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BSc|Undergraduate

Agricultural Technology

Entry year
Academic Year 2025/26
Entry requirements
BBB/ABB
Duration
3 years (Full-time)
UCAS code
D473

The agricultural industry is undergoing an unprecedented period of change. Traditional reliance on production is being challenged through changes in government policy at local, national, European and global levels, as well as changes in consumer demand.

Agricultural production now requires an understanding of these demands and other concerns regarding food quality and safety and the environmental impact of production methods in the short, medium and long term.

The Agricultural Technology degree programmes enable graduates to gain an understanding of:
• Crop and animal production systems for the sustainability of the agricultural industry, including the underpinning scientific, economic and business principles and the applicability of recent developments
• The impact of global, EU and regional policy on the agricultural industry
• Assessing agri-environment interactions and devise environmental management strategies
• Managing agriculture as a business
• A professional approach to the work environment, study and life-long learning
• Devising, managing and evaluating project work

Agricultural Technology highlights

World Class Facilities

A unique feature of this degree is the opportunity for students to take responsibility for the operation and management of a College farm enterprise, allowing immediate practical application of knowledge.

Student Experience

Embedded work placements on this degree programme provide students with the opportunity to utilise the practical skills gained during the teaching of their degree and apply these in a work environment.

Past students have gained work placement with organisations such as the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Countryside Services, Dale Farm, Fane Valley, John Thompson and Sons, Monaghan Mushrooms, Moy Park, and Millridge Ltd and Tamar Farming Co. (both in New Zealand).

Further Study Opportunities

Further study is also an option – development of research skills in final year through project work means that graduates are also well equipped for postgraduate study for PhDs, and can choose from a wide range of Master’s programmes, including those in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and Leadership for Sustainable (Rural) Development offered through the School of Biological Sciences.

Student Testimonials

Course Structure

Introduction

The degree has been developed in consultation with employers, industry and academics, to offer students a combined curriculum of formal education and practical experience, which is designed to enhance employability and graduate skills.

The Agricultural Technology degree programmes are provided jointly by the School of Biological Sciences and the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (Greenmount Campus, Antrim).

Stages 1 and 2 are mainly delivered at Greenmount Campus, where students are involved in the work and management of specific agricultural enterprises. Professional Studies students spend their third year on placement, and Stage 3 is mainly delivered at Queen's University Belfast.

• Agricultural Technology students will complete a 16 week degree-related work placement
• Agricultural Technology with Professional Studies students will complete a one year, degree related work placement

People teaching you

Course Director

School of Biological Sciences
biosciences-ug@qub.ac.uk

Contact Teaching Hours

Personal Study

29 (hours maximum)

Large Group Teaching

9 (hours maximum)

Learning and Teaching

On the BSc in Agricultural Technology we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment by providing a range of learning experiences. The partnership arrangement between CAFRE and Queen’s capitalises on the strengths of both institutions to provide a course that is academically challenging but also focused on the application of science, business and economic principles. Stages 1 and 2 are mainly delivered at the CAFRE Greenmount Campus and Stage 3 is mainly delivered at Queen’s in Belfast. The Greenmount Estate Farm is a major resource used to deliver this programme. The campus “farm” comprises the Farm Development Centre (200 hectares) and the Livestock Development Centre (1,100 hectares).

  • Complementary Qualifications

    At Stages 1 and 2 students have the opportunity to take a range of complimentary qualifications that enhance employability e.g. PA series of spraying courses, Health and Safety, ECDL, Artificial Insemination, First Aid, Telehandler driving.

Assessment

Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

  • The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.

Feedback

As students’ progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

  • formal written comments, face-to-face comments, placement employer comments or references, online or emailed feedback, pre-submission advice, and feedback and outcomes from practical classes.

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Modules

Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2023/24). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

  • Year 1

    Core Modules

  • Year 2

    Core Modules

    Work Placement (20 credits)
  • Year 3

    Core Modules

Entrance requirements

A-level

BBB including at least two relevant subjects (see list below) + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
OR
ABB including a relevant subject (see list below) + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4

Applicants not offering A-level Biology, A-level Chemistry or a BTEC in Agriculture should have GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/44.

A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award will be accepted as part of an applicant's portfolio of qualifications with a Distinction* being equated to a grade A at A-level and a Distinction being equated to a grade B at A-level.

Irish Leaving Certificate

H3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in two relevant subjects (see list below) + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics
OR
H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in a relevant subject (see list below) + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics.

Applicants not offering Agricultural Science, Biology or Chemistry at Higher Level must have Chemistry at Ordinary Level grade O4.

BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma

A relevant agriculture/science QCF Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits), with DDD + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/44 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
OR
A relevant agriculture/science RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)), with DDD + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/44 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4

Access/Foundation Course

Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 65%. Must be relevant Access Course - normally Science based. GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 or equivalent in Access Course.

BTEC Higher National Certificate

Successful completion of a relevant agriculture/science HNC with 1 Distinction and remainder Merits + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/44 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4

Graduate

A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided that subject specific requirements are met.

All applicants

Relevant Subjects:
Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Digital Technology, Environmental Science/Technology, Geography, Geology, Home Economics, ICT, Life & Health Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Education, Psychology, Software Systems Development, Technology & Design. Other subjects considered on an individual basis.

Note

All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

How we choose our students

Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the School of Biological Sciences. Once your on-line form has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.

Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form, which is considered by a member of administrative staff from the Admissions and Access Service and, if appropriate, the Selector from the School. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS. These decisions can only be made on the basis of the information given and applicants must show due care and diligence when completing their applications. In particular, full details must be included about qualifications completed or still to be completed.

For entry last year, applicants for the Agricultural Technology degree must have had, or been able to achieve, a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C/4 or better (to include English Language and Mathematics), though this profile may change from year to year depending on the demand for places. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled.

Offers are normally made on the basis of three A-levels. Two subjects at A-level plus two at AS would also be considered. The minimum acceptable is two subjects at A-level plus one at AS though candidates offering this combination will be considered on an individual basis.

The offer for repeat candidates is normally the same as that for first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year.

A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking would not normally be considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking four A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.

Applicants offering other qualifications, such as BTEC National and Higher National Certificates/Diplomas, the International Baccalaureate, Irish Leaving Certificate or an Access course, will also be considered. The same GCSE profile is usually expected of those candidates offering other qualifications.

For applicants offering Irish Leaving Certificate, please note that performance at Junior Certificate is taken into account. For last year’s entry applicants for this degree must have had, a minimum of 5 IJC grades C/Merit, though this profile may change from year to year depending on the demand for places. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of Leaving Certificate subjects can be satisfied.

For those offering a relevant Higher National Diploma or Foundation Degree, there may be the possibility of advanced entry to Stage 2 depending on relevance of the HND/Foundation Degree and first year results. Where offers are made for entry to Stage 2 students would be required to achieve good results in the units assessed in final year of their HND/Foundation Degree. Those not eligible for entry to Stage 2 would be considered for entry to Stage 1.

The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but, in the case of the Agricultural Technology degree, these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.

Applicants are not normally asked to attend for interview.

If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a School Visit Day, which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice and the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.

If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions and Access Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

  • Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
  • Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

International Students - Foundation and International Year One Programmes

INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.

These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.

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Careers

Career Prospects

Introduction

Studying a degree in Agricultural Technology provides a wide range of graduate opportunities for students interested in the agricultural, agri-environmental and related industries.

The majority of our graduates will seek careers in the agricultural, agri-environment or agri-food sectors, in roles including; marketing/sales, production and management, technical advice, and research and development in commercial companies.

Employment after the Course

The degree has been developed in consultation with employers, industry and academics, to offer students a combined curriculum of formal education and practical experience, which is designed to enhance employability and graduate skills.

Employment Links

This programme was developed after extensive consultation with government bodies, major farming organisations, the food processing sector, farmers and conservation organisations, and the curriculum reflects these consultations. This close industry involvement has continued. The initial years of this programme were overviewed by an industry group representing LANTRA, AFBI, DARD (now DAERA) and the UFU. Industry representatives play a significant role in the operation of student learning projects where they use their expertise to guide students running major college enterprises.

Students organise an industry symposium as part of final year, providing opportunities to engage with key stakeholders within the local industry. In addition, major employers such as Dunbia, Moy Park and John Thompson and Sons have contributed competitive bursaries to support students on these degrees.

Professional Opportunities

The work placement is compulsory and is assessed as an integral component of the degree programme, contributing five per cent (three-year programme) and 10 per cent (four-year programme) to the final degree classification. Students are supported in obtaining work placement through a series of workshops and by a dedicated School Work Placement and Careers Adviser. We work repeatedly with a number of employers and students can also propose their own placement.

Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £4,750
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £4,750
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £9,250
EU Other 3 £25,300
International £25,300

1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

The tuition fees quoted above are for the 2024/25 academic year and are a guide only. In addition, all tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase in each year of the course. Fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.

Additional course costs

Year 1 students on the Agricultural Technology pathway must buy a laboratory coat, boiler suit, waterproof coat and leggings, safety wellington boots and safety boots. In year 2 students may choose to go on a Brussels Study Tour costing £250.

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How do I fund my study?

There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.

Information on funding options and financial assistance for undergraduate students is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/Fees-and-scholarships/.

Scholarships

Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.

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Apply

How to Apply

Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/students.

When to Apply

UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2025 from early September 2024.

The advisory closing date for the receipt of applications for entry in 2025 is still to be confirmed by UCAS but is normally in late January (18:00). This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.

Applications from UK and EU (Republic of Ireland) students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2025) subject to the availability of places. If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applications from International and EU (Other) students are normally considered by Queen's for entry to this course until 30 June 2025. If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

Further information on applying to study at Queen's is available at: www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/How-to-apply/

Apply via UCAS

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study. Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students

  1. Applying through UCAS
    Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2025.
  2. Applying direct
    The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Find out more.
  3. Applying through agents and partners
    The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.

Download Undergraduate Prospectus