Farming: SETU offers lots of options for a career in agriculture
Michelle McDonald graduated from SETU with a first class honours in the BSc in Agriculture. Photo Patrick Browne.
Agriculture is at the heart of Ireland’s economy and rural life, with most farms operating as family-run enterprises.
South East Technological University (SETU) aims to support this vital sector through industry-focused Level 7 and Level 8 degree programmes in Agriculture, combining practical skills with theoretical knowledge.
New to this year’s programme portfolio at SETU is the four-year BSc (hons) in Agriculture level 8 (SE529). This programme is designed to equip students with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional competencies required to successfully manage modern commercial farms.
The new Level 8 programme builds on SETU’s existing BSc in Agriculture level 7 (SE508), and sits alongside the well-established BSc in Agricultural Science (hons) level 8 (SE502).
Students develop a diverse and highly transferable skill set, opening pathways to roles such as farm manager, agricultural advisor, agribusiness or agri-food sales representative, livestock or crop production specialist, quality assurance officer, farm inspector, supply chain assistant, agricultural contractor, and roles within agri-food cooperatives and meat processing.
The first two years of the programme focus strongly on practical farming skills and applied agricultural knowledge.
In the second year, students complete a 12-week farm placement, gaining valuable hands-on experience on high-quality commercial farms. The third-year places greater emphasis on business, managerial, scientific, and IT competencies, ensuring graduates are well prepared for leadership roles within the sector.
On completion of the level 8 programme, graduates are eligible to progress to taught Master’s programmes or research-based Master’s degrees at SETU. Alternatively, students may choose to exit with a level 7 qualification. The level 7 course fulfils the requirements for stamp duty exemption and land transfer for young farmers (Green Cert).
Agriculture-based modules are delivered at Teagasc Kildalton College, while scientific and related modules are taught at the SETU’s Cork Road Campus in Waterford. Students who have successfully completed a QQI FET/FETAC approved level 6 qualification with a Merit at Kildalton College, or an equivalent award, may apply for advanced entry into Year 2 of the BSc in Agriculture.
This programme has recently received the ‘Most Impactful Use of Pearson Courseware or Services’ award, recognising excellence in its blended learning approach.
For further information on entry requirements for the level 7 or level 8 degree in Agriculture, visit www.setu.ie
Choosing to study Land Sciences at SETU opens up dynamic pathways into agriculture, horticulture and forestry — fields that combine scientific knowledge with real-world environmental impact and industry relevance.
SETU’s Agricultural Science and Agriculture programmes equip students with a strong grounding in crop and livestock science, food production, environmental stewardship and agribusiness skills. The degree blends science and practical learning, preparing graduates for careers in agri-business, quality assurance, advisory roles and environmental services.
For those passionate about plant science and landscapes, the Horticulture degree, delivered in partnership with Teagasc, includes practical fieldwork and business modules, develops expertise in plant cultivation, landscape design, sustainable production and enterprise skills. Practical placements and field trips provide invaluable hands-on experience, enhancing employability right after graduation.
If your interests lie in forestry and sustainable land management, SETU’s forestry courses focus on forest ecology, timber technology, silviculture and environmental protection, combining classroom knowledge with fieldwork and industry placements.
Across all Land Sciences courses, students benefit from industry links, practical experience and a curriculum designed to meet evolving environmental and agri-industry needs, positioning graduates for diverse careers or further study. See more at www.setu.ie
Michelle McDonald achieved a first-class honours result in the BSc in Agriculture from SETU. She was one of 3,600 students who graduated from SETU across its campuses in Waterford, Carlow, and Wexford in November.
During her leaving cert year, Michelle was uncertain of her career path or whether she wanted to attend college but she knew she wanted to pursue a future in agriculture.
“I decided to apply to Kildalton Agricultural College, where I completed a Level 6 in Drystock Management with an overall distinction. I then applied to SETU for advanced entry into the Level 7, BSc in Agriculture,” Michelle shared.
Michelle chose SETU with her career in mind: “I saw the Agriculture course as a valuable opportunity to broaden my knowledge on sustainable land use and environmental management. I believed the course would open up further educational opportunities, while also enhancing my prospects of securing a role within the agricultural sector.”
Placement was an important element of the course for Michelle, who said, “I completed six months of on-farm placement as part of my studies in Kildalton College, which further enhanced my decision to attend SETU. Placement allowed me to gain insight into different management practices and provided the opportunity to work on larger-scale farms, further broadening my practical knowledge and industry exposure.”
A highlight of Michelle’s studies was the support she received from the SETU community.
“The balance between practical and theoretical classes helped to keep me engaged and interested in the course. The support and guidance, which I received from lectures particularly in my final year, played a huge part in keeping me motivated, while a good group of classmates and friends made the course very enjoyable.
"Encouragement from my family also kept me focused and committed to my studies.”
A few weeks before Michelle was due to begin her final year of college, she discovered that she was pregnant.
“Despite this, I decided to continue in my studies and was committed to finish the course. I decided to continue going to classes, farm visits, and course activities as normal, while putting in extra work to complete my thesis and other assignments before my due date.
"I had my baby in March and was back in college 12 days later. I was lucky to have a great support system both in SETU and at home, which allowed me to complete the last of my assignments and exams,” Michelle reflected.
Michelle said, “My proudest achievement while at SETU was completing semester two exams and final year assignments a few weeks after having my baby and achieving a first class honours.”
