The College of Agriculture Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) is the only College in the island of Ireland that offers courses from Certificates to Honours Degrees in Agriculture, Food, Equine and Horticulture as well as a Master’s Degree in Business for the Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise. The three CAFRE campuses are based in Northern Ireland and all courses are offered full-time and part-time as well as work-based / apprenticeships up to Level 7 (NFQ IE).
CAFRE’s ethos is very much “learning by doing” which all students embrace. What is taught in the classroom can be easily demonstrated in our practical facilities. And these are not just any practical facilities. CAFRE’s Knowledge Advisory Service works closely with industry to develop businesses and enhance the knowledge and skills of those already working in the agri-food sector. As a result the practical facilities at each of the three campuses are superb, demonstrating the latest science, technology, innovations and business management techniques for industry as well as allowing students to learn in first class facilities in courses delivered by highly qualified staff.
Industry linkages are established from day one of a student’s journey at CAFRE with £64,000 in bursaries available which first year degree students can apply for. In addition, industry visits and work placements are an integral part of all programmes and these are often in Europe and the UK as well as in Ireland. International travel is also encouraged. There are currently 12 students working in Dairy Farms in New Zealand; four students have just returned from a semester’s study at Michigan State University, USA and two students are planning to work in France this summer. This close connection with industry means that students get exposure to key personnel from the agri-food sector early in their careers and as a result many secure employment before they graduate.
Progression is also encouraged so a young person can start their journey at Certificate level and progress all the way up to Honours degree and beyond. There is accommodation for over 300 students at the three campuses which provides a friendly, caring environment, where students can mix with other students, pursue cultural and sporting interests, and of course enjoy themselves.
From a recent CAFRE Student Satisfaction Survey, 93% of students are satisfied with their course and 94% would recommend CAFRE to others. In students own words –
CAFRE was ...“The best days of my life”, “Life-changing”, “Got my career off to a fantastic start” “I would encourage anyone to study there!”
If you would like to find out more about CAFRE and the courses on offer please visit the website www.cafre.ac.uk or email enquiries@cafre.ac.uk or call Freephone 0800 028 4291
