Is the Course Right for Me?
Breadth of Programme
Agricultural Technology aims to provide the widest graduate opportunities for students interested in the agricultural, agri-environmental and related industries. The first 2 years are based at Greenmount Campus of CAFRE and concentrate on production agriculture including animal science and husbandry, crop science and husbandry, enterprise technology and management, farm business management, alternative land use and diversification, supply chain management and the agri-environment. In their final year students are based at Queen’s where they can study a wide range of subjects including environmental management and policy, environmental assessment and environmental sustainability, EU law, business innovation and entrepreneurship and current developments in food quality and safety.
The 3 year programme, Agricultural Technology, includes a 16 week work placement as an integral component of Stage 2, equivalent to one module (1/6 of year) and counts as 4.16% towards the final degree award. It is intended that students will start their placement during second semester on a part-time basis. These students will do a project module in Stage 3, their final year, which may be started whilst on placement.
The 4 year programme, Agricultural Technology with Professional Studies, includes a year long work placement with an integral project to be agreed between the placement provider, the School and the student. This placement will be assessed as the Stage 3 module ‘Professional Studies (AgTech)’ and counts as a module in final year (1/6 of year) 12.5% of final degree award. Students will not take a separate project module within their final year.
Students are responsible for attaining their own work placement. Those unsuccessful in attaining a 46 week placement may transfer to the BSc (Hons) Agricultural Technology, 3 year programme.
Opportunities are available for students to undertake placement in companies and businesses within NI, ROI, and the UK but students will also be encouraged to undertake overseas placements.
The Careers Development Programme is designed to give students a clearer picture of the industry and of the diversity of career paths open to them. It explores the comprehensiveness of the industry will better prepare and empower them for the future job market where they will be working in a wide range of roles, for large multinationals, for small local companies and everything in between.
The Careers Development Programme is delivered in all three stages of the programme. In year 1 it concentrates on stimulating the student’s thoughts on what careers are available through speakers from industry and the careers office. Stage 2 activities are linked to work placement preparation, and includes CV building, interview techniques, self reflection on the value of placement and external speakers. In stage 3 students explore key career opportunities including teaching and graduate recruitment and assessment centres.
