Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) has launched part-time degrees in agriculture for Green Cert holders.
It has partnered with Teagasc Agricultural College, to launch the suite of programmes, which commenced this month.
DkIT, in partnership with Teagasc Agricultural College at Ballyhaise, has developed the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture part-time, Level 7 degree.
The programme is aimed at Green Cert holders, who have “significant experience” but did not pursue higher or further education beyond NFQ Level 6.
The course is blended and delivered in the evenings and Saturdays to facilitate student availability.
The “interactive” course is “ideals” for farmers looking to diversify their business or create more job opportunities.
This programme provides an opportunity for existing Level 6 graduates to progress academically and obtain a Level 7 award or pursue career opportunities in other parts of the agriculture sector, such as the agri-food industry.
Strongly rooted in science, the programme will allow existing farmers to develop and improve skills in areas such as:
- Sustainable animal and crop production;
Financial management; - Soil management;
- Marketing and entrepreneurship;
- Quality management;
- Food processing.
Graduates
The college outlined that graduates will have the skills and knowledge to enable on-farm diversification.
It added states that graduates will be in “a better position” to respond to initiatives and opportunities provided by the new Agri-Food 2030 Strategy and upcoming CAP changes.
In summary, the programme will enable graduates to apply evolving science, technology and business acumen through an innovative and adaptable approach to meet current and future challenges in the agriculture sector.
The college also offers minor awards in specialist areas such as animal production and sustainable land management.
Professional development
Breda Brennan, head of department for agriculture, food and animal health at DkIT, said:
“We are delighted to launch this new suite to add to our current portfolio of programmes for the agriculture and agri-food sectors.”
“DkIT has collaborated with Ballyhaise Agricultural College for almost 20 years in the delivery of full-time agriculture programmes.”
“This new offering will allow us to provide continuing professional development part-time for those already working in the sector.”
John Kelly, college principal of Ballyhaise Agricultural College, added:
“Having a higher education option delivered part-time in agriculture is a wonderful opportunity for the many hundreds of graduates we have from Teagasc Level 6 agricultural programmes over recent years.”
“The new programmes will meet the many requests that we continue to get about continuing education from our clients, past graduates and host farmers.”
“Teagasc staff in Ballyhaise have worked closely with our colleagues in DkIT to ensure that many of the developments and opportunities in agriculture will be delivered on these programmes.”
Further reading:
- All you need to know about Ballyhaise Agricultural College – Our guide
- Read our Student Focus or Career Focus
Some past and present students of Ballyhaise Ag College and/or DkIT:
