Program Overview
The Graduate Diploma in Animal Science at UCD is an advanced degree designed for professionals seeking specialized knowledge in animal science. Delivered online by renowned experts, the program emphasizes cutting-edge skills in genetics, reproduction, nutrition, and health, equipping graduates for leadership roles in the livestock sector. It fosters transferable skills such as communication and research expertise, preparing students for a wide range of careers in agriculture and related industries.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Graduate Diploma in Animal Science is a postgraduate program designed for students seeking advanced studies in specific areas of animal science. It aims to equip graduates with cutting-edge skills and prepare them for leadership roles in the livestock sector. The program focuses on key aspects of animal science, including genetics & genomics, reproduction, nutrition, and health. It also delves into scientific principles relevant to solving issues limiting system sustainability, such as immunobiology, sustainable livestock, and global food systems.
Objectives:
The program aims to:
- Provide advanced education and training in the application of sciences underpinning best practice in animal science.
- Develop key transferable skills, such as communication and research expertise.
- Prepare students for opportunities in animal science-related industries.
- Develop a new generation of graduates with the ability to translate knowledge of specific aspects of animal science into practice.
- Develop competence in research methods relevant to specific areas of animal science.
Teaching:
- The program is delivered and assessed entirely online.
- It can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis.
- The online format allows students to combine studying while in employment.
- The program is delivered by internationally renowned discipline experts.
- Guest lectures and new modules showcase the latest developments in national and international research informed by innovative projects taking place at UCD Lyons Farm.
Careers:
- Graduates can pursue a wide range of employment opportunities in the global agriculture industry.
- Potential career paths include:
- Further education including PhD programs nationally and abroad.
- Policy and advisory roles within governmental departments.
- Senior positions within leading nutrition, health, breeding, and pharmaceutical companies.
Other:
- The program is flexible, allowing students to focus their studies on an area of specific interest or tailor their module choice for a broader selection.
- A key strategy of the diploma is to foster the development of communication and transferable skills.
- The program offers connected pathway options enabling students to progress onward from the Diploma to the MSc if desired.
- The global agricultural industry is under enormous pressure to meet the increased demand for animal protein while minimizing its impact on the environment.
- The FAO predicts that meat consumption is projected to rise nearly 73 percent by 2050 and dairy consumption will grow 58 percent over current levels.
- The Irish government has ambitious plans to sustainably grow its agri-food sector, which is its largest indigenous industry and a critical pillar in its economic recovery.
- The Diploma in Animal Science is unique in its orientation to develop a new generation of graduates with the ability to translate knowledge of specific aspects of animal science into practice.
