Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development

This Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (SARD) programme at UCD responds to contemporary and future transformations in agriculture and rural development. The programme takes a place-based approach to rural change and rural futures, and addresses how agriculture can contribute to sustainable development. It examines how farming and rural areas are changing, and how communities and government can address future challenges and opportunities. These issues are relevant in Ireland and internationally, in the Global South and Global North.



This programme 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.



Graduates are awarded a 30-credit Graduate Certificate, NFQ Level 9.



The modules in this course comprise part of a more extensive graduate programme in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development. Students who complete the Graduate Certificate course can build on this course in future years to obtain the Graduate Diploma or a Masters Degree in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development.



What Will I Learn?

• Demonstrate enhanced problem-solving skills for application to issues in agriculture and rural development and the ability to formulate/evaluate potential solutions

• Plan and implement strategic communications campaigns in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (SARD) settings

• Understand and interpret strategies applied in achieving the objectives of SARD in Irish, EU and developing country contexts

• Understand the nature and practice of rural diversification

• Understand the context in which sustainable agriculture and rural development related policies are devised

• Understand the key principles and practices that make agriculture sustainable.



NFQ Level: 9 (30 credits)

Level: Graduate Taught

Award: Graduate Certificate

Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:

Please select both core modules

RDEV40490: Sustainable Agriculture

RDEV40300: Theory & Practice of Rural Enterprises



Stage 1 Options - B)1 of:

Please select one of the four option modules.

RDEV40560: Agricultural Extension & Innov

RDEV40790: Agricultural Education

ANSC40320: Global Food Systems

RDEV40840: Rural Placemaking

- Applicants must hold a minimum of a second class honours degree, or international equivalent, in a range of subject areas.



- Applications are welcome from people from a broad range of disciplinary backgrounds including humanities, sciences and business who are interested in pursuing careers in the broad arena of rural and community development.



- Exceptions may be made for applicants who do not hold the minimum educational requirement if they can demonstrate substantial relevant professional or voluntary experience.



- 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.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme.



Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page (https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax) for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

1 year part-time.

Delivery: On Campus

X390: Graduate Certificate Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development

Graduate Certificate



Part-Time: Commencing September 2025

Graduate Taught