The MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development responds to contemporary and future transformations in agriculture and rural development. The programme takes a place-based approach to rural change and rural futures, and addresses how agriculture can contribute to sustainable development. It examines how farming and rural areas are changing, and how communities and government can address future challenges and opportunities. These issues are relevant in Ireland and internationally, in the Global South and Global North.
This programme, which is offered on both a full-time and part-time basis, 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.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities
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
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
September 2025
UCD College of Health and Agricultural Sciences
BELFIELD,
Dublin,
Republic of Ireland
Applicants must hold a minimum of a second class honours degree, or international equivalent, in a range of subject areas.
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.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by Princeton University:
A minimum score of 600 in the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT), with Test of Written English at 475 +; a minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.
Cambridge Examinations: English language examinations administered by the University of Cambridge: 176+ on Cambridge English scale (with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English)
Acceptable Examinations:
Pearson English Language Text: Minimum of 63 and at least 59 for each item of both skills profiles.
*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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