Paul Corrigan’s journey through the BSc in Agriculture at DkIT

Paul Corrigan, a Cavan native and father of three boys, had his hands full when he decided to pursue a BSc in Agriculture at DkIT. As a Farm Manager, owner of a small organic sheep farm, and DJ for weekend parties and weddings, Paul balanced numerous professional and personal responsibilities. Yet, he was determined to enhance his knowledge and skills in agriculture.

Paul’s interest in pursuing further education began with an inquiry into a part-time Animal Production Certificate, which led him to connect with Dr. Caroline Gilleran Stephens, a lecturer at DkIT. With encouragement from Dr. Gilleran Stephens and his wife, he decided to pursue a BSc in Agriculture, which he successfully graduated from in 2024.

For Paul, the most rewarding aspects of the course were the practical lab sessions and the opportunity to work alongside other mature students. He appreciated learning first-hand how tests and experiments are conducted. “As farmers, we often send samples away for testing—like soil tests—but having the opportunity to carry out these tests ourselves was a valuable experience,” he says. He also enjoyed the collaborative learning environment with fellow students, many of whom had practical experience like him. This made case studies and presentations feel much more approachable and enjoyable, despite his initial nerves.

The BSc in Agriculture gave Paul a new perspective on some of the most topical issues in farming, such as climate change and sustainable farming practices. He gained a much deeper understanding of how ecosystems function and how small changes can have a significant impact on protecting the environment. Specific modules on soil, slurry use, and the effects of artificial fertilisers on local rivers and lakes were ones he found particularly beneficial.

One of Paul’s most memorable learning experiences was creating a soil nutrient management plan, which allowed him to see how all the calculations come together to promote sustainable land use.

The course also helped Paul gain a greater appreciation for farm regulations, audits, and inspections, which are crucial for sustainable farming practices. “Rather than just seeing them as obligations, I now understand how they play a role in ensuring farm efficiency and environmental protection. It has helped me approach compliance more proactively,” he explains.

Although fieldwork was limited due to the part-time nature of the course, farm visits provided invaluable real-world insights. Students were encouraged to reflect on these visits and think critically about how the lessons applied to their own farming practices.

Balancing a full-time job, farm management, family commitments and weekend DJ gigs was no easy feat for Paul. He had to be focused and disciplined with his time to manage his commitments and coursework. “It was challenging at times, but the support from my lecturers, classmates, and family made it worthwhile,” he reflects.

Despite struggling with reading and spelling during his school years, Paul believes anyone with a genuine interest should pursue their passion, no matter the challenges. He encourages others to “go for it and challenge yourself, just like I did.” The support from DkIT, especially from approachable lecturers, was a key factor in his success. What really stood out to me was how approachable the lecturers were. If you ran into one in the corridors, they would always stop and ask how I was getting on with the course, which made the whole experience feel more personal and motivating, he says.

Paul wholeheartedly recommends the BSc in Agriculture to anyone interested in farming or agriculture-related fields. The course covers a broad range of topics, from crop production and diseases to soil management, making it a well-rounded and engaging learning experience. Some of the more challenging topics, such as carbohydrates, DNA, and bio-chemistry, led to really interesting discussions among students. He particularly enjoyed the lab work, where students even had the opportunity to build electric motors.

Paul’s journey through the BSc in Agriculture at DkIT was both academically and personally rewarding. The course equipped him with valuable skills and knowledge, and the supportive, collaborative atmosphere made the experience enjoyable and enriching. For anyone considering the course, he would recommend this “incredibly well-rounded and engaging learning experience.”