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UCD Horticulture

From developing resilient food systems to creating urban
green spaces that enhance wellbeing, horticulture plays a vital role
in solving some of today’s most pressing global challenges.

UCD Horticulture:
where science meets sustainability to grow solutions for a better world.

If you are passionate about sustainability, climate action and working with nature, UCD’s Horticulture
degree offers a future-focused and purposeful path. Horticulture is much more than growing plants, it
is about designing and managing sustainable landscapes, producing nutritious food, supporting
biodiversity, and improving quality of life. From developing resilient food systems to creating urban
green spaces that enhance wellbeing, horticulture plays a vital role in solving some of today’s most
pressing global challenges.

APPLY HERE

William Kenny image
I chose to study Horticulture as I had a key interest in developing as a plant scientist and researching the effects of climate change and stresses on plants. This course has allowed me to develop my lab skills necessary for professional development.
William Kenny, 2025 Graduate
William chats about careers
Jenin Zaru image
As a Jordanian studying abroad, UCD Horticulture has offered a home away for home from the moment I set foot in Ireland, allowing for a diverse and inclusive environment that continues to support me throughout my university years.
Jenin Zaru, International student

Careers in Horticulture

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A Gateway to Diverse Roles

The career opportunities for horticulture graduates are diverse and expanding, reflecting the growing
importance of sustainability, food systems and green infrastructure worldwide.

  • Horticultural production and management
  • Landscape design, urban greening and environmental consultancy
  • Biodiversity, conservation and ecological restoration
  • Policy development, research and advisory services
  • Community and therapeutic horticulture projects
  • Marketing, sales and innovation within the agri-food and plant sectors
  • Entrepreneurship and business start-ups in areas such as nurseries, eco-design, food innovation and green technology
Medium size

Further opportunities

Many graduates progress to postgraduate study, including Master’s and PhD programmes in areas such as sustainable food systems, plant science, environmental management and business.

This degree not only prepares you for employment but also equips you with the entrepreneurial skills to create your own opportunities. Horticulture is a sector where innovative graduates can establish businesses that respond to emerging needs in sustainable food production, urban design and wellbeing.

Glasshouse at UCD Rosemount

Niamh Flannelly, Graduate

The Horticulture course opened my eyes to topics I would never have thought of before, including the importance of soil health. My professional work experience was a highlight, and it directly helped me to secure job after graduating.

Our Horticulture Experts

Studying Horticulture at UCD means learning from experts who are deeply engaged in their research
and committed to your success. Each lecturer brings their own strengths which together ensure that
students gain both the scientific knowledge and the practical, professional skills that employers and
postgraduate programmes look for. More importantly, they create a supportive learning environment
where your curiosity, creativity and career ambitions can grow.

Dr Aisling Reilly

Aisling Reilly

Assistant Professor & Programme Director

Dr Aisling Reilly leads the Horticulture programme and is passionate about helping students see the direct connection between science and practice. Her research focuses on sustainable crop production, plant diseases, and the ways plants interact with microbes. This means her teaching is always informed by the latest discoveries in plant health and resilience.

As a teacher, Aisling combines lectures, lab work and field visits to create an engaging and varied learning experience. She uses real examples from her research to show how issues like plant disease management and sustainable food systems affect our everyday lives. Students value her approachable style and the emphasis she places on problem-solving and teamwork. By graduation, her goal is that every student feels confident in their ability to apply science to real-world horticultural challenges.

Dr Syed Bilal Hussain

Syed Bilal Hussain

Assistant Professor

Dr Syed Bilal Hussain brings international expertise to UCD, having trained in pomology (fruit science) in China and the United States. His research looks at how fruit crops grow, how their quality can be improved, and what happens to them after harvest. This is crucial knowledge at a time when global demand for fresh, high-quality fruit is rising.

In his teaching, Syed takes students on a journey “from lab to orchard”. You might start by studying plant physiology in the lab, before moving into the field to see how those processes translate into fruit quality and yield. He believes in hands-on learning, and his modules give students practical skills in fruit science and protected cropping systems. Students enjoy his focus on the commercial and environmental importance of fruit crops, and many are inspired to pursue careers or research in this area.

Profile photo of Noeleen Smyth

Noeleen Smyth

Assistant Professor

Dr Noeleen Smyth is a botanist and chartered horticulturist whose career has taken her from Ireland to projects around the world. She specialises in biodiversity, habitat restoration and the management of rare and invasive species. She also acts as Ireland’s National Scientific Authority for CITES, which regulates international trade in endangered species. Her experience at this level brings a global perspective to her teaching.

Noeleen’s classes often take students outdoors to work directly with plants and habitats. She believes the best way to learn about conservation and biodiversity is to experience it first-hand. Students might find themselves identifying plants in the field, assessing habitats, or discussing real case studies in invasive species management. Her teaching style is practical, passionate and inspiring—encouraging students to see horticulture not just as a career, but as a way of protecting the natural world for future generations.

Profile photo of Anthony Twamley

Anthony Twamley

Assistant Professor

Dr Anthony (Tony) Twamley brings a unique career journey to UCD, having worked for over fifteen years in the construction industry before retraining as a horticultural scientist. His research focuses on improving plant health through sustainable methods. His work contributes to the development of environmentally friendly approaches to crop protection and resilient food systems.

Tony’s teaching covers plant pathology, sustainable crop protection and horticultural science, and he also contributes to UCD’s international teaching at Guangzhou Dublin International College (GDIC) in China. His classes combine lectures, laboratory experiments and fieldwork, giving students the chance to apply scientific concepts in practical ways. He encourages students to approach challenges as researchers do—testing ideas, solving problems and exploring innovative alternatives to chemical crop protection.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

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

Through the reimagining of our campus, we strive to promote a friendly and accessible environment which encourages engagement with university life and local communities. 

UCD Environmental Research Station

UCD Rosemount Environmental Research Station is a state-of-the-art plant and environmental research facility located on the edge of the Belfield campus and covers four hectares.

The station provides cutting-edge facilities, including:

Glasshouses: Containment and production glasshouses.

Controlled Environment Chambers: The Programme for Experimental Atmospheres and Climate facility (PÉAC), which includes climate chambers with full control and monitoring of climate, atmospheric composition (like ), light, relative humidity, and irrigation.

Imaging: The Irish Root and Soil Imaging Facility (IRSI), featuring a large capacity 3D X-ray CT scanner for non-destructive imaging of whole plants, both above and below ground, which is crucial for root and soil research.

Custom laboratory facilities for pomology, apiculture, forestry and gardening.

The facilities are available for use by UCD faculty and students, as well as external academics and industry users.

Global opportunities

Study Abroad

You may choose to spend one trimester studying abroad at one of UCD’s partner universities, including Cornell University (USA), Lincoln University (New Zealand) and the University of Queensland (Australia). These experiences broaden your perspective, enhance employability and give you the independence and confidence that come with international study.

Professional Work Experience

A major highlight of the degree is the five-month Professional Work Experience (PWE) in third year. This structured placement allows you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings, gain industry insight, and build valuable networks. Students have worked in areas ranging from sustainable crop production and plant breeding, to landscape management and biodiversity projects.

 

Build Skills for Success

Plant and Environmental Science

You will develop a deep understanding of plant biology, crop production systems, soils, ecology and sustainable land use.

Glasshouse from the inside
Sustainability and Innovation

You will explore climate resilience, urban greening, biodiversity conservation, sustainable crop production and new technologies such as controlled environment farming and vertical agriculture.

Student sitting at a desk doing horticulture research
People and Communities

You will study how horticulture contributes to health and wellbeing, including the growing areas of social and therapeutic horticulture.

People and Communities
Business and Enterprise

You will gain insights into project management, business planning and entrepreneurship, preparing you to manage horticultural enterprises or establish your own business.

Business and Enterprise

UCD Horticulture Programme in Detail

Year 1

Gain a strong foundation in the core sciences that underpin the degree and be introduced to key horticultural concepts. The first year will equip you with the basics in science, with modules in chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics to support data analysis, understand plant growth, and explain soil and energy processes. You will also develop early horticulture knowledge with specialist modules such as Plants and People and Introduction to Sustainable Horticulture.

Year 1
Year 2

Develop specialist horticulture knowledge and practical skills. This year involves a mix of lectures, laboratory, and field practicals, as well as industry site visits. Core subjects focus on the plant environment, including Soil Science, Physiological Plant Ecology, Agricultural Microbiology, and Agricultural Biochemistry. Essential business and management skills are also introduced to prepare you for professional roles.

Watering plants
Year 3

Further your knowledge in advanced horticulture and science subjects, including topics like Plant Protection, Plant Diseases, Landscape Plants, and Landscape Design/Management. A critical element of this year is the Professional Work Experience (PWE) module, which requires a 5-month placement in Ireland or internationally, providing invaluable direct industry exposure. You also have the option to study abroad for one trimester.

Tomato plants in a glasshouse
Year 4

The final year involves a major, independent capstone Research Project. You'll study specialised, high-value areas like Food Production (vegetable/protected crops), Postharvest Physiology, and Nursery Production. This year also develops vital communication, business, and enterprise skills for professional leadership.

Vegetable garden
UCD Evolution garden

Your Journey Starts Here

Ready to take the next step?

Passionate about sustainable plant cultivation, biodiversity, and climate action? 🌿

UCD’s Horticulture degree combines core plant science, innovative technology, and business knowledge to prepare you for a dynamic, global career. Learn to sustainably manage food and ornamental plant production, design and manage landscapes, and lead environmental solutions. With excellent job prospects across diverse sectors and invaluable Professional Work Experience (PWE), it's your path to making a lasting impact on our health and our planet

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UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science

Agriculture and Food Science Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
T: +353 1 716 7082/7194 | Location Map(opens in a new window)