With the ever increasing global focus on the impact of climate change and the realisation of the benefits of a shift towards plant based foods, the UCD Masters in Horticulture will equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to make significant contributions to sustainable food production and restorative environments that will contribute to human health and well-being. This programme caters for early career graduates working or intending to work in the global dynamic horticulture production and supply industry as well as mature students and those looking for a career change. Horticulture is the science, technology, art and business of cultivating and using plants to improve human life. Horticulturists and Horticultural Scientists create global solutions for safe, sustainable, nutritious food and healthy, restorative and beautiful environments.
Today the supply of horticulture goods and services involves a global network of producers, distributors and retailers. While labour is a significant part of the cost basis for horticulture enterprises, innovation in technology, logistics and management is disrupting the traditional labour intensive model of horticulture businesses. With ever increasing demands from the market place to reduce costs, future horticulture enterprises will require highly educated and skilled individuals who can interpret and apply sound scientific knowledge and utilise modern innovative technologies and management systems to provide sustainable globally relevant horticulture products and services.
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
The MSC Horticulture programme provides students with the education and skills to enable them to attain leadership roles, and to set and maintain professional standards of excellence within horticulture in Ireland and globally. Graduates can become professional horticulturists and horticultural scientists who utilise their scientific education to provide sustainable management of horticulture enterprises, services and organisations. They have the capacity to influence and direct policy and governance at corporate, local, national and international level for the betterment of their enterprise or services and the wider community. Dissemination of knowledge by engagement with the various industry sectors and horticultural services is a key activity for staff and students.
Student education is informed by active internationally recognised research where engagement in learning is through formal lectures, practical classes, scenario based learning, group and individual research project work. Teaching and learning activities are conducted in an atmosphere of fairness, quality, and excellence, which is supported by an assessment process designed to provide students with a record of their academic progress. Their educational experience is enriched by intensive interaction with staff as part of our community of scholars and by their participation in modules and industry/site visits. This programme enables students to develop critical thinking capabilities, to be confident and competent individuals who have the ability to acquire the knowledge necessary for professional decision-making and to advocate for horticulture in a global context.
Programme Outcomes
Apply learned skills and competencies in horticultural production of food and/or non-food plants.
Combine the use of core laboratory, field and IT skills in scientific study and evaluation.
Devise and interpret horticultural studies/evaluations involving the collection, appropriate analysis and reporting of resulting observations.
Interpret and evaluate the wider sustainability issues and challenges of plant based food and non-food production.
Contribute to and appreciate the objectives of related national, EU and international policy.
Integrate scientific understanding in sustainable horticulture production and policy approaches
Combine, interpret and apply new scientific, technological & business knowledge to their horticultural practice.
Plan and realise sustainable management of biological, human, financial, and social resources, to ensure the success of commercial and non-commercial horticulture enterprises.