Higher Certificate in Agri-Business
Location
This two year third level course is offered at the Franciscan Brothers College, Mountbellew and Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology. Course code GA104
Course Aim
The course, resulting in a HETAC award of a Higher Certificate in Business Studies (in agri-business), is aimed at students interested in jobs in the agri-business sector. Many students progress to Bachelor Degree level in year three and complete an Honours Degree in Business Studies at the end of year four. Graduates find work in the agri-business and agri-service sectors as sales reps for suppliers of machinery, building materials and other farm inputs. Jobs are also available as development officers with Macra na Feirme, Co-ops and Farm Relief Services. Some graduates have found employment in the wider business area as accountants, sales reps and sales managers. A small number of graduates manage their own farms.
Entry Requirements and Application Procedures
The minimum entry requirements for the course are a Grade D3 or higher in at least five (ordinary level) subjects in the Leaving Certificate including Maths and English or Irish. Mature students and holders of certain FETAC awards may be admitted without meeting these minimum requirements.
FETAC Linked Course that meets Minimum Entry Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Course Level |
|---|---|---|
| CAGXX | Vocational Cert in Agriculture | 2 |
Course Structure and Content
The entire first year of the course is conducted at the Franciscan Brothers College, Mountbellew, Co Galway.
Students transfer to the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) for year two of the course and continue at GMIT for the Bachelor Degree and Honours Degree years.
Year One
The following subjects are studied: agriculture (which includes a broad programme of practical farm husbandry), agricultural economics, agri-business/rural development, accountancy, maths/statistics and business French or German.
Year Two
During year two the following subjects are covered: marketing principles, management accountancy, business information systems, business administration and two of the following: business law, selling/sales management and business French or German.
This qualification meets the training requirements for Stamp Duty exemption and Installation Aid.
Progression
Successful students are awarded the Higher Certificate in Business Studies (Agri-Business).
Students who achieve their award at merit or distinction may apply to progress to an add-on Bachelor Degree and Honours Degree.
