Overview
What is Geoscience?
Geoscience is a multi-disciplinary course designed by leading research scientists in response to critical challenges facing the earth system in the 21st century. It combines the study of geology, geography, chemistry, physics and biology, to develop a complete understanding of how the Earth works. Geoscientists analyse the changing climate, predict earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, find supplies of energy and raw materials, maintain clean air and water, measure the motion of the earth’s crust and oceans, and reconstruct the evolution of rocky planets and life.
Do you enjoy…
- Finding out how our planet works?
- Exploring the natural world outdoors?
- Discovering how we can manage our natural resources more sustainably?
Geoscience: The course for you?
If you like science, enjoyed taking science and geography at school, care about the Earth, are fascinated by the natural world and enjoy working outdoors, then consider geoscience. Geoscience attracts people who wish to study the dynamics of our planet, to understand environmental changes past, present and future, and to manage Earth’s resources in an economic and sustainable manner.
Geoscience at Trinity
At Trinity, you will learn from internationally renowned geoscientists whose teaching is informed by current research at the frontiers of knowledge. Our staff investigate topical issues including climate and environmental change, the origins and evolution of life, and Earth resources. Research and teaching combines field-observation, sophisticated laboratory analysis and numerical modelling to develop the quantitative understanding of our planet needed to address applied, real-world problems.
Graduate skills and career opportunities
There is currently a global shortage of geoscientists. Geoscience prepares students to work on many of society’s most important challenges whilst unlocking lucrative and personally rewarding careers in industry, academia, research and government. Careers leading directly from geoscience include work in: environmental, engineering and geological consultancies; mineral exploration companies; environmental planning; government geological surveys; teaching and research. Geoscience graduates are also highly valued in more generalised fields of employment due to their adaptability, their many transferable skills and their experience at dealing with complex but incomplete data sets.
Your degree and what you’ll study
First and second years
The first two years provide a solid grounding in geoscience with modules covering geology, physical and human geography and foundation modules in mathematics, statistics and computation. You will tailor your experience by selecting optional modules from the chemical, physical and biological sciences, and human geography.
Third and fourth years
In third and fourth years you will deepen your knowledge in particular aspects of geoscience, whilst honing practical and technical skills though a combination of classroom lectures, seminars, and laboratory-based practicals. Topics covered include climate and environmental change, igneous and metamorphic processes, sedimentology, tectonics, geochemistry, exploration for natural resources (water, minerals and hydrocarbons), palaeontology and evolution.
You will complete a significant piece of independent research on your chosen specialism, which may take the form of a written dissertation or a geological mapping project.
Click here for further information on modules/subject.
Study abroad
Trinity is committed to training field scientists who have practical experience of field research in a range of environments and this programme includes several residential field courses in Ireland and overseas. Further information on study abroad opportunities can be found at: www.tcd.ie/study/study-abroad/outbound/options
Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University Dual B.A. Programme
Geoscience may also be studied as part of the Dual B.A. Programme between Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University (USA). For more details see https://tcd.gs.columbia.edu/
Study Geography and Geoscience at Trinity
This is a presentation by Dr. Robin Edwards giving an outline of the Geography and Geoscience stream in Trinity College Dublin.
Course Details
Awards
B.A. (Moderatorship) Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8)CAO Information
CAO Points 485 (2023) CAO Code TR062Admission Requirements
To see admissions requirements for this course, view the main Geography and Geoscience course page.
Course Fees
Click here for a full list of undergraduate fees
Apply
To apply to this course, click on the relevant Apply Link below
EU Applicants
Read the information about how to apply, then apply directly to CAO.
Non-EU Applicants
Advanced Entry Applications
Read the information about how to apply for Advanced Entry, then select the link below to apply.
Register Your Interest
Register your interest in studying at Ireland’s leading university, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin.
The main reason I chose Trinity was for this course which uniquely incorporates Geography into a STEM degree alongside Geoscience subjects. I love the wide range of modules, for example Chemistry and Physics in addition to core modules. I want to address multidisciplinary issues in my career and I believe I will gain crucial skills relevant to many career paths.
Student
During my undergraduate degree in Geoscience at Trinity I was taught by lecturers who are leaders in their respective fields. They are always approachable and available to aid you with any questions you might have. I loved the strong sense of community spirit amongst the geoscience students, postgrads and the faculty alike. The class sizes are small so you get to know everyone in you class really fast which makes for a friendly atmosphere. The highlights for me were our class field trips where we spent our days applying our theoretical knowledge from the classroom in beautiful locations across Greece, Sicily and Ireland, and spent the evenings with friends and lecturers enjoying the social aspects of different cultures.
Graduate
Geography at Trinity is fantastic. It’s a small department with its own building, library, and an incredible librarian! There are so many interesting modules available across physical and human geography; and within those, you have the opportunity to focus on the area you’re most passionate about. The lecturers really care about their students and want you to get the most out of your time in the department. Through the Geographical Society I’ve made friends with postgraduate students and lecturers. I honestly can’t recommend Geography at Trinity highly enough, it has given me a great understanding of the world and really prepared me for the labour force.
Graduate
If you're looking for a multi-disciplinary and hands-on course this is it! You get lectures from researchers and industry experts. Everything you learn in the classroom is an introduction to what you later observe in the field. There are so many career paths available, and for each there's a member of staff in Trinity I can call on for guidance.
Student