Environmental Sciences (M.Sc. / P.Grad.Dip.)

Overview

Course Overview

The degree in Environmental Sciences, the first of its kind in Ireland, has an established pedigree, attracting students with diverse academic backgrounds from Ireland and abroad. It comprises a series of taught modules encompassing a variety of current environmental themes, followed by a five-month research project. There is also the possibility to opt for a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Sciences, consisting of the taught modules only.

The aims of this course are to promote an understanding of environmental science, and the capability to apply that knowledge to current environmental issues and sound environmental management; to develop the necessary intellectual skills and practical expertise to design and execute independent research; and to cultivate skilled communicators able to organise ideas and disseminate them through written and oral presentations.

Following the successful completion of the taught part of the course, students embark on a closely supervised research project intended to expand the skills and knowledge base acquired in earlier modules. Previous research projects have covered a range of subjects, including groundwater contamination; atmospheric heavy metal deposition; environmental education; sewage processing systems; bio-indicators of marine pollution; microplastics; the impacts of erosion in African lakes; ocean chemistry and climate change; and radon in natural and work environment.

Is This Course For Me?

This full-time, intensive course is intended for administrative and scientific workers and new graduates with an appropriate environmental science related background, although applications from graduates with different backgrounds are also welcomed. Our students have an excellent success rate in finding career paths in the field of environmental science following our program. We have had students from many different backgrounds that have successfully completed this programme: any areas of Earth and environmental sciences, chemistry, biology, agricultural sciences, among others.

Career Opportunities

Our graduates find jobs in academia and industry. Previous graduates of this course have been employed by a range of agencies involved in environmental protection, as environmental consultants and in local government. Many graduates have gone on  to do further research in a range of environmentally related disciplines. Graduates from the course have pursued their interests in environmental sciences throughout the world.  Some examples of jobs that our M.Sc. students have embarked after finishing this programme are environmental field scientist, research assistant (project scientists), environmental consultant, instrument and GIS technician, analyst for water quality (or other environmental data analyst). Employers include Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, Gas Networks Ireland, Kerry Group, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Veolia, CSO, Headcount Engineering, Jacobs Engineering, Teagasc, Promar International UK, Pfizer, RSK Ireland, and Calx.

Many graduates have gone on to do further research in a range of environmentally related disciplines. Graduates from the course have pursued their interests in environmental sciences throughout the world. 

Course Structure

The Environmental Sciences programme is delivered full-time over one year and carries 90 ECTS (60 ECTS of teaching component, plus 30 ECTS in a written dissertation). The taught component of this course comprises formal lectures, seminars, laboratory and desk-based practical work, fieldwork and independent study.

Most taught modules in this course are in two to three week blocks. This provides a concentrated period of uninterrupted study, during which time students can immerse themselves in the subject matter and ensure they have addressed any gaps in their knowledge. Assessment for each module will usually take place during these blocks unless otherwise stated in the module outline. To complete the programme a candidate must design and execute an individual research project.

Course Content

Students take the following modules between early September-May: Introduction to Environmental Sciences; Desk Study; Hydrology and Groundwater Quality; Environmental Monitoring; Data Handling and Analysis; Earth System Science; Environmental Policy; Resource Development: Managing Impacts on the Environment; Practical Environmental Skills; Project Planning; and Environmental Entrepreneurship.

From early June to September, students embark on their research project.

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