Agricultural Extension & Innovation

The MSc Agricultural Extension and Innovation is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time programme based in UCD and is focused on meeting the needs of those who are interested in developing careers in advisory, consultancy or education services in the public, private or non-governmental sector.



This MSc will equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to understand more about the processes of learning that underpin change and development and to be effective in building the capacity of farmers to adopt new practices and technologies.



A two-year part-time distance learning taught Masters option is also available for those working in the agri-food sector.



Students will develop competencies in: analysis of the context of agricultural change; design and development of appropriate advisory strategies to support agricultural development; how to support adult learning and behaviour change and research and analytical skills to identify and support worthwhile innovations.



The programme emphasises and values group work, problem solving and creative thinking and encourages students to be active, self-directed and reflective learners. Assignments are based on real life case studies that are complex and unpredictable, reflecting the norms of practice in advisory and education services.



Placement Opportunity



Students on the full time programme have the opportunity to take an industry placement as part of their minor thesis. Students have taken placements with Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) in the UK, Microsoft and many other companies and institutions who support farmer advice and behaviour change.



The programme also provides opportunities for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for graduates who are already working in areas of knowledge transfer with farmers.

Stage 1 - Core

Design Thinking for Agricultural InnovationIA40490

Research Methods Part IRDEV40450

Research Methods Part IIRDEV40460

Agricultural Extension & InnovRDEV40560

Minor Thesis (Ext&Innovation)RDEV40620

Group Approaches in Ag ExtensiRDEV40650

Project Mngt in Ag ExtensionRDEV40720

Understanding the Family Farm BusinessRDEV40730



Stage 1 - Option

Agri-Environmental Nutrient ManagementAESC40140

Animal Nutrition IIANSC30040

Dairy ProductionANSC30410

Devs in Crop Production & UtilCPSC40050

How to Change BehaviourPSY30440

Policies & Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture & Rural DevelopmentRDEV40150

Strategic CommunicationsRDEV40480

Sustainable AgricultureRDEV40490

Behaviour Change in AgricultureRDEV40770

Community-Led Local DevelopmentRDEV40780

Applicants must hold the equivalent of a minimum Lower Second Class Honours Degree (NFQ Level 8), or international equivalent, in a range of academic qualifications including Agricultural Science, Life Science and Business Degree programmes from a recognised higher education institution.



Applications are welcome from people with work experience in government and non-governmental organisations that provide rural extension services in agriculture, environmental and community development.



Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.



These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes

The following entry routes are available:



MAgrSc Agricultural Extension and Innovation FT (D049)

Duration 1 Years Attend Full Time Deadline Rolling*



MAgrSc Agricultural Extension and Innovation PT (D050)

Duration 2 Years Attend Part Time Deadline Rolling*



* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

90

1 year full-time MAgrSc Agricultural Extension and Innovation FT (D049).

2 years part-time MAgrSc Agricultural Extension and Innovation PT (D050)

MODE OF DELIVERY: Face-to-Face

MAgrSc Agricultural Extension and Innovation (D049) Full Time

EU: fee per year - € 8875

nonEU: fee per year - € 25600


MAgrSc Agricultural Extension and Innovation (D050) Part Time

EU: fee per year - €4490

nonEU: fee per year - €12800


***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website.

NEXT INTAKE: 2024/2025 September.

Across the globe there is increasing awareness of the critical contribution of knowledge transfer processes to sustainable and competitive agricultural development and graduates with competencies in agricultural extension are highly sought after.



Career opportunities for graduates of this programme are excellent and include advisory services, agricultural sales, agricultural media, agri-tech companies, consultancy and education delivery in the public, private or non-governmental sector.



Graduate Roles

Agricultural Advisory

Agricultural Consultancy

Training

Education Delivery

Communications / Media

Sales / Account Management

Knowledge Transfer