Gurteen College and TUS launch new honours degree in Agricultural Science and Sustainability

Gurteen College and Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) have announced a new partnership which will see them launch a brand new Level 8 honours degree course in Agricultural Science and Sustainability.

The course, which is the first of its kind in the Mid-West region gives graduates the knowledge and skills to work in the agriculture and agri-food sector while also being equipped to manage the relationship between agriculture and the environment, considering issues such as climate change, biodiversity and water quality in the context of food production.

Students will have the option of completing a Level 8 honours degree over four years or a Level 7 ordinary degree over three years. The entrance requirement for first-year students is by direct application for September 2022. Applicants for September 2023 will be through the CAO.

Applicants presenting the full Level 6 QQI/FET (FETAC) award in ‘Advanced Certificate in Agriculture’ that includes three distinctions will be considered for advanced entry to second year this September.

Students will be based between the TUS Thurles campus and Gurteen College where they will gain hands-on experience. Two full semesters will be taught entirely at Gurteen and students will spend one semester on work placement. For the remaining five semesters students will be based at the Thurles campus.

Commenting on the launch of the honours degree course in Agricultural Science and Sustainability, Brigid Doyle, Course Coordinator at TUS said, “We are delighted to partner with Gurteen College whose heritage and agricultural expertise is complemented by the experience and expertise TUS offers in the environmental and sustainability sector.

"The aim of our new degree is to produce graduates who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to meet the needs of the evolving agricultural industry from climate change to biodiversity management while maintaining sustainable food systems. This is a huge reality for the agriculture sector and it’s important that we are providing a course that meets the needs of both students and industry. Our partnerships with Gurteen College and industry ensure a focus on the practical application of knowledge and skills for the agri-environmental, agri-food and on-farm settings.”

Jon Parry, Principal of Gurteen College said “It’s hugely important that students have the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills required to succeed in the agricultural sector, especially as the world moves towards a more sustainably conscious era. Employers in the agricultural sector are looking for highly trained professionals who can demonstrate a sound understanding of complex agricultural and environmental phenomena, combined with solid practical skills.

"As part of this degree course, students will end up spending an entire year at Gurteen College allowing them to make full use of the sector-leading facilities we have on offer, including our commercial, mixed-enterprise farm and our wider biodiversity areas such as the bogland, forestry and lough. Our farm enterprises include a 250 pedigree Holstein-Friesian herd, 400 borris-type ewes, 70 suckler cows, and 40 ha of tillage crops.”

Students interested in exploring direct application or advanced entry can find out more by visiting www.tus.ie/direct.