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.
Subjects taught
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
Entry requirements
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
Application dates
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
Credits
90
Duration
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
Fees
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.
Enrolment dates
NEXT INTAKE: 2024/2025 September.
Post Course Info
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