The experience gained on this programme will equip them well for future roles in advisory services, technical consultancy and education delivery. The experience and learning will be of value to Teagasc and the agriculture industry in advancing the specific knowledge required for modern and effective innovation support systems.
Programme:
- Taught Modules 25%
- Action Research and Thesis 75%
Phase 1: Taught Modules
In the first phase of this programme, students will register as MSc students in the School of Agriculture & Food Science at University College Dublin and spend the period September to December 2012 based at UCD undertaking a combination of practical and theoretical training on a range of topics relevant to their chosen study. Students will complete 3 to 5 modules (comprising a maximum of 25 credits) including modules in: research methods and statistics. Other modules appropriate to the study being pursued will be chosen by the student with the approval of their academic supervisor. Students will be assessed in all modules undertaken. Students will also participate in a series of workshops at UCD during the September – December 2012 period on Research and Innovation Support and will develop their detailed research proposals during this time.
Phase 2: Action Research and Thesis
This phase of the programme begins January 2013 and the students will be based at a Teagasc centre / advisory office location. During this phase they will be expected to undertake their research work as well as carrying out specific advisory and education activities as agreed with their Teagasc and UCD supervisors. All participants are expected to work a standard working week.
Schedule
Phase 1: Sept. 2012 to Dec. 2012 Taught modules and workshops – UCD
Phase 2: Jan. 2013 to June 2014 Action research, field work and thesis write up
Proposed Research Topics for 2012-2014 Intake:
The intake on this Programme of up to 10 postgraduate students in September 2012 is limited to topics which deal with effective and efficient knowledge transfer / exchange and capacity building of farmers. The following is the list of 15 topics from which the 10 research projects to be undertaken will be selected:
- Advisory support in remote areas – evaluation of clinics and other measures
- Spatial Analysis Technology in the planning and delivery of advisory programmes
- Social media as an aid to advisory and education services in Teagasc
- Attitudes of farmers and advisers to the promotion of low costs grass based systems
- The role of Forest Owner Associations in effective knowledge transfer
- Joint-delivery of services to farmers by Teagasc and Local Development Companies
- Decision-making by farmers in relation to succession and inheritance
- Farmers knowledge and use of financial risk management tools such as forward and futures contracts
- Advisory methods to improve farmer engagement in farm health and safety
- Advisory services targeted for new entrants to dairy farming
- Technical / financial advisory support on energy crops
- The impact of a selected Teagasc agricultural education programme
- The potential for distance learning in adult agricultural education programmes
- The potential effectiveness of advisory initiatives and tools for GHG mitigation in Irish agriculture
- Knowledge Transfer initiatives used in the Agri-catchments programme
The 10 topics finally chosen for research from the above list will be selected based on how they contribute to agricultural extension and education work carried out by Teagasc and on the interests of the successful applicants.
Payment
The value of the Walsh Fellowship is €21,000 per annum out of which the recipient pays college fees. Students are paid monthly and are exempt from income tax. No PRSI or pension deductions are made. Travel expenses are paid at reduced rates. Subsistence, where eligible, is on the basis of approved and vouched receipts only. Students participating in this Fellowship Programme will be paid for a maximum of 21 months.
Application Requirements and Form
Applications are invited from graduates with a minimum 2.2.Honours B.Agr.Sc. (or equivalent) degree. Applications from graduates with pass level degrees coupled with
significant and appropriate work experience in the sector will also be considered. Application Forms are available from Henna Kinsella by e-mailing: agribus.ruraldev@ucd.ie. The deadline for receipt of completed application forms is 5pm on Wednesday 30th May, 2012. Completed Application Forms should be submitted in electronic form to: agribus.ruraldev@ucd.ie or by post to: Henna Kinsella, School of Agriculture & Food Science, Room G.05 Agriculture & Food Science Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4.
Interviews
Interviews are planned to take place in the first half of July 2012. Where short listing is required, only applicants called for interview may to be contacted.
Source: HortiTrends News Desk
