MSc Agricultural Extension and Innovation

University College Dublin

Ireland, Dublin

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Home/Ireland/Dublin /University College Dublin/MSc Agricultural Extension and Innovation

University College Dublin

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines25-Sep-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 29,500 / year

Next Intake 25-Sep-2026

MSc Agricultural Extension and Innovation

About

The MSc Agricultural Extension and Innovation is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time programme based in UCD and is focused on meeting the needs of those who are interested in developing careers in advisory, consultancy or education services in the public, private or non-governmental sector.

This MSc will equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to understand more about the processes of learning that underpin change and development and to be effective in building the capacity of farmers to adopt new practices and technologies.

A two-year part-time distance learning taught Masters option is also available for those working in the agri-food sector.

Students will develop competencies in: analysis of the context of agricultural change; design and development of appropriate advisory strategies to support agricultural development; how to support adult learning and behaviour change and research and analytical skills to identify and support worthwhile innovations.

The programme emphasises and values group work, problem solving and creative thinking and encourages students to be active, self-directed and reflective learners. Assignments are based on real life case studies that are complex and unpredictable, reflecting the norms of practice in advisory and education services.

Placement Opportunity

Students on the full time programme have the opportunity to take an industry placement as part of their minor thesis. Students have taken placements with Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) in the UK, Microsoft and many other companies and institutions who support farmer advice and behaviour change.

The programme also provides opportunities for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for graduates who are already working in areas of knowledge transfer with farmers.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Applicants must hold the equivalent of a minimum Lower Second Class Honours Degree (NFQ Level 8), or international equivalent, in a range of academic qualifications including Agricultural Science, Life Science and Business Degree programmes from a recognised higher education institution.
Applications are welcome from people with work experience in government and non-governmental organisations that provide rural extension services in agriculture, environmental and community development.
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.
These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

English Program Requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Taught Master's: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

Research Programmes: A minimum overall score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

IELTS Indicator: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band. This test will be accepted for 2022/23 and 2023/24 intake.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Taught Master's: A minimum score of 100 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Research Programmes: A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

TOEFL iBT Home: A minimum score of 100 is required with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Duolingo Test of English (DET)

UCD has approved the use of the Duolingo Test of English (DET) for the 2024/25 intake.
An overall score of 130 will be accepted with no section below 110.

Please note that this does not apply to the CEMS MiM / MSc in International Management. In the case of the CEMS MiM the Duolingo English Test will not be accepted.

Career

Across the globe there is increasing awareness of the critical contribution of knowledge transfer processes to sustainable and competitive agricultural development and graduates with competencies in agricultural extension are highly sought after.

Career opportunities for graduates of this programme are excellent and include advisory services, agricultural sales, agricultural media, agri-tech companies, consultancy and education delivery in the public, private or non-governmental sector.

Graduate Roles