If you’re keen to gain a deep understanding of crop growth and food systems, and develop practical skills to make agriculture more productive and sustainable, UCD’s Crop Science degree is for you. This programme seamlessly blends fundamental science with applied knowledge, exploring plant physiology, soil health, precision farming, integrated pest management, and data-driven crop production.
You’ll gain hands-on fieldwork experience, learning to optimise crop yields while minimising environmental impact. You’ll also uncover how emerging technologies, such as remote sensing and digital agriculture, are revolutionising farming. Guided by researchers at the forefront of sustainable crop science, you’ll build scientific knowledge alongside problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills.
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From agronomy to agri-tech, a degree in Crop Science opens diverse and impactful professional paths.
As a Crop Science graduate, you’ll be well-placed for roles in:
Many students advance into Master’s or PhD studies in areas like plant science, crop innovation or sustainable agriculture, paving the way towards research, academia or leadership in global agri-food systems.
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Over the past four years at UCD, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of various agricultural sectors, especially during my Professional Work Experience in third year. I spent 2 months of agronomy with Haggard Stores walking crops, 10 weeks with Teagasc in Oak Park completing the fungicide trials and 2 weeks in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. This provided valuable insights into both practical and industry aspects of the field
Our academic staff is renowned for their unwavering dedication to their subjects and their commitment to providing students with an exceptional learning experience. They are experts in their respective fields and are passionate about nurturing the next generation of leaders in crop science.
A leading figure in precision agriculture, Kevin’s research spans crop mechanisation, soil compaction, digital farming methods, and renewable energy systems such as biomass and waste-to-energy. He melds engineering and agronomy to offer technological solutions that enhance efficiency and sustainability in crop production. His teaching draws directly on these interdisciplinary advances, ensuring students grasp how innovation can redefine farming systems.
Gary’s research centres on soil–plant interplay and nutrient dynamics, critical pillars of sustainable agronomy. He investigates how soil health and fertility drive crop productivity, and how management choices can balance yield and environmental protection. In teaching, he underscores evidence-based decisions, equipping students to use science to make impactful choices on farm. Gary combines field scale experimentation, digital decision support tools, robotics, and immersive visualisation to advance sustainable crop production and to bring real-world research into teaching.
Specialising in crop production and integrated pest management (IPM), Cathal’s work addresses sustainable methods for dealing with plant stress, pests, and nutrient management. He emphasises the role of genetics and environment in crop resilience and brings findings in plant science into practical classroom conversation, empowering students to blend scientific discovery with on-farm application.
Tomás is an expert in cereal pathology and integrated pest management, focusing on disease control, fungicide efficacy, and sustainable crop protection strategies. He collaborates with industry partners to develop real-world solutions that reduce chemical reliance while maintaining productivity. His teaching is highly applied, students work through disease scenarios in lectures, laboratories and field trials, gaining hands-on understanding of crop health management.
As Ireland’s largest and most globally engaged University, UCD is committed to providing world-class facilities and infrastructure that support the needs of our community and our strategic goals as set out in the UCD Strategy
The UCD Crop Science programme emphasises connecting scientific theory with real-world practice through extensive fieldwork, professional experience, and global study opportunities.
UCD Lyons Farm is a principal agricultural research and teaching resource, spanning approximately 250 hectares near Celbridge, Co. Kildare, operating under the UCD College of Health and Agricultural Sciences. The farm operates as a mixed enterprise, supporting both undergraduate and postgraduate studies, as well as Continuous Professional Development for agri-food professionals.
The farm supports over €20 million in active research grants and provides state-of-the-art infrastructure for various enterprises, including:
Mixed Enterprises: Beef, Crops, Dairy, Equine, Sheep, and Pigs.
Specialised Facilities: Includes a modern Dairy Calf Education and Research Facility, and infrastructure to support both the School of Agriculture and Food Science and the School of Veterinary Medicine.
Innovation: The farm hosts the AgTechUCD Innovation Centre, which accelerates early-stage start-ups and SMEs with disruptive innovations in the agri-food and veterinary sectors.
The facilities serve as a fundamental asset for research and learning, utilized by UCD faculty, students, and external partners in agri-food and veterinary medicine.
The facilities are available for use by UCD faculty and students, as well as external academics and industry users.
Fieldwork and Practical Learning
Students gain hands-on experience in crop science and agronomy, primarily utilising UCD's Lyons Farm as a core practical resource. This experience includes:
Crop Management: Practical exposure to the science, production, and management of crops, from genes to fields.
Soil Management: Hands-on work exploring soil health, nutrient utilisation, and climate-smart agricultural practices.
Research Facilities: Access to and visits to relevant research centres and agribusiness operations to see emerging technologies and methodologies in practice.
Study Abroad
Opportunities to travel abroad are available in third year, allowing students to spend a trimester in an international university and broaden their perspective on global agriculture.
Partner Institutions: Crop Science students have studied at major universities in the United States and Canada, including:
Kansas State University, USA
Purdue University, USA
Michigan State University, USA
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
Olds College, Canada
European Opportunities: Selected exchange opportunities are also available at institutions across Europe.
Professional Work Experience (PWE)
A 30-week period of structured PWE is a mandatory element of the programme in third year, enabling students to apply their academic skills in a professional setting.
Placements may be a combination of experiences, including time spent on farm, within agri-business organisations, and at research centres.
Students have the flexibility to undertake their PWE both in Ireland or abroad, giving them a competitive advantage in the global job market.
Develop critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills by mastering plant nutrition, soil health, and pest management. This expertise is highly valued across the agribusiness sector, including crop advisory services, farm management, fertiliser and chemical companies, and roles focused on sustainable food systems.
Gain skills in cutting-edge digital tools, remote sensing, spatial technology, and data analysis. Learn to interpret large agricultural datasets to drive efficient resource use and optimise yields. These highly sought-after technical skills are essential in Agri-Tech, IT, financial services, state agencies, and precision farming consultancy.
Build technical expertise and innovation skills by examining crop breeding, food processing, quality control, and plant-based diets. This knowledge is applicable across the food and beverage industries (e.g., brewing and malting), seed development, biotechnology, and product development aimed at creating healthier, more resilient food chains.
Master project management, strategic planning, and environmental assessment by studying climate change impacts, water-use efficiency, and land-use policy. This knowledge is crucial for organizations focused on sustainability, environmental protection, public sector governance, NGOs, and research institutions dealing with climate-smart agriculture.
If you are concerned about global food security, the effects of climate change, and the sustainable use of soil and water resources, then Crop Science could be the course for you. Learn how to manage crops from genes to fields, implementing precision farming and advanced agronomy to secure high-quality yields while actively protecting soil health and biodiversity.
The agri-food sector is rapidly evolving, driving an immense demand for qualified Crop Science professionals who can lead innovation in areas like digital agriculture and integrated pest management. With the scientific and practical skills you gain in this degree, you will be able to create meaningful change for Irish and global food systems and contribute positively to solving some of the biggest challenges facing the world.
Gain the basic science and business knowledge that underpins your degree. You'll master the fundamentals of Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Biology to understand soil chemistry, energy flow, and plant growth. This year establishes your base with modules in Agricultural Economics and Business and an Introduction to Crop Science.
This year focuses on applied agronomy and essential production techniques. You will build expertise in Soil Science Basics, Agricultural Botany, Arable Crop Production, and Physiological Plant Ecology. Key technical skills are developed through modules in Agricultural Mechanisation and Applied Biostatistics, preparing you to manage crop systems effectively.
Year 3 is highly practical, focusing on critical crop protection and application. You will study key areas like Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Plant Diseases, and Pest Control. The Professional Work Experience (PWE) provides a mandatory 30-week placement in agribusiness, research, or farming. This year also offers the option to pursue a Study Abroad trimester at a partner university.
Your final year integrates advanced topics to prepare you for industry leadership. You will cover Farm Business Management, Cereal Production, and the latest Advances in Crop Mechanisation. Specialised modules address crucial contemporary issues, including Emerging Crop Pathogens, Climate, Carbon and Soil, and Agrichemicals and the Environment, ensuring you are ready to lead sustainable food systems.
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Ready to take the next step?
Passionate about global food security, technology, and climate-smart solutions?
UCD’s Crop Science degree combines advanced science, practical agronomy, and emerging agri-tech to prepare you for a dynamic, global career. Learn to optimise yields, protect soil health, and lead the shift towards sustainable food production. With strong job prospects in the essential agri-food sector and hands-on professional experience, it’s your path to making a lasting impact on the world.
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