Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development

GradDip Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 60)



This Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (SARD) programme at UCD responds to the new agenda for agriculture and rural area development. It represents a return to core values in the development of rural areas which are rooted in agricultural change as well as responding to new societal demands such as safe and ethically produced food, a healthier environment and sustainable and affordable energy. These issues are relevant in both Ireland, industrialised countries and in the developing world.



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 60-credit Graduate Diploma, 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 Diploma course can build on this course in future years to obtain a Masters Degree in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development.

Stage 1 - Core

Policies & Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development RDEV40150

Theory & Practice of Rural Enterprises RDEV40300

Research Methods Part I RDEV40450

Research Methods Part II RDEV40460

Strategic Communications RDEV40480

Sustainable Agriculture RDEV40490



Stage 1 - Option

Organic Agriculture CPSC30050

Economics and Sociology in Rural Development RDEV40050

Planning for Development RDEV40470

Agricultural Extension & Innov RDEV40560

Understanding the Family Farm Business RDEV40730

Green Care Policy and Practice RDEV40740

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.

How to apply?

The following entry routes are available:

Grad Dip Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development FT (X449)

Duration

1 Years

Attend

Full Time

Deadline

Rolling*



Grad Dip Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development PT (X450)

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.

60

1 year full-time (X449), 2 years part-time (X450). Mode of Delivery: Face-to-Face.

GradDip Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development (X449) Full Time

EU fee per year - €5,600

non EU fee per year - €16,535


GradDip Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development (X450) Part Time

EU Year 1 - €3,000

EU Year 2 - €3,000 aa

non EU Year 1 - €8,265

non EU Year 2 - €8,070


aaSecond Year Fee applies to Students in 2nd Year in 2019 and who were a 1st Year Student on the programme in 2018/19

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.

Next Intake: 2024/2025 September.

Careers & Employability

Graduates from this programme will be equipped with the required skills and knowledge base to develop careers in the broad arena of sustainable agriculture and rural development in Ireland or Internationally in both the public and private sector.



Graduates typically find employment in government, agricultural and rural development agencies, local development agencies, NGOs involved in rural development, as well as donor agencies and international development organisations.



Graduate Roles:

• Development Managers

• Advisors

• Consultants

• Public servants

• Researchers