Agricultural Sciences & Rural Development - Agricultural Extension & Innovation
MAgrSc Agricultural Extension and Innovation
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)
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.
Who should apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No
The Programme is primarily focused on meeting the needs of Agricultural Science graduates who are interested in careers in advisory, consultancy or education services in the public, private or non-governmental sector. This programme will suit you if you are interested in supporting farmers in agricultural innovation and development and are interested in understanding more about the processes of learning that underpin change and development. The programme is suitable for individuals interested in careers in agricultural extension and education in the public, private or non-governmental sector.
Vision and Values Statement
The Masters in Agricultural Extension and Innovation (available both part and full time) aims to build competencies in agricultural advisory and educational services and systems that can support and enable learning and behaviour change at farm level, so that farm households can innovate and build sustainable livelihoods in a context of changing agricultural policy and market forces. The programme prepares Agricultural Science graduates for future roles in advisory services, technical consultancy and education delivery as well as providing opportunities for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for agricultural science and other graduates who are already working in areas of knowledge transfer with farmers. The programme equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to develop and deliver appropriate agricultural advisory and educational programmes that serve the needs of farmers and farm families who are their clients. 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.
Programme Outcomes
Apply research and analytical skills required to identify and support worthwhile innovations
Be committed to ongoing reflective practice and professional development
Be competent to facilitate processes of knowledge transfer and knowledge exchange in support of client livelihoods
Demonstrate a specialized understanding of the agricultural knowledge and innovation system and in particular the synergy between research, extension and education as policy instruments in the context of agricultural change
Demonstrate an empathy and understanding of the interplay between economic, social, cultural, and psychological factors that affect farm household decision making and the ability to use this understanding to formulate appropriate responses to clients in different circumstances
Demonstrate the knowledge and skills to support adult learning and behaviour change
Design and develop appropriate advisory and educational strategies to support agricultural development
Subjects taught
Stage 1 - Core
Design Thinking for Agricultural Innovation IA40490
Research Methods Part I RDEV40450
Research Methods Part II RDEV40460
Agricultural Extension & Innov RDEV40560
Minor Thesis (Ext&Innovation) RDEV40620
Group Approaches in Ag Extensi RDEV40650
Project Mngt in Ag Extension RDEV40720
Understanding the Family Farm Business RDEV40730
Stage 1 - Option
Agri-Environmental Nutrient Management AESC40140
Animal Nutrition II ANSC30040
Dairy Production ANSC30410
Developments in Grassland CPSC40040
Devs in Crop Production & Util CPSC40050
How to Change Behaviour PSY30440
Policies & Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development RDEV40150
Strategic Communications RDEV40480
Sustainable Agriculture RDEV40490
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).
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: 2019/2020 September
Post Course Info
Careers & Employability
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