The Graduate Certificate in Animal Science is suitable for students who wish to undertake advanced studies in a specific component of animal science in pursuit of upskilling and career development in the livestock sector. This unique postgraduate programme was designed after comprehensive consultation with leading stakeholders including animal nutrition and health industries. As a component of the suite of options available for the MSc, this new certificate also aims to equip graduates with cutting edge skills and position them for progression to leadership roles in a dynamic and critically important sector of the global economy.
This innovative programme enables students to focus their studies on speciï¬c aspects of animal science including genetics & genomics, reproduction, nutrition and health. For those with an enquiring mind, a deeper understanding of scientiï¬c principles relevant to solving issues currently limiting system sustainability will be reflected in new modules developed for this MSc, including immunobiology, sustainable livestock and global food systems.
What Will I Learn?
Graduates of this programme will acquire the following skills in their chosen subject areas:
A spectrum of understanding of core foundational principles in Animal Science including the latest developments in each discipline.
An understanding of the current and future challenges of animal production enterprises and how research is meeting these challenges.
The ability to comprehensively synthesize and articulate the role of education, strategic and applied aspects of agriculture in identifying the solutions for the Agri-food systems of tomorrow.
The ability to apply animal science knowledge (e.g. Nutrition, Genetics, Reproduction and Health) for the sustainable production of livestock in a welfare-friendly and ethically responsible manner.
The capacity to demonstrate and apply a foundation knowledge of how cutting-edge developments in Animal Science ensure a safe food supply for consumers.
Knowledge on how to employ a range of media to effectively communicate with the multiple and diverse stakeholders in the Irish and International Agri-food sector.
The ability to apply relevant scientific evidence and other knowledge, to positively affect policy, regulation and public health relating to animal production systems.
The self-actualisation skills to occupy leadership positions and to take active roles in societal discussions surrounding sustainable animal production systems.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
Expected October 2025
More details
Start date
September 2025
Applicants must hold a minimum of a Second Class Honours degree in a related science discipline (or international equivalent).
Candidates with significant prior relevant work experience will also be considered. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact the Programme Director to discuss their eligibility. Applications are assessed on a case by case basis by the Programme Director.
Applicants whose ï¬rst language is not English must also demonstrate English language proï¬ciency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
UCD is the most international and diverse university in Ireland, and is the destination of choice for over 10,400 international students.
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