MSc in Digital Technology for Sustainable Agriculture

University College Dublin

Ireland, Dublin

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127

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Home/Ireland/Dublin /University College Dublin/MSc in Digital Technology for Sustainable Agriculture

University College Dublin

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

Mix

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 in Digital Technology for Sustainable Agriculture

About

A dynamic transformation is taking place in the world of agriculture, triggered by the rapid emergence and growth of AgTech startups. In addition, Big Tech companies have recently entered the farming and food industries.

UCD’s MSc Programme on Digital Technology for Sustainable Agriculture is targeted towards providing students with cutting edge training in digital technology areas that include a number of modules in computer programming, data processing, Internet-of-Things and machine learning implementations.

This programme will build student’s knowledge and skills-base to address the complexities of developing, deploying and managing digital technology in the agri-food sector with a focus on enhancing efficiency, sustainability and resilience at all levels of food production.

The programme also offers hands-on experience on a range of novel digital technology, training in state-of-the-art labs and applied research in a real life environment at the Lyons Research Farm.

Delivery Mode & Themes

This programme is primarily delivered face to face, but will also include some fully online modules and blended delivery models. All modules are optional and students will be able to take themed clusters of modules (e.g. three modules of precision farming, three modules of sensing technology, three modules of computers and electronics, three modules of data science) to reflect specific technical interests or needs for upskilling.

Individual Modules:
For students that are not in a position to take on the full programme a number of the modules on this programme can be taken individually via the Advance Centre catalogue. Most modules are online so that you can fit study around your work and life.

Module Information:

Under the "What modules can I take?" section below you will see general module information, for a more detailed description including module selection rules click here.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum upper second-class honours (NFQ level 8) or international equivalent in agriculture, biological science, physical science, environmental related, engineering, computer science or other appropriate discipline.

Where an applicant has no formal qualification encompassing agriculture/biology, practical knowledge of, and experience in, agriculture will be required.

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.

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

Ireland is home to the world’s top 10 technology companies. It is known as the IT Capital of Europe and is among the world’s most technologically developed nations. There are excellent job opportunities, with 5,000 job vacancies in the sector at present. Big Tech companies have recently, to a greater or lesser extent, entered farming and food industries. In addition, a dynamic transformation is taking place in the world of agriculture, triggered by the rapid emergence and growth of AgTech startups. This highlights the immense career possibilities and promising future for our graduates in the areas of precision farming, decision support in agriculture, IoT, smart sensors, intelligent algorithms, data, and predictive analytics.