-
Courses
Courses
Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
-
University Life
University Life
Each year more than 4,000 choose NUI Galway as their University of choice. Find out what life at NUI Galway is all about here.
-
About NUI Galway
About NUI Galway
Since 1845, NUI Galway has been sharing the highest quality teaching and research with Ireland and the world. Find out what makes our University so special – from our distinguished history to the latest news and campus developments.
-
Colleges & Schools
Colleges & Schools
NUI Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top quality teaching across a range of key areas of expertise.
-
Research & Innovation
Research & Innovation
NUI Galway’s vibrant research community take on some of the most pressing challenges of our times.
-
Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at NUI Galway
We explore and facilitate commercial opportunities for the research community at NUI Galway, as well as facilitating industry partnership.
-
Alumni, Friends & Supporters
Alumni, Friends & Supporters
There are over 90,000 NUI Galway graduates Worldwide, connect with us and tap into the online community.
-
Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At NUI Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Earth and Ocean Sciences
Course Overview
Earth and Ocean Sciences involve the study of the physical and chemical processes that affect planet Earth and its oceans. In this field, you will study topical subjects, such as climate change, natural resources and the management and conservation of our oceans. Four sub-disciplines are involved: geology, geophysics, hydrogeology and oceanography, which, in different ways, look at various workings of our planet, from the atmosphere to the seabed.
Earth and Ocean Sciences subjects are your ticket to a global career market. They offer the opportunity to study some of the most exciting areas in the natural sciences while being able to see at first hand their practical relevance in the world around you.
Applications and Selections
Who Teaches this Course
Requirements and Assessment
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science) and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.
Additional Requirements
Duration
4 years
Next start date
September 2021
A Level Grades (2020)
nuigalway.ie/alevels
Average intake
30
Closing Date
NFQ level
Mode of study
ECTS weighting
Award
CAO
GY314
Course code
Further Education
A range of sophisticated tools and techniques now exist that give unprecedented access to our natural environment, providing new opportunities for both research and commercial activity. Because the Earth and Ocean Sciences area is so cutting edge, there is continual demand for more postgraduate research in both universities and industry.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
Earth and Ocean Sciences graduates can expect to have a wide range of employment opportunities in areas like
- Marine Studies
- Groundwater Science
- Petroleum and Mining
- Environmental Organisations
- Consulting Companies
- Remote Sensing
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning Outcomes
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
Fees: Tuition
Fees: Student Contribution
Fees: Student levy
Fees: Non EU
EU Fees 2020/21:
- Tuition: may be paid by the Irish Government on your behalf if you qualify for free tuition fees see - free fee initiative.
- Student Contribution: €3,000 - payable by all students but may by paid by SUSI if you apply and are deemed eligible for a means tested SUSI grant.
- Student Levy: €224 - payable by all students and is not covered by SUSI.
Find out More
Professor Peter Croot
Programme Director
College of Science
T 353 (0)91 492 194
F 353 (0)91 494 578
E peter.croot@nuigalway.ie
www.nuigalway.ie/eos
What Our Students Say

Bill Wood | BSc (Earth and Ocean Sciences)
...I chose NUI Galway because of the great choice of subjects available through my degree. No other university offers such flexibility for students in this subject area. This becomes increasingly important as you develop during your third level education. There is great interaction between staff and students at NUI Galway. I would definitely encourage those with an interest in science or natural sciences to pursue this course. The standard of education offered here is of the highest quality...