Developments in Teagasc Education
Teagasc’s education and training programmes for young people entering careers in agriculture, horticulture and related land-based enterprises are benchmarked to the best international standards.
The important features of these developments are:
National Accreditation
The accreditation of Teagasc’s education and training programmes within the framework of the National Qualifications Authority has raised the standing of Teagasc courses both nationally and internationally.
Teagasc Protection for Learners
Teagasc was established under the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988. Under the Act one of the statutory responsibilities of Teagasc is “to provide, or procure the provision of, educational training and advisory services in agriculture...”
In keeping with its statutory responsibility Teagasc has and will continue to protect learners, in the event of a private college or Teagasc college/centre ceasing to provide training programmes, by arranging for an adjacent college or local centre to deliver the outstanding education and training programme requirements.
Higher Level Courses
Higher level education programmes in agriculture, horticulture, agri-business, agricultural mechanisation and equine studies, with recruitment through the Central Applications Office (CAO) system, are provided jointly with Institutes of Technology.
Further Education Courses
Further education and training programmes are available in agriculture, horticulture, forestry and horses. These courses are available at colleges and at regional Teagasc centres depending on demand. To meet the needs of the growing number of part-time farmers, some courses are provided at night, weekends and during annual holiday periods at some locations. Holders of FETAC awards, at merit or distinction, can transfer to HETAC award programmes at appropriate stages.
Higher Education Links Scheme
The Higher Education Links Scheme enables holders of Further Education awards to apply for a quota of higher education courses. Specific further education courses are linked with specific higher education courses. Applicants for a higher education course, covered by the Scheme, are made through the standard CAO form.
Linkages
FETAC Certificates (Teagasc Course Programmes) Linked with Higher Education Courses
| FETAC Certificate | Linked IT Courses |
|---|---|
| Agriculture CAGXX |
Cork Institute of Technology CR010 Higher Certificate in Agriculture |
|
Dundalk Institute of Technology DK685 Higher Certificate in Agriculture |
|
|
Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology GA172 Bachelor of Business in Rural Enterprise and Agri-Business GA777 Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Environment Management |
|
|
Waterford Institute of Technology WD009 Higher Certificate in Science, Agricultural Science WD098 Higher Certificate in Agriculture |
|
|
Limerick Institute of Technology LC841 Higher Certificate in Agricultural Mechanisation |
|
| Forestry CFXXX |
Waterford Institute of Technology WD076 Bachelor of Science in Forestry |
|
Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology GA474 Bachelor of Technology in Forest Management |
|
| Horse Breeding and Training CHTXX |
Athlone Institute of Technology AL025 Higher Certificate in Business Studies (Equine Studies) |
| Horticulture CHXXX |
Waterford Institute of Technology WD096 Bachelor of Science in Horticulture - Level 7 |
