Sustainable Farm Management & Agribusiness - Wexford
Common Entry is a very popular choice with students. You avail of a broad common Year 1 which will introduce you to various essential business topics along with tasters in more specific business areas. Having gained a better understanding of each subject area, you then choose your preferred pathway to specialise in Year 2. The advantage of this course type is that it allows students more time to discover the subjects in which they are most interested.
| Award Name | Degree - Ordinary Bachelor (Level 7 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | South East Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 7 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Ordinary Bachelor (Level 7 NFQ) | Major | South East Technological University | Level 7 NFQ |
Duration
3 years, full-time.
Specific Subjects or course requirements
5 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O6/H7
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Entry requirements for Honours Bachelor Degrees (Level 8)
This link module can be used in place of a sixth Leaving Certificate subject and will be accepted as meeting the six subject eligibility requirements for entry to honours degree courses.
Entry requirements for Ordinary Bachelor Degree (Level 7) and Higher Certificate (Level 6)
The LCVP link module can also be used in place of a fifth Leaving Certificate subject and will be accepted as meeting the five subject eligibility requirements for entry to ordinary bachelor degree and higher certificate courses
GRADE POINTS
Distinction 66
Merit 46
Pass 28
Leaving Certificate Applied Programme LCAP
Leaving Certificate Applied Programme
Holders of the LCAP may become eligible for a place at SETU Carlow Campus by completing a full QQI level 5 award.
QQI FET Applicants General Information
Students who have completed a full QQI-FET award at Level 5, and achieved at least three distinctions, are eligible to apply through CAO for entry to Year 1 on to Level 6, 7 and 8 courses. Students who have completed a full QQI-FET award at Level 6 may be eligible to enter Year 2.
The maximum possible points awarded through QQI-FET is 390. The scoring system only applies where all of the requirements for the major award are met i.e. where the named component awards specified have been achieved to a minimum of 120 credits.
Progression Scheme
The Progression Scheme is an additional opportunity for students who successfully complete a QQI FET Award in a partner Colleges of Further Education and Training College/Centre to gain entry to SETU programmes. The list of partner Further Education and Training Colleges/Centres, relevant SETU programmes, linked QQI FET Awards and the criteria for the scheme are available at www.setu.ie/progression.
Careers / Further progression
Career opportunities
Graduates from the BSc in Sustainable Farm Management programme have many employment opportunities including: farm owners, farm managers, technical roles in Government and other state agencies.
Progression to the Level 8, BSc (Honours) in Sustainable Farm Management is also possible.
Further information
September 2026
Mature Student Applications
A mature student is someone who is at least 23 years of age on 1 January of the year of entry to an undergraduate course and who may not meet the normal admission requirements. Applications are made through the CAO before the 1 February or before late application deadline of 1 May 2026. Applicants are assessed based on the information they enter on their CAO application. Note: You must apply for nursing and music courses by 1 February 2026.
Selection Process – Nursing Applications
Mature applicants for nursing courses will receive correspondence under separate cover from the Nursing Careers Centre (Public Appointments Service - PAS). For full details on the application process see www.nursingcareers.ie.
Mature Applicant – Change of Mind
The Change of Mind facility becomes available after 1 May and the closing date is 1 July.
The Change of Mind facility affords mature applicants an opportunity to change the order of preference only of their course choices. If applicants introduce a new programme to their list of choices by way of Change of Mind, they will compete for a place on that programme based on their Leaving Certificate or equivalent results only. They will not compete as a mature applicant.
Non-standard application
A non-standard application is one that does not meet the definition of a standard application.
The special categories are:
• GCE/GCSE
• Other school leaving exams
• NCVA Level 2/3
• FETAC Level 5/6
• Further Education (other than QQI)
• Mature
• Higher/Third Level Education
Applicants wishing to make a non-standard application must select the relevant category when applying to the CAO.
Entry 2026
Early online application (discounted): Fee €35 Closing Date: 20 January 2026 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €50 Closing Date: 1 February 2026 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: €65 Closing Date: 1 May 2026 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2026 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2026. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2026, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2026 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €65 applies.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
Agriculture and agri-food are dynamic sectors that continue to evolve in response to global challenges and new opportunities. The BSc in Sustainable Farm Management and Agribusiness provides students with a well-rounded degree that blends theory with hands-on learning across agri-science, agribusiness, and land-based training. This course equips graduates with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in the agricultural industry.
In year two, students may choose to follow the Organic Agriculture Stream, which specialises in sustainable and organic farming systems. Those who opt for this pathway can progress to the BSc in Organic Agriculture, a programme designed for students who wish to lead and innovate in the development of the Irish organic sector. The first year of both programmes is shared, allowing students to gain a strong foundation before deciding which pathway best suits their interests. Years 1 and 2 focus on technical and business skills used in farm enterprises, while Year 3 builds a deeper knowledge of agricultural systems, including organic production, agri-business management, and the biological principles underpinning the sector. Completion of Year 2 also qualifies students for Green Cert recognition, making them eligible for stamp duty exemption and land transfer schemes for young farmers.
Year 1 Modules
Semester 1
Applied Physics & Chemistry
Principles of Crop and Grassland
Production
Farm Health & Safety
Academic & Personal Skills
Development
Semester 2
Basic Mathematics
Animal & Plant Biology
Principles of Animal Production
Farm Mechanisation & Regulations
Agribusiness Management
Note: Work Placement available.
PROGRAMME DIRECTOR
Dr Stephen Whelan PhD
E: stephen.whelan@setu.ie