The latest Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) graduate survey has found that 83% of BSc. Agriculture 2016 graduates from DkIT entered full-time employment or further study within four months of completing their degrees.
DkIT today announced the results of its recent graduate survey which examined the employment and further study outcomes of 2016 graduates from its Level 8 (Hons.) in Agriculture programmes.
According to the 2014 HEA Graduate Survey, Agriculture graduates have amongst the highest level of employment with 70% working nine months after graduation with DkIT graduates gaining employment above this rate.
Speaking today, Dr. Gerard Corkery, Lecturer in Applied Sciences at DkIT and Programme Director for the BSc. (Hons) in Agriculture Programme said that DkIT is delighted to confirm such high employment rates for its 2016 agriculture graduates.
Agriculture has long since been a pillar of the Irish economy and over recent years we have seen dramatic technological and business advancements in the sector creating new and exciting opportunities for our graduates.
According the survey, 44% of the agriculture gradates now work within the agri-food industry, indicating that this sector holds great appeal for outgoing graduates.
Meat Industry Ireland (MII), the body representing the meat processors, has said that the agri-food sector currently supports more than 200,000 jobs including family farms.
With a diverse range of jobs opportunities available in agri-food, many of DkIT’s 2016 graduates have taken up roles in quality control, sales, processing and research.
Meanwhile, Dr. Edel Healy, Head of School of Health and Science at DkIT noted that DkIT is increasingly seeing more graduates pursue successful careers in the agri-food industry.
“The north east has a great reputation for innovation and expertise in this area and we are pleased that our students will contribute to the expansion of this sector.”
The BSc.(Hons) in Agriculture programmes provides students with strong foundations in science, business and agriculture which will equip them with the necessary skills to secure jobs in agri-food, farming or business.
“We also have a number part-time programme offering to include continuous learning opportunities in Food and Agribusiness and Food Supply Chain Operations. A Masters in Agricultural Technology will commence in September 2017.”
The Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Agriculture at DkIT is delivered in conjunction with in Ballyhaise Agricultural College, County Cavan.
DkIT currently offers a diverse range of undergraduate, add-on undergraduate, postgraduate and part-time programmes in Agriculture and its related sciences. These include:
- Level 8 Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Agriculture (Undergraduate).
- Level 8 Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Food and Agri-business (Add-on).
- Level 8 Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Sustainable Agriculture (Add-on).
- Level 7 Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Add-on).
- Level 9 Masters /. Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Biotechnology (Part-time).
- Level 9 Certificate in Food and Feed Biotechnology (Part-time).
- Level 9 Certificate in Animal Biotechnology (Part-time).
- Level 7 Certificate in Food and Agribusiness (Part-time).
- Level 7 Certificate in Food Supply Chain Operations (Part-time).