Course Overview

This novel course is a multidisciplinary approach to environmental sustainability devised by University of Galway and the University of Limerick (UL). The course meets the needs of those graduates with continued interest in a sustainability-based taught MSc and responds to market demands for graduates with more applied knowledge of the environmental sector. The course aims to provide participants with the skills, knowledge and experience required to pursue successful careers in managing environmental resources sustainably.

The 12-month long course comprises new modules taught only at postgraduate level and aims to provide participants with the skills, knowledge and experience that are needed to pursue successful careers in managing environmental resources sustainably. The course will help develop government policy and economic recovery by producing top quality graduates who can contribute to a smart economy and hasten implementation of green technologies. Given the pressure on and competition for limited resources, the course applies an evidence based approach to developing solutions for all system users. Graduates will become technically fluent in selected environmental science theory, policy development, implementation and best practice.

Programme objectives:

a. To integrate an international perspective to reflect new research findings and current practice in sustainable use of resources that can be applied within Ireland and elsewhere.
b. To provide research-led learning opportunities that will develop skills in identifying and evaluating solutions for real world problems.
c. To provide Irish expertise to meet legal obligations.

Scholarships available
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.

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You may also be interested in one of our other Science of Sustainability postgraduate programmes. 

Applications and Selections

Who Teaches this Course

Univerity of Galway: Dr Martin Feely, Dr Ronan Hennessy, Dr Micheline Sheehy Skeffington, Dr Caroline Sullivan

UL: Professor Richard Moles, Dr Bernadette O’Regan, Dr Colin Fitzpatrick

researcher
Dr Tiernan Henry
BA, MSC, PhD
Lecturer Above The Bar
Earth & Ocean Sciences
Room A205
Quadrangle Building
University of Galway
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researcher
Dr Gesche Kindermann
MSc, Ph.D.
Lecturer
Applied Ecology Unit
Centre for Environmental Science
Arts/Science Concourse
National University of Ireland Galway
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Requirements and Assessment

Semesters One and Two entail formal scientific and policy coursework. The delivery format comprises lectures, problem-based learning, site visits and tutorials and private study. Students undertake group projects and prepare written reports, and oral presentations for continuous assessment. There are no exams.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Places are limited (15) and selection is based on each candidate’s academic record/relevant experience, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. 

Applicants must have a primary degree with a Second Class Honours, or equivalent, in a relevant discipline. Relevant disciplines include science, marine science, engineering, environmental science, geography, social science, health promotion, engineering, economics or other related disciplines.

Applicants who do not have an academic background and have relevant experience are welcome to apply. They may be required to attend an interview.

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Duration

1 year, full-time

Next start date

September 2024

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

15

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

Please refer here.

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

90

Award

CAO

Course code

MSC-SEV

Course Outline

This programme brings together theory, policy and practice to provide participants with the skills, knowledge and experience that are needed to pursue successful careers in managing environmental resources sustainably. This new course combines scene setting lectures by experts (including guest seminars), site visits and experiential learning to encourage students to adopt an informed, creative, innovatory and entrepreneurial approach to problem solving. As the course is structured around research in both institutions that is strongly linked to decision makers in industry and government organisations, it will develop graduates with necessary skills in identifying and evaluating solutions for real world problems.

Semesters 1 and 2 are devoted to formal scientific and policy coursework consisting primarily of lectures, problem-based learning, site visits and tutorials and private study. Students are expected to carry out group projects and to prepare written reports, oral and other presentations for continous assessment.

Semester 1 comprises 3 modules taught in University of Galway (30 ECTS):

1. Ecosystem Assessment
2. Biodiversity and Conservation
3. Environmental Problems and Solutions

Semester 2 comprises 4 modules taught in UL (30 ECTS):

4. Material and Energy Flows
5. Urban Form and Transport
6. Urban Household Sustainability
7. Sustainable Lifecycle Engineering

Students undertake a research project at either institution during Semester 3 (30 ECTS).

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Opportunities exist within the green economy as governments, NGOs and corporations must work to meet environmental targets set under international obligations. Graduates work in the following areas: industry-based environmental management, environmental analysis, environmental consultancy, agri-environmental advice, waste management policy, environmental quality control, consultancy-based climate change research, or as researchers, or for non-governmental conservation organisations and local authorities.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

Fees: Tuition

Fees: Student levy

Fees: Non EU

Find out More

Programme Co-ordinator:

Dr. Caitriona Carlin
T: +353 91 493 863
E: caitriona.carlin@universityofgalway.ie

International Scholarships

Postgraduate Scholarships