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Programme Outline

The MSc/PG Diploma in Organic and Biological Agriculture programmes are two-year part-time taught postgraduate programmes that were developed to address specific practical and scientific skills gaps within the agriculture and land sciences sectors. The programmes are aimed at those already working in primary production or within these sectors who wish to upskill in the developing areas of organic and biological systems and their productive application in agriculture.

The main programme objectives are to develop graduates who have:

  • An advanced knowledge of organic and biological agricultural practices and principles.
  • An ability to put core principles of biological agriculture into practice in the field.
  • The capacity to proactively contribute to and design supportive policy in agroforestry and landscape biodiversity; climate adaptation and resilience; sustainable crop and livestock production; and enhanced soil and water management.

Discounted / Part-Funded Places Through NOTS:
Eligible participants in Ireland can avail of a 40% cost reduction on course fees through our MSc course partners National Organic Training Skillnet. Contact NOTS by calling 071 9640688 or email [email protected] for more information on eligibility for these reduced fees.

How is this course structured?

The Masters (MSc)/Postgraduate Diploma in Organic and Biological Agriculture is made up of the following modules:

MSc in Organic and Biological AgricultureSE51U
Soil Health and Water Management10 credits
Crop Management in Organic and Biological Agriculture10 credits
Livestock Management in Organic and Biological Agriculture10 credits
Food, Health and Nutrition10 credits
Agroforestry and Landscape Biodiversity 10 credits
Project Management and Marketing10 credits
Research Methods and Dissertation30 credits

 

PG Diploma in Organic and Biological AgricultureSE51V
Soil Health and Water Management10 credits
Crop Management in Organic and Biological Agriculture10 credits
Livestock Management in Organic and Biological Agriculture10 credits
Food, Health and Nutrition 10 credits
Agroforestry and Landscape Biodiversity 10 credits
Project Management and Marketing10 credits

Award

  • To achieve the Postgraduate Diploma award students must accumulate 60 credits by completing six 10-credit modules.
  • To achieve the MSc award students must additionally complete a 30-credit research dissertation, which can be carried out in the field.
  • Students can apply for an exit award of an individual Level 9 Certificate for each module they successfully complete.
  • Successful completion of one or more stand-alone Certificate programmes can also be used as credit towards the MSc/PG Diploma award

Applicants for entry to these programmes should: 

Applicants should hold an honours bachelors degree (Level 8) in agriculture, land sciences or science or an equivalent qualification. Applicants should also have a minimum of two years relevant experience in agriculture, horticulture or forestry. For applicants whose primary language is not English, evidence of competency in English must be submitted. 

Fees:

For information on fees please visit our website.

Contact

Course Leaders

Mr John Geraghty

Lecturer in Land Sciences -

Call: +35351302264

Email: [email protected]

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Adrian Cunningham

-

Email: [email protected]

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