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Study Rural Development

Our postgraduate courses focus on sustainable rural transitions that address policy formulation and implementation for adaptation, societal change and economic impact in rural settings. The programmes are designed for people at any stage in their career who have a passion for rural towns, villages and the countryside. If you are just completing your Undergraduate Degree, would like to have a career change, or if you wish to undertake Continuing Professional Development in your role in local government, the civil service, local development or advisory services, this could be the course for you. You can also specialise in either agriculture or community/local development. If you are interested in registering for one module only, please contact the Programme Director.

Masters, Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate options are available, as well as part-time and full-time routes.

Contact Associate Professor Karen Keaveney ((opens in a new window)karen.keaveney@ucd.ie). Further details below.

MSARD Pathway

Learn about Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development in UCD

For almost 30 years, UCD has delievered the Masters in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development. Associate Professor Karen Keaveney, who leads the Citizen Rural Research Lab, is the current Programme Director. Contact Karen for further details ((opens in a new window)karen.keaveney@ucd.ie). Apply HERE. See below for further details of they types of programmes we offer, and how they might work for you in full-time or part-time mode.

We offer part-time and full-time routes to study which are detailed below - apply for what works best for you. You can chose to complete the Masters (90 ECTS) with us, or if you are adding to existing qualifications, a Graduate Diploma (60 ECTS) or a Graduate Certificate (30 ECTS) may be more suitable. Contact (opens in a new window)Assoc. Prof. Karen Keaveney if you have any questions about what is the best route for you.

Our postgrduate courses focus on sustainable rural transitions that address policy formulation and implementation for adaptation, societal change and economic impact in rural settings.

The MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development responds to contemporary and future transformations in agriculture and rural development. The programme takes a place-based approach to rural change and rural futures, and addresses how agriculture can contribute to sustainable development. It examines how farming and rural areas are changing, and how communities and government can address future challenges and opportunities. These issues are relevant in Ireland and internationally, in the Global South and Global North.

This programme, which is offered on both a full-time and part-time basis, prepares graduates for roles of leadership, advocacy and influence in local, national and international development settings. This is achieved by strengthening capabilities in the relevant analytical, communications and entrepreneurship skills, underpinned by the provision of an enhanced understanding of the theory, policy and practice of rural development.

The learning environment fosters individual and group-based activities, which develop students’ skills of inquiry, critical thinking, self-directed and collaborative learning. A variety of teaching and learning approaches are used including group project work, student presentations, individual assignments, field trips and case study work.

Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate options are available. 

If you are interested in the courses and/or have any questions, contact (opens in a new window)karen.keaveney@ucd.ie. If you are ready to apply, you can do so by setting up an account on the UCD Graduate Applications portal.

Some useful information - course codes:

  • Full-time MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (MSc(Agr)) X376
  • Part-time MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (MSc(Agr)) X377
  • Full-time Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (GradDip) X449
  • Part-time Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (GradDip) X450
  • Part-time Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (GradCert) X390

MSc in Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development: Full-time Route

  • This option is suitable for anyone interested in completing their studies in 12 months.
  • Ideal for recent graduates interested in policy development and implementation for rural areas.
  • We welcome graduates from across disciplines - no agriculture or rural background required ... just passion for rural sustainability!!
  • Further Details Here.

MSc in Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development: Part-time Route

  • This option is suitable for professionals already working in rural development, or for those wishing to have a career change.
  • Designed for professionals seeking to lead in this critical area of development, our courses focus on rural challenges & change, sustainable development (economic, environmental & social), and policy creation for rural places.
  • Suitable for people working in Local Government / Civil Service / Local Development Companies / Private Sector / Community & Voluntary. Boost your leadership expertise in this vital area and enhance your career path.
  • Attend classes one day per week on campus, and select from different part-time options so you can study while continuing your career.
  • Further Details Here.

Part-Time Pathway:

MSARD PT 2

Graduate Certificate & Diploma Routes

  • This option is suitable for professionals already working in rural development, or for those wishing to have a career change.
  • If you cannot commit to a Masters programme, or need to update your professional development, the Grad. Cert. or Grad. Diploma option may be suitable.
  • Further Details here: GradDip / GradCert.

Contact the Citizen Rural Research Lab

UCD Agriculture and Food Science Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
T: +353 1 716 7858 | E: karen.keaveney@ucd.ie |