Considering your next step? Discover agriculture and agri-food opportunities at CAFRE

Date published: 30 July 2026

For students receiving their results this summer and considering their next step, studying at CAFRE can provide the knowledge, skills and experience needed for a rewarding career in the agri-food sector.

With places available through UCAS Clearing for Higher Education programmes and direct applications open for Further Education courses, now is the ideal time for school leavers to discover the agri-food opportunities available.

CAFRE delivers Honours Degree and Foundation Degree programmes in partnership with Ulster University ensuring academic excellence is matched with real-world relevance. As Northern Ireland’s leading college for agri-food and land-based studies, degree programmes at CAFRE are designed in close partnership with employers and industry organisations, ensuring that graduates are not only academically qualified but also equipped with the practical skills and experience needed to be job-ready from day one. 

Students choose CAFRE because 95% of graduates secure employment or progress to further study within six months of completing their course. First-year degree students can also benefit from over 45 industry-sponsored bursaries. Students have access to a range of specialist facilities including the three Farm Centres, which provide an outstanding environment for experiential learning and applied skills development.

Higher Education opportunities

Whether your interests lie in agriculture, agri-food, business, sustainability or environmental management, CAFRE offers Honours Degree and Foundation Degree programmes designed to prepare students for leadership roles across the sector.

Students benefit from a unique blend of academic study, practical learning and industry engagement, with opportunities to gain valuable work experience alongside their studies. Degree programmes are designed to equip graduates with the technical knowledge, business understanding and problem-solving skills required to meet the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture and food production.

The recently launched BSc (Hons) Degree in Sustainable Agri-Food Management, delivered at Loughry Campus and validated by Ulster University, provides an exciting opportunity for students interested in the future of food, sustainability and supply chain management. The programme explores the entire agri-food chain, from primary production through to food manufacturing, quality assurance and business management, preparing graduates for a diverse range of careers across the food industry.

Further Education and Apprenticeships

There are also opportunities for GCSE school leavers. Students can apply directly to CAFRE for full-time Level 3 and 2 programmes in Agriculture. These courses provide a strong foundation in agricultural science, livestock and crop production, business management and practical farming skills while preparing students for employment or progression to Higher Education. 

For those who prefer a workplace-based route, CAFRE also offers apprenticeship opportunities within the land-based sector. Apprenticeships allow learners to gain recognised qualifications while developing practical skills and industry experience. They provide an excellent opportunity to earn while learning. 

CAFRE’s courses develop graduates who are not only career-ready but also prepared to lead and innovate in the agri-food and land-based sectors.

For more information on agriculture courses available at CAFRE and details on how to apply, please visit the CAFRE website or contact the CAFRE Student Recruitment Team via email CAFRErecruitment@daera-ni.gov.uk.