DCU, in conjunction with Teagasc, has launched a BSc in Horticulture degree programme which is due to start this September, 2010.

Late applications for this course will be accepted by the CAO until 1 May 2010, and students may also apply under the 'Change your Mind' scheme by 1 July 2010. The degree is also open to mature students or for those who wish to change career paths.

The partnership of the National Botanic Gardens with Dublin City University offers a new concept in horticultural education in Ireland. This degree is suited to students with an interest in the natural environment, who wish to develop a career in landscape design as well as construction and management, professional horticulture and plant husbandry, soil science, plant nutrition, and crop production. Students can also avail of the opportunity to develop their studies to Masters and Doctoral levels by carrying out research into horticulture-related areas involving all aspects of plant-life and biotechnology.

The combination of the academic resources of DCU's Faculty of Science and Health with the horticultural knowledge and expertise of Teagasc, College of Amenity Horticulture provides a broad range of expertise for students who wish to pursue this area of study at third level.

The course will be held on the DCU campus and at the National Botanic Gardens which offers a unique setting for this course, allowing students to avail of the extensive plant collections, conservation, research projects and worldwide network of contacts. This new course will provide excellent career pathways for its graduates.

Chairperson of the degree, Dr Michael Parkinson, said, "The university is delighted to collaborate with Teagasc and the Botanic Gardens on this degree. The resources, experience, expertise and unique plant collection in the Botanic Gardens, together with DCU's strong academic tradition in the area of Biotechnology, will provide students with a range of excellent career pathways. The Gardens are located within walking distance of the DCU campus enabling easy movement between both locations, facilitating full participation in DCU’s cultural and social activities as well as all the benefits of the National Botanic Gardens".

In the first year horticultural students share subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics with common entry science students in DCU. Specialised subjects such as biodiversity and introduction to horticulture are conducted in the National Botanic Gardens.

In year 2, subjects will include professional horticulture and plant husbandry, plant materials, soil science, plant nutrition, plant physiology.

In year 3, landscape construction, landscape design and management, professional horticulture and plant husbandry will be taught in the National Botanic Gardens, while new enterprise development and science aspects will be taught at DCU.

In the fourth year and final year, students will submit a substantial research project on a selected aspect of horticulture.

As with many degrees at DCU, students will take part in a period of paid work experience, organised by the university.

For further details see: www.teagasc.ie/botanicgardens or www.dcu.ie