Key Facts

Entry requirements

Minimum Grade Higher C3 in two subjects and Passes in four other subjects at Higher or Ordinary Level in the Leaving Certificate including: Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint), Agricultural Science or Technology) and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

Additional requirements

Minimum Grade C3 in the Higher Level Leaving Certificate paper in Mathematics or alternatively obtain a pass in the Special Engineering Entrance Examination in Mathematics (held in the University).

Duration: 4 years
Average Intake: 10
Entry Points (2010): 375
A Level Grades (2010): CCC (approx)
Next Start Date: September 2012

Course Overview

Environmental Engineering is concerned with the design and planning of sustainable systems and technologies that maintain and improve the quality of water, air and land. The Environmental Engineering Programme reflects the industry requirement for a greater number of suitably-qualified graduates in this area.

Students will undertake a five-month (April - August) work placement after their third year of study, either off- or on-campus. This Professional Experience Programme gives students an opportunity to work on projects relevant to their course of study and significantly improves their chances of obtaining employment after graduation.

Course Outline

Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4

Timetables

Career Opportunities

Graduates will have career opportunities in the following areas:

• Public Health
• Consulting/Contracting in Private Sector
• Government Departments
• Semi-State Organisations
• Local Authorities

Course Accreditation

The BE degree in Environmental Engineering at NUI Galway is accredited by the Institution of Engineers of Ireland (IEI) as meeting the academic requirements for corporate and subsequent Chartered Membership of the institution. Under the Washington Accord, courses accredited by the IEI are acceptable in the host country of the accord signatories, listed below, on the same basis as the academic qualifications of their own graduates.

• The Institution of Engineers, Australia;
• The Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board of the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers;
• The Institution of Professional Engineers, New Zealand;
• The Engineering Council of the United Kingdom;
• Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. of the United States of America;
• The Engineering Council of South Africa; and
• The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers;

An individual agreement regarding mutual accreditation also exists between the IEI and the Institution of Civil Engineers, UK.

Further Education

Students can go on to earn the PhD and MEngSc degrees, through research work, with an optional minor taught element in the case of the MEngSc.

Students can specialise in one of the department's various areas of research, working with a high degree of independence, and becoming experts on their chosen topic. This work is usually published in international conferences and journals.

Find Out More

Civil Engineering

T: 353 (0)91 492170
F: 353 (0)91 494507
E: Brid Flaherty

What our students say…

Mary Keegan
BE (Environmental Engineering)

“Environmental engineering is a fascinating and rapidly developing branch of engineering.

As a final year student I had the opportunity to study a wide variety of interesting subjects as part of a friendly and supportive network of staff and students alike.

This programme offers students the perfect balance between theory and practical work, allowing you to develop both your knowledge and skills at the same time.

Although challenging at times, it has also been an extremely rewarding course to study and one which I have thoroughly enjoyed.”

Industry Quotes

“‘This degree will provide graduates with the key knowledge and skills to protect our environment, and identify innovative technological solutions to the many environmental protection challenges encountered in our economy. It will stimulate interest in and create a strong awareness of best practices where graduates will assess and balance environmental and development needs. RPS, as a global leader in environmental and energy management, supports the development of the core skills identified and the implementation of innovative research-led solutions.”

Gerry Carty, Director, Renewables & Environment, RPS Group Ireland

Read more testimonials...

BEng (Environmental) Brochure

Course Brochure