is 8.
• There are 4 QQI/FET/FETAC places available.
• The award type is a major.
• The next intake is in September 2026.
• The duration of the course is 4 years.

Why Choose This Course?

• Practical skills: Students gain hands-on training at Teagasc centres and through farm demonstrations, building strong foundations in animal and crop science.
• Work placements: A 12-week farm placement allows students to apply their learning in real-world settings, gaining practical experience and insight into modern farm operations.
• Unique course: Offers training in GIS, carbon footprinting, and farm management.
• Employability: Prepares students for agrifood careers with Green Cert, expert-led training, and systems thinking to address climate, biodiversity, and sustainability challenges.

Course Information

The multi-trillion euro global agrifood sector is the largest contributor to economic development globally, and underpins rural employment and livelihoods. However, the environmental impacts of food production must be dramatically reduced, and new opportunities are emerging for farmers to diversify activities and income streams as society accelerates towards a climate neutral and circular bioeconomy.

Curriculum

Year 1 (60 Credits)

• Required: CH101: Chemistry (15 Credits) - Semester 1
• Required: DEV1102: Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture (5 Credits) - Semester 1
• Required: BO101: Biology (15 Credits) - Semester 1
• Required: AG1101: Introduction to Agricultural Science (5 Credits) - Semester 1
• Required: PH101: Physics (15 Credits) - Semester 1
• Required: DEV1100: Introduction to Sustainable Development I (5 Credits) - Semester 2

Year 2 (60 Credits)

• Required: AG2101: Livestock Animal Nutrition (5 Credits) - Semester 3
• Required: BO2101: Scientific Writing Skills (5 Credits) - Semester 3
• Required: AG2102: Farm safety and on-farm Risk Assessment (5 Credits) - Semester 3
• Required: TI2102: Introduction To GIS (10 Credits) - Semester 3
• Required: DEV2101: Sustainable Agriculture (5 Credits) - Semester 3
• Required: AG4103: Agronomy of Crop Production (5 Credits) - Semester 4
• Required: AG2103: Animal Health, Welfare and Quality Assurance (5 Credits) - Semester 4
• Required: MI204: Microbes and the Environment (5 Credits) - Semester 4
• Required: AG2104: Animal Breeding and Reproductive Physiology (5 Credits) - Semester 4
• Required: PAB2101: AgriBiosciences (5 Credits) - Semester 4
• Required: DEV2100: Comparative Rural Business Development (5 Credits) - Semester 4

Year 3 (60 Credits)

• Required: DEV3100: Farm Financial Management and Planning (5 Credits) - Semester 5
• Required: AG3101: Grassland & Forage Production (5 Credits) - Semester 5
• Required: PAB3101: Soil Science (5 Credits) - Semester 5
• Required: PAB3102: AgriBiosciences for Sustainable Global Development (5 Credits) - Semester 5
• Required: PAB4108: Food Systems and Climate Change (5 Credits) - Semester 5
• Required: AG3105: Farm diversification seminar series (5 Credits) - Semester 5
• Required: AG3104: Farm practice and performance benchmarking (10 Credits) - Semester 6
• Required: AG3103: Agri-food Placement (20 Credits) - Semester 6

Year 4 (60 Credits)

• Required: AG4105: Animal Systems III (sheep, pigs & poultry) (5 Credits) - Semester 7
• Required: AG4101: Animal Systems I (dairy) (5 Credits) - Semester 7
• Required: AG4102: Animal Systems II (beef) (5 Credits) - Semester 7
• Required: PAB4103: Climate Change, Plants & Agriculture (5 Credits) - Semester 7
• Required: DEV4100: Farm Business Planning (5 Credits) - Semester 7
• Required: AG4104: Farm Planning (5 Credits) - Semester 7
• Required: PAB4106: Current Topics in Plant & AgriBiosciences (5 Credits) - Semester 7
• Required: MI4107: Microbiomes underpinning agriculture (5 Credits) - Semester 8
• Required: AG4103: Agronomy of Crop Production (5 Credits) - Semester 8
• Required: PAB3103: Plant and Agricultural Genetics (5 Credits) - Semester 8
• Required: PAB4104: Plant and Agri-Biotechnologies (5 Credits) - Semester 8
• Required: DEV4101: Whole Farm Planning (5 Credits) - Semester 8

Careers

This new programme builds on University of Galway's established reputation for excellent teaching and research across agribiosciences and sustainability. The course is delivered by internationally-recognised research leaders in animal science, agri-sustainability and the bioeconomy, ensuring students are provided with the cutting-edge knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the agrifood and land sector through challenging times ahead.

Study Abroad

The BSc Agricultural Science degree does not include a formal international study option, but can accommodate student-led study abroad or international placement opportunities as they arise, where they are compatible with the curriculum.

Work Placement

In Year Three, students spend a semester on work placement, usually on a farm but potentially in another agri-food enterprise if they can demonstrate prior farm work experience and access to farm data.

Who Teaches this Course?

• David Styles
• Galina Brychkova
• Sinead Waters
• David Kenny
• Peter McKeown
• Anne Mullen
• Cathal O'Donoghue

Entry Requirements and Fees

Entry Requirements

• Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject, and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.
• Alternative pathways: QQI/FET/FETAC places, mature students, access and foundation programmes, HEAR scheme, DARE scheme.
• Other qualifications: A Level students, International Baccalaureate students, EU students.
• English language requirements.

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

• Course Type: All
• Year: 4
• EU Tuition: 4,768
• Student Contribution: 2,500
• Non-EU Tuition: 27,500
• Levy: 140
• Total Fee: 2,640
• Total EU Fee: 7,408
• Total Non-EU Fee: 27,640

Related Courses

• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Science (Genetics and Genomics)
• Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
• Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science)

About University of Galway

Founded in 1845, University of Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top quality teaching. The university is ranked in the top 2% of universities globally and is ranked first in Ireland for sustainable development.