MSc(Agr) Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development

The Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development at University College Dublin responds to the new agenda for agriculture and rural area development.

Quick Facts

Duration 1 year full-time
2 years part-time
Start Date September
Tuition Fee €29,100 per year full-time
€14,550 per year part-time
(The fees are subject to change)
Location Dublin, Ireland

The Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development at University College Dublin, 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.

Courses included:

Modules for students enrolling on this programme include:

  • Policies & Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development
  • Minor Thesis
  • Theory & Practice of Rural Enterprises
  • Research Methods
  • Strategic Communications
  • Sustainable Agriculture

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“I was working as a fertilizer market analyst at International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC)
Nairobi, Kenya and felt the MSc Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development at UCD offered me an opportunity to acquire the skills needed to assist farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to address the challenges facing them in sustainably achieving food security. The MSc offers a unique opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds to develop their social skills, to understand sustainability along the agricultural value chain and the immense potential of rural areas beyond agricultural production. The programme is well delivered by experienced lecturers with up-to-date reading materials and well-planned field visits. My career objective is to support small farmers to sustainably achieve food security, improve their livelihoods and learn how to manage with unexpected events.”

Mary Maina

Career Opportunities

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

Why study with us?

UCD is consistently ranked in the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide. In the 2022 QS World University Rankings, UCD was again named as one of the best universities globally, and was placed 173rd in the world.

UCD is the most international and diverse university in Ireland with 8,500 international students from 130 different countries. Our network of 288,000 successful and influential alumni can be found in 169 different countries around the world.

The UCD campus is one of the largest urban campuses in Europe and is situated just 5 kilometres from Ireland’s capital city of Dublin. Our students enjoy world-class teaching and learning facilities, modern and comfortable student accommodation, state-of-the art sports and fitness amenities, an Olympic sized swimming pool, a cinema, cafes and student centre all on our beautiful, nature-filled campus. 

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