| Course Name |
Agriculture |
| Course Provider |
Waterford Institute of Technology |
| Alternative Provider(s) |
Kildalton Agricultural College |
| Course Code |
WD126 |
| Course Type |
Higher Education CAO |
| Qualifications |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
| Degree - Ordinary Bachelor (Level 7 NFQ)
More info...
|
Major |
Waterford Institute of Technology |
Level 7 NFQ |
|
| Apply To |
CAO |
| Attendance Options |
Full time, Daytime |
| Location (Districts) |
Waterford City |
| Qualification Letters |
BSc |
| Duration |
3 years |
| Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements |
Leaving Cert:
5 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O6/H7
Maths Initiatives:
• Bonus points will be awarded for Higher Level Maths. See www.wit.ie/bonuspoints.
• Maths Entry Exam is designed to assist students who have not met the required maths grade for entry into WIT. It will not provide additional points. See www.wit.ie/mathsentryexam |
| Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme LCVP |
WIT treats the link modules as a single subject and awards points as follows:
Pass: 28
Merit: 46
Distinction: 66
This is automatically computed by the CAO and will count if it is one of your 6 best subjects. It will not, however, substitute an honour where one or more are required. |
| Leaving Certificate Applied Programme LCAP |
The Leaving Certificate Applied Programme was designed primarily to prepare for the transition from school to working life. It is not intended for direct transfer into third level. However, students with the LCAP who have completed a QQI/FETAC award can be considered for entry. |
| QQI FET Applicants General Information |
Expand+QQI FET / FETAC Scoring
This scoring scheme only applies where all the requirements for the major award are met, ie. when the named component awards specified have been achieved to a minimum of 120 credits.
Each component is scored as follows:...
Hide-QQI FET / FETAC Scoring
This scoring scheme only applies where all the requirements for the major award are met, ie. when the named component awards specified have been achieved to a minimum of 120 credits.
Each component is scored as follows:
Each component is given a score based on the credit value of the component and the weighting of the grade achieved:
1. Most component awards have a credit value of 15 (the possible
component credit values are 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30).
2. The following weightings will apply to the grades achieved: Distinction=3, Merit=2, Pass=1.
To calculate a component score:
1. List the components in order of achievement (D/M/P). Allow 120 credits worth of achievement.
2. Multiply the credit value of the component by the weighting for the grade achieved (3/2/1).
3. Add all of the component scores up to a cumulative credit value of 120. When adding up these scores begin with distinctions, then merits, then passes.
4. Multiply the total by 10 and divide by 9 to give the overall score (maximum 400).
The transcript for major awards lists the award code and title, grade and date of achievement for individual components required for the major award, and for any components achieved in any other certification period.
QQI FET / FETAC forwards all relevant results achieved by applicants
to the CAO.
This scoring system replaces that of the original higher education links scheme and that of the ‘pilot’ scheme, and applies to all results achieved from 2013.
Some applicants will combine components achieved prior to the introduction of CAS with others which are part of CAS. The scoring is managed by CAO according to the system above.
Level 5 and 6 Certificates, ie. major awards, achieved before the introduction of CAS are also scored according to the system outlined above. To view the list of QQI FET / FETAC awards, see www.fetac.ie/fetac/awardsinfo/directory/directory.htm
QQI FET / FETAC results cannot be added to Leaving Certificate points. Where applicants have taken both exams, the higher points will be considered for rating purposes.
|
| QQI FET Entry Requirements |
Web Page - Click Here |
| Alternative Entry |
Advanced Entry
Students who have completed all or part of a third level qualification, may be eligible for entry into years other than year 1 of this course.
Students who have successfully completed a FETAC approved Level 5 or Level 6 with a merit at Kildalton College or equivalent can apply to transfer into Year 2 of the BSc in Agriculture.
To find out more, visit www.wit.ie/advancedentry |
| Course Fee |
Expand+Student Contribution
The Student Contribution Charge for the academic year 2016/2017 is €3,000. The Student Contribution is an annual charge which is set by the Government and all third level students are liable to pay it, unless they have qualifie...
Hide-Student Contribution
The Student Contribution Charge for the academic year 2016/2017 is €3,000. The Student Contribution is an annual charge which is set by the Government and all third level students are liable to pay it, unless they have qualified for a grant (see below).
Tuition Fees
Tuition Fees are due to the Institute for all undergraduate students. The Department of Education provides a “Free Tuition Fee” Scheme. A student who qualifies for “Free Tuition Fees” will be exempt from paying Tuition Fees to WIT and those students who do not qualify for “Free Tuition Fees” will be liable to pay full tuition fees depending on the programme that you choose to complete.
Generally students who are first time undergraduates pursuing a full time undergraduate programme qualify for Free Fees Funding. However please refer to: www.studentfinance.ie for full details of the “Free Tuition Fee” Scheme.
WIT Student Card
This is a €15.00 charged to all first year students for the issue of a student card. This WITcard is required for access to student facilities (Should you already have a valid WIT student ID from previous years, you do not need to purchase another one).
|
| Financial Support |
Expand+Grants
Students who wish to apply for a Third Level Grant need to apply directly online to SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) through www.studentfinance.ie / www.susi.ie As soon as the online application system opens for the academic year, you...
Hide-Grants
Students who wish to apply for a Third Level Grant need to apply directly online to SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) through www.studentfinance.ie / www.susi.ie As soon as the online application system opens for the academic year, you will be able to apply online with SUSI. The online application facility will be available through www.studentfinance.ie / www.susi.ie Remember, it is not necessary to have received an offer of a college place or to be enrolled in college in order to apply online.
If your grant has been approved, SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Fee directly to the Third Level Institute. Students who have paid full or part fees will be refunded by the Grants Administrator once SUSI have paid full fees.
For further information please see:
www.studentfinance.ie
For further information regarding Grants please see: www.citizensinformation.ie/en/education/third_level_education www.studentfinance.ie/mp7919/maintenance-grant/index.html
|
| CAO Application Dates and Fees |
Expand+Early online application (discounted): Fee €25 Closing Date: 20th January 2017 at 5:15pm
Normal online application: Fee €40 Closing Date: 1st February 2017 at 5:15pm
Late online application - restrictions apply: Fee: €50 Closing Date: 1st May 2...
Hide-Early online application (discounted): Fee €25 Closing Date: 20th January 2017 at 5:15pm
Normal online application: Fee €40 Closing Date: 1st February 2017 at 5:15pm
Late online application - restrictions apply: Fee: €50 Closing Date: 1st May 2017 at 5:15 pm
Change of Mind: Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1st July 2017 5:15 pm
Exceptional online late application - see page 14 of the 2017 CAO Handbook: Fee €50 Closing Date: 22nd July 2017 at 5:15pm
You should avoid submitting an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5:15pm on 1st February 2017 and will be accepted up to 5:15pm on 1st May 2017, subject to the restricitions listed on page 3 of the 2017 CAO Handbook.
Late Applications (Exception to Timetable)
The exceptional closing date of 22nd of July at 5:15pm applies only to applicants who are currently undergraduate students in any year in any one of the participating HEIs (subject to the exclusions listed below). In order to avail of the Exceptional Late Application facility you must have entered the HEI through the CAO system.
If you did not enter your current course through the CAO system, you must first contact the Admissions Office of the HEI to which you wish to apply and they will inform you if you may submit an application direct to the institution.
Exclusions:
You may submit a late application only for entry to courses other than your existing course. If you wish to repeat the year in the same course you must arrange this within your HEI.
Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Trinity College Dublin and the University of Limerick have special procedures in place in the case of current or previous students who wish to apply for entry to another course in the same HEI. Such applicants must contact their Admissions Office to determine the application procedure. However, if you are a student in another HEI and you wish to apply to any of these three HEIs, you should apply through CAO.
Refer to page 15 of the 2017 CAO Handbook on how to make an Exceptional Late Application.
Restricted-category Applicants
Mature applicants – most HEIs will require mature applicants, who wish to be assessed on mature grounds, to have applied to CAO by 1st February 2017 at 5:15pm. (This restriction does not apply if the applicant wishes to be considered on the basis of school leaving qualifications only.) For more information about applying to CAO on the basis of mature years go to www.cao.ie/mature.
Applying for the HEAR and/or DARE schemes – to be considered for the HEAR and/or DARE schemes applicants must have registered on the CAO system by 1st February 2017 at 5:15pm and must have completed the HEAR/DARE application form by 1st March 2017 at 5:15pm – supporting documents must be sent to CAO offices before 1st April 2017 at 5:15pm.
|
| Course Content |
Expand+What is the BSc in Agriculture course?
Agriculture is of major importance to the Irish economy and most farms are family-operated with the farmer being the owner and manager and operator.
The first two years of the course concentrates on equipp...
Hide-What is the BSc in Agriculture course?
Agriculture is of major importance to the Irish economy and most farms are family-operated with the farmer being the owner and manager and operator.
The first two years of the course concentrates on equipping the student with the knowledge and skills needed to manage a modern commercial farm. The third year aims to expand the student’s business, managerial, scientific and IT skills. This course fulfils the requirements for stamp duty exemption or land transfer for young farmers (Green Cert).
Kildalton College
Students take agriculture-based modules at Kildalton Agricultural College and scientific related modules are taken at WIT. A free bus service operates between WIT and Kildalton.
Farm Placement
In the second year of the course students spend 12 weeks on farms specially chosen by Teagasc in order to get practical experience on high quality commercial farms. A number of students choose to travel overseas for farm experience e.g. New Zealand.
|
| Subjects Taught |
Expand+Year 1:
Semester 1:
Introduction to Farm Accounts
Plant Biology
Communication Skills
Computer Applications
Mechanisation & Safety
Animal Breeding & Welfare
Year 1:
Semester 2:
Chemistry for Land Sciences
Agriculture in the Economy
Anima...
Hide-Year 1:
Semester 1:
Introduction to Farm Accounts
Plant Biology
Communication Skills
Computer Applications
Mechanisation & Safety
Animal Breeding & Welfare
Year 1:
Semester 2:
Chemistry for Land Sciences
Agriculture in the Economy
Animal Biology
Animal Production
Agricultural Mechanisation
Tillage Crop Production
Year 2:
Semester 3:
Environmental Science
Crop Technology
Dairy Production
Cattle Production
Choose 1:
Sheep Production (E)
Mechanisation (E)
Choose 1:
Farm Buildings (E)
Fabrication (E)
Year 2:
Semester 4:
Placement
Year 3:
Semester 5:
Soils Management
Agriculture and Environment
Food Analysis & Development
ICT & Business Writing
Marketing for Small Business
Business Management
Year 6:
Semester 6:
Quality Food Production
Food Safety Management Systems
Agricultural Entrepreneurship
Financial Management Systems
Project Research & Design
Farm Business
E = elective module.
|
| Careers or Further Progression |
Career Opportunities
• Managers of modern farm enterprises
• Managers in Agri-Food cooperatives
• Managers in Meat processing plants
• Sales positions in Agribusiness
Follow on study
BSc (Hons) in Land Management in Agriculture - WD156 |
| Further Enquiries |
Course Leader:
Dr Tony Woodcock
Email: twoodcock@wit.ie
Web: www.wit.ie/WD126 |
| International Students |
Web Page - Click Here |