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. This exciting new four-year BSc is for the next generation of agrifood professionals who will need to deliver food security in a rapidly changing world. The multidisciplinary teaching team, based in the University of Galway and Teagasc, comprises internationally recognised research leaders in animal science, plant science, agri-sustainability and the bioeconomy.  

Through practical skills training at Teagasc centres in Athenry, Grange, Moorpark and Oak Park, multiple farm demonstrations, and a 12-weeek farm placement, Agricultural Science at the University of Galway provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of animal and crop science. This is coupled with rigorous training in quantitative systems analysis necessary to navigate farming through the biophysical and regulatory constraints that the sector will face as society deals with the evolving climate and biodiversity crises.  

In addition to core technical knowledge and skills for agricultural science, the course includes state-of-the-art training in geographic information systems (GIS) to manage spatial data, carbon foot-printing of farms and entire food value chains to understand emissions sources and abatement measures, and farm business management. Through guest lectures from industry and academic leaders, and access to advanced agriculture and land use software models, students are exposed to important perspectives on what climate-neutral farming could look like in Ireland. Final year students are tasked with developing a 10-year plan for their placement organisation, incorporating technical knowledge of farming practises, business planning, emission abatement measures and an assessment of diversification options in the context of farm succession planning. This course provides essential knowledge and skills for the next generation of successful farmers, farm advisors, land managers and other agrifood professionals, civil or public servants, scientific researchers and educators. 

Curriculum Information

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. Co-delivery of technical modules with Teagasc provides a strong foundation in agricultural science training, achieving Green Cert accreditation. But what set this Level 8 degree apart from other courses is the strong focus on multi-scale systems thinking to explore sustainable and resilient future pathways for Ireland’s agrifood sector - in the context of growing global demand for food and bio-based resources for the bioeconomy, yet within the constraints imposed by national obligations pertaining to climate change, biodiversity and water quality.

There is increasing pressure on the agrifood sector, and farmers, to reconcile food production with the intensifying climate and biodiversity crises. This course provides the essential breadth of perspectives and skills to tackle those challenges head on, forming the next generation of agrifood leaders, advisors, educators and policy makers.  

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. 

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.

• David Styles
• Galina Brychkova
• Sinead waters
• David Kenny
• Peter McKeown
• Anne Mullen
• Cathal O’Donoghue

Ashla Ward
School of Biological & Chemical Sciences
E: ashla.ward@universityofgalway.ie 

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 (i.e., Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint), Computer Science or Agricultural Science) and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

Alternative Pathways 
The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links: 

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places 

• Mature Students 

• Access and Foundation programmes 

• HEAR Scheme 
• DARE Scheme 

Other Qualifications 
If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:  

• A Level students 

• International Baccalaureate students  

• EU students 

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.  

Admissions Office  
Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants  

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.   

Mature Applicants   

Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.   

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants   

Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements, 

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €3,000 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to non-EU fees.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.

Application Process 

Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for each the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process. 

https://www.universityofgalway.ie/science-engineering/schoolofbiologicalandchemicalsciences/