Masters in Agricultural Extension and Innovation with Macra Agricultural Skillnet and UCD

Macra Agricultural Skillnet is again partnering with UCD to deliver this part funded and part time two year distance learning programme. The programme is delivered both online and face to face and gives graduates the skills and knowledge to support farmers in business development and innovation. Assignments are based on real life case studies relating to the student’s own work environment, reflecting the norms of practice in consultancy, support, sales and education services within the industry. 

Modules include:

• Agricultural Extension and Innovation
• The Reflective Agricultural Advisor
• Agricultural Education
• Programme and Project Management
• Client Customer Relationships in Agricultural Work
• Group Approaches in Agriculture
• Understanding the Family Farm Business
• Research Methods
• Creative Thinking
• A final thesis

Applicants must be working with farmers, farm families or students in some capacity and have achieved a minimum of 2.2 in their Level 8 degree. Shortlisting will apply and candidates who have been shortlisted will be invited to interview most likely in late July.

The cost of the programme is approximately €7,000, which is paid in instalments over two years. Macra Skillnet can offer a phased payment plan for programme fees and can also accommodate employers who wish to pay for their staff.  

This course is now open for applications. You can apply here.

Closing date for applications has been extended to 7th July 2024

Provisional dates for interviews after shortlisting will be 24th & 25th July in Portlaoise. This will be confirmed after shortlisting takes place. 

For course enquiries, please contact Dr Tomás Russell, Programme Director at tomas.russell@ucd.ie or Macra Agricultural Skillnet at: skillnet@macra.ie.

 

Don't believe us, why not read a past students experience of the programme?

Clare O'Keeffe, Succession Ireland

"As a mature student, farmer and owner of Succession Ireland the model of study using Problem Based Learning (PBL) suited me. I enjoyed shared discussions with fellow students on current farm challenges, in exploring the bigger picture, referencing relevant research while considering all possibilities and workable options. My class mates were very diverse which positively added to the UCD experience as we supported each other and advanced with each ongoing task and assignment.

The Masters in Ag Extension and Innovation greatly enhanced my professional career. It gave me the confidence to collaborate with colleagues beyond my expectations, in advancing training and discussions on farm succession and generational renewal.

I completed this Masters on a two-year part-time bases which allowed me to continue with my career as well as progress with academic studies. The part time masters was the perfect workable option for me and was a wonderful learning experience. The Masters has made an invaluable contribution towards my career. I am ever so grateful for the opportunities afforded to me since graduating with a Masters in Ag Extension and Innovation in 2020 and this Masters was made possible with the financial support of Macra Agricultural Skillnet."