GradCert Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 30)
The UCD Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development programme aims to provide those with experience and / or relevant qualifications in the Agri-Food sector with skills in rural entrepreneurship and communications. It is geared towards the pursuit of a more competitive, innovative and sustainable sector focused on the market place and modern consumer needs.
• Builds the requisite skills and knowledge base to develop careers in the broad areas of sustainable agriculture and rural development.
• Combination of lectures, small group work, field visits, computer laboratory-based activities and private study.
Vision and Values Statement
The Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development offers an oppurtunity for students to equip themselves with some the requisite skills and knowledge base to develop careers in the broad arena of sustainable agriculture and rural development. The goal of the programmes is to prepare graduates for roles in local, national and overseas development settings. This is achieved by strengthening their 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.
Programme Outcomes
• Understand the key principles and practices that make agriculture sustainable;
• Demonstrate enhanced problem-solving skills for application to issues in agriculture and rural development and the ability to formulate/evaluate potential solutions
• Understand and interpret strategies applied in achieving the objectives of SARD in Irish, EU and developing country contexts.
• Understand of the nature and practice of rural diversification
• Plan and implement strategic communications campaigns in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (SARD) settings;
• Understand the context in which sustainable agriculture and rural development related policies are devised.
Comment
Who should apply?
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No
This course is particularly suited to graduates with an agriculture or science degree who have work experience in the Agri-Food, agriculture or rural development sectors. Applicants should ideally hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, but those with other relevant qualifications and / or significant relevant experience within the sector will be considered for entry.