BAgrSc (Hons) Agricultural Science

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: € 50

Academic Qualifications: For undergraduate programs, applicants require a minimum academic score of 80-85% or above in their previous studies.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall score of 6.0 or 6.5, with no individual band below 5.5.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 90, with specific section requirements: Listening 20, Reading 20, Speaking 21, Writing 20.
• PTE: Overall score of 63, with no section below 59.
• DET: Overall score of 120, with a minimum of 110.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.

University College Cork (UCC) offers various scholarships and financial aid options to support international students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships are aimed at assisting students with tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs. 

International Merit-Based Scholarships: UCC provides merit-based scholarships for high-achieving international students entering undergraduate or postgraduate programs. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and may cover partial tuition fees or provide stipends.

Government and External Scholarships: International students may also be eligible for scholarships offered by their home governments, non-governmental organizations, or external funding bodies. UCC assists students by providing information and support in applying for these external scholarship opportunities.

Research Scholarships and Grants: For postgraduate research students, UCC offers various grants and scholarships to support research endeavors. These scholarships often cover tuition fees and provide additional stipends for living expenses.

Sports Scholarships: UCC recognizes talented athletes and offers sports scholarships to support their academic and athletic pursuits. These scholarships assist students in balancing their sports with their studies.

Faculty-Specific Scholarships: Certain faculties or departments within UCC offer scholarships tailored to specific academic disciplines. These scholarships aim to attract exceptional students to particular programs and fields of study.

Need-Based Financial Aid: The university understands the financial challenges international students might face and offers need-based financial aid programs to assist students who demonstrate financial need.

Graduates of the BAgrSc (Hons) Agricultural Science program at University College Cork (UCC) are well-equipped for a diverse range of career opportunities in the agricultural sector, agribusiness, research, and related industries. With their comprehensive understanding of agricultural systems, practical skills, and scientific knowledge, graduates play crucial roles in addressing global challenges such as food security, environmental sustainability, and rural development.  

1. Agricultural Consultant or Advisor: Graduates may work as agricultural consultants or advisors, providing expertise and guidance to farmers, agricultural businesses, or government agencies on farm management practices, crop production techniques, livestock management, and environmental stewardship. They assess agricultural operations, analyze data, and recommend strategies to improve productivity, sustainability, and profitability in line with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

2. Farm Manager or Agribusiness Specialist: Some graduates pursue careers as farm managers or agribusiness specialists, overseeing day-to-day operations on farms, agricultural estates, or agribusiness enterprises. They manage resources, allocate budgets, and implement production plans to optimize farm productivity and efficiency. They may also work in agribusiness sectors such as agricultural supply chains, agrochemicals, agricultural machinery, or food processing, contributing to the development and commercialization of agricultural products and technologies.

3. Research Scientist or Agricultural Technician: Graduates may work as research scientists or agricultural technicians in research institutions, universities, or government agencies, conducting applied research on crop genetics, plant breeding, soil science, animal nutrition, or agricultural technology development. They design experiments, collect and analyze data, and publish research findings to advance scientific knowledge and innovation in agriculture. They may also collaborate with industry partners on research projects to address industry challenges and opportunities.

4. Environmental Conservationist or Sustainability Specialist: Some graduates may pursue careers in environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, or natural resource management, working for conservation organizations, government agencies, or non-profit organizations. They develop and implement conservation strategies, land use plans, and biodiversity conservation programs to promote environmental sustainability, protect ecosystems, and mitigate the impacts of agriculture on the environment. They may also work on initiatives related to climate change adaptation, carbon sequestration, or water resource management in agricultural landscapes.

5. Agri-Food Industry Professional: Graduates may work in the agri-food industry, contributing to the production, processing, marketing, and distribution of agricultural products and food commodities. They may work in roles such as food quality assurance, product development, food safety management, or marketing and sales for agricultural cooperatives, food companies, or retailers. They ensure compliance with food safety standards, quality control protocols, and consumer preferences to meet market demands and regulatory requirements.

6. Educator or Extension Officer: Some graduates may pursue careers in education or agricultural extension, working as educators, trainers, or extension officers for agricultural colleges, universities, extension services, or farmer organizations. They deliver training programs, workshops, and outreach activities to farmers, agricultural professionals, and rural communities, disseminating knowledge and best practices in agricultural science, technology adoption, and farm management. They play a vital role in capacity building, knowledge transfer, and rural development initiatives.

7. Entrepreneur or Agripreneur: Graduates with entrepreneurial ambitions may establish their own agricultural businesses or startups, leveraging their knowledge and skills to innovate and create value in the agricultural sector. They may start agritourism ventures, organic farms, value-added food processing businesses, agricultural technology startups, or agricultural consulting firms, identifying market opportunities and addressing niche markets with innovative products or services. Entrepreneurial ventures contribute to job creation, economic development, and innovation in the agricultural industry.