Research-led teaching is at the heart of our teaching philosophy and the Centre for Ocean Research & Exploration principal investigators co-ordinate and teach a selection of marine-focused pathways.

BSc Marine Science

A four-year undergraduate degree studying marine life and marine environments.  Our students love the SMART (Strategic Marine Alliance for Research & Training) module, when they spend time on RV Celtic Voyager gaining hands-on experience.  We also give them the chance to gain their Personal Survival Technique certificate (for working on board a vessel) and Level 2 Powerboat certificates so that they are well equipped for summer internships, which they are encouraged to take at the Marine Institute and elsewhere.  More Info...

BSc Earth & Ocean Sciences

A four-year undergraduate degree studying the physical and chemical processes that affect planet Earth and its oceans, including topical subjects such as climate change, natural resources, and the management and conservation of our oceans. Our students love the SMART module on board RV Celtic Voyager as well as the field course options on this pathway.  Students on this pathway also get the chance to get fully certified for going to sea.  More info...

MSc Coastal & Marine Environments: Physical Processes, Policy & Practice

This one year full time, or two years part time postgraduate course engages students scientifically in how coastal and marine systems function and are used by communities, through lectures, workshops, ship time, field work, and independent research.  Our MSc students love the hands-on experience aboard a research vessel and the emphasis on GIS skills.  More info...

Principal investigators in the Centre for Ocean Research and Exploration use the National research vessels RV Celtic Explorer and RV Celtic Voyager more than any other Higher Education institute, and some of our students take the opportunity to join NUI Galway-led research expeditions, often collecting data for their final year undergraduate or MSc projects.

MSc Environmental Leadership

This one year full-time course addresses a wide range of environmental challenges and provides students with an advanced level of problem-solving, management and communication skills in key areas relevant to the environment, marine and energy sectors.Our MSc students love the multi-disciplinary approach of this course and the focus on cross-sector skills and competences that can be transferred from one topic/occupational area to another. More info...