Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless visited Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) to officially launch a new Tertiary Degree in Agricultural Science.

He also launched a new apprenticeship in Robotics and Automation.

The BAgrSc (Hons) is the latest addition to the Tertiary Degree Programme for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Tertiary degrees are co-designed and co-delivered by the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and higher education institutions to provide seamless pathways from further education to higher education.

This newly launched programme enables students to complete their first year at Dunboyne College of Further Education before progressing to University College Dublin (UCD) to complete the remaining four years of the Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons) degree.

It provides an alternative route to higher education that removes traditional CAO points barriers, while maintaining the same academic standards and graduate outcomes as the direct-entry programme. 

Announcing the programme, Minister Lawless said: “This new Tertiary Degree in Agricultural Science reflects our commitment to widening access to higher education while supporting one of Ireland’s most vital sectors.

"It allows students to begin their studies locally in Dunboyne before progressing to UCD and graduating with an honours degree through a more flexible pathway. 

"This programme will help develop the next generation of highly skilled graduates by providing a clear and accessible route from further education through to an honours degree at UCD," the minister added.

Tertiary degree in Ag Science

Last year, the CAO points requirement for agricultural science at UCD was 431.

Tertiary degree programmes are aimed at removing that barrier, offering students a new and practical route to achieving this qualification. 

Students can expect to benefit from smaller class sizes and a learner-focused approach in Dunboyne, before transitioning to UCD.

While at UCD, they can then develop the scientific, technical, and practical skills required for careers in agriculture, food production, sustainability, environmental management and agribusiness. 

LMETB FET director Sadie Ward McDermott said: “This initiative reflects LMETB’s strong commitment to delivering high-quality education and training that responds to the changing demands of the agricultural sector and the employers who sustain it.

"Developed in partnership with UCD and Dunboyne College of Further Education and Training (DCFET) to support regional development and strengthen a sector that lies at the heart of Ireland’s economic and rural prosperity. 

“Supported by the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE), the introduction of this degree recognises the growing impact of technology on agriculture and the need to equip learners with the skills to work in an increasingly innovative and data-driven industry.” 

This course is the latest addition to the Tertiary Degree Programme, which allows students to begin their studies locally with no tuition fees for the first year.