The Masters in Agricultural Extension and Innovation with Macra Agricultural Skillnet and University College Dublin (UCD) is back and now open for applications.

Designed for people working in the agricultural sector, this programme has trained students to support the agriculture field over the past seven years and is currently taking applications for its newest cohort. 

As the world changes, agri-businesses must adapt, and this programme aims to support workers navigating these changes and to prepare for future ones.

Candidates learn a wide variety of skills, including business development, innovation, and technical sales.

Students take many different modules, including 'Agricultural Extension and Innovation', 'Project Management', 'Client Customer Relationships in Agricultural Work', and a final thesis where students will complete an original piece of work, focusing on an agricultural-related issue or topic that they are passionate about.

Past students have reflected on the importance of this programme and how it supported them and allowed them to succeed and thrive in the agriculture sector. 

This programme is designed for the working student. Not only is it a part-time two-year distance learning programme, but it is also partly funded by Macra Agricultural Skillnet, meaning that the student pays less than €7,000 over the course of paying their degree.

To make this programme as accessible as possible, a phased payment plan is also available.  

Applicants must be working in the agriculture sector or connected to the agriculture sector, and have at least a 2.2 in their Level 8 degree.

Applicants will be shortlisted, and there will be a round of interviews at the end of July, and final decisions will come out shortly after. 

Whether you run your own business or work with a larger group, this masters is designed for you.

It is accessible and valuable and will not only help you grow and learn but will also help you thrive. 

Closing date for applications is July 11, 2025. 

Teagasc KT Learning & Development specialist, Rachel Clancy, completed the course and gave her thoughts on the course.

She said: "I first heard about the Masters from past students who spoke very highly of it.

Rachel said one of the main things that drew her to the course was that she could continue working full-time as distance education co-ordinator in Pallaskenry while studying.

"Beyond the practical side, I was also drawn to the focus on agricultural extension and innovation. It aligned closely with my passion for adult education and advisory work," Rachel added.

"The flexibility of the course and its direct relevance to my role made it the perfect fit." 

Rachel added that the Masters gave her "a much broader perspective" on agricultural education and advisory systems.

She explained: "I've gained valuable insights into learner-centred methodologies, stakeholder engagement, programme development, and evaluation. It also strengthened my critical thinking and research skills, particularly through the thesis.

"It helped me develop a stronger professional network and opened up opportunities for collaboration and shared learning." 

Rachel also said she has applied the learning from the course "in both direct and indirect ways".

"One of the biggest takeaways was the importance of working effectively as part of a team," she said.

"The Masters programme placed a strong emphasis on group work, and through that, I developed a deeper understanding of how to navigate team dynamics, communicate with different personality types, and influence change through collaboration.

For her thesis, Rachel focused on her role as a learning and development specialist and explored the knowledge, skills, and attributes needed to succeed as an extension professional.

She explained: "I investigated the tasks performed by agricultural advisors and educators and identified the core competencies required to carry out these roles successfully.

Rachel said the Masters programme is "both challenging and rewarding, and it’s very applicable to real-life advisory and education roles".

"My advice is to stay organised, link the project work closely with your job where possible, and take advantage of the networking opportunities the course offers," she advised.