Course Details

Course Code(s):
MSSRMATFAD
Available:
Full-Time
Intake:
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
September
Duration:
1 Year, Full-Time
Award:
Masters (MSc)
Qualification:
NFQ Level 9 Major Award
Faculty: Science and Engineering
Course Type: Taught
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

Contact(s):

Name: Dr. Bernadette O'Regan
Address: Faculty of Science + Engineering Email: bernadette.oregan@ul.ie Telephone: 353-61-202552
Name: Dr Caitríona Carlin
Address: Rm 206, Applied Ecology Unit
Centre for Environmental Science
School of Natural Sciences
NUI Galway Email: Caitriona.carlin@nuigalway.ie Telephone: +353-91-493 863 Web: http://www.nuigalway.ie/our-research/people/natural-sciences/caitrionacarlin/
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Brief Description

This one year MSc programme is distinctive in several important ways. While we recognise the major environmental and sustainability challenges facing us, the main focus is not on the challenges themselves, which are well known, but rather on actions we can take to reduce the threats and enhance our resilience. Students come from a wide variety of countries and disciplines but share a common interest in a desire to learn what has been done, and what might be done, to address these challenges. All the modules are taught by active researchers and experiences practitioners. The first semester provided by National University Ireland Galway has a focus on rural landscapes, and focuses on practical methods to meet challenges in managing land and habitats to maintain essential ecosystem services and biodiversity. The second semester offered by University of Limerick focuses on urban areas, sustainable transport, industrial waste management and quantitative methods of assessing sustainability. In the third semester students have the opportunity to select a research topic which is based in either campus. On completion graduates receive a parchment jointly awarded by both universities. Graduates find relevant and interesting employment in many arenas, including conservation, business and industry, local authorities and consultancy companies.

This novel course is a multidisciplinary approach to environmental sustainability devised by UL and NUIG to respond to the continuing interest among students in an environmental/resource management taught MSc., and to market demands for graduates with more applied knowledge of the environmental sector. Strongly research led, it is unique in that it combines the expertise of both institutions in relation to urban form and function and landscape evaluation and management for conservation in a jointly awarded MSc postgraduate degree.

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.

Students who undertake this course will:

  • develop a technical and scientific understanding of sustainability issues and problems associated with management of resource use and management in relation to (a) urban form and function and (b) landscape evaluation and management for conservation.
  • comprehend a range of policy responses in relation to enhancement of sustainability in Irish urban and rural settings, and selected international case studies.
  • synthesise an understanding of the complexity of both natural and socio-economic-natural systems, together with an understanding of existing and innovatory sustainability policy options, to develop a competency in identifying and evaluating optimal policy options.

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.  As the course is structured around research in both NUI Galway and University of Limerick 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.

Autumn SpringSummer

3 modules taught in NUI Galway:-

  • Ecosystem Assessment
  • Biodiversity and Conservation
  • Environmental Problems and Solutions

4 modules taught in UL:-

  • Material and Energy Flows
  • Urban Form and Transport
  • Urban Household Sustainability
  • Sustainable Life-cycle Engineering
  • Research Project
    (based either in UL or NUIG)

Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules.

At least a second class honours primary degree (Level 8 - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) in an appropriate discipline, or a professional or other equivalent qualification recognised by both the University of Limerick and NUI Galway. This course is suitable for graduates with a primary degree in the Environmental Sciences/Engineering/Economics or Geography/Biological Sciences/Ecology  and Earth Sciences who wish to extend their knowledge and skills for a career related to resource management. Mature students with relevant experience are most welcome to apply. A strong personal statement demonstrating interest in the course is also essential as this will be considered as part of the application. Applicants may be required to attend for interview.

WHAT TO UPLOAD WITH YOUR APPLICATION:

  • Qualification transcripts and certificates
  • An up-to-date CV (curriculum vitae)
  • A copy of your birth certificate or passport
  • If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice
  • If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
  • English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
  • English language competency certificate
  • Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements

EU - €8,600

Non-EU - €16,400

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)

Please click here for information on funding and scholarships.

Specific career opportunities such as Sustainability Officers, Ecological Consultants and Environmental Advisors exist within government agencies, public bodies, NGOs, environmental planning and engineering consultancies with an emphasis on sustainable design, corporate companies on a national and international scale.  In addition, opportunities for further research exist. Opportunities exist within the "Green" economy as governments, NGOs and large corporations must work to meet environmental targets set within international obligations. Graduates will acquire translational and multidisciplinary skills in environmental entrepreneurship and sustainability sector enabling them to take on managerial roles within an industrial / corporate setting, or within a regulatory body or consultancy firm.

Previous graduates have found relevant employment in Ireland, UK, USA and elsewhere as University researcher; PhD student; industry based environmental management, environmental analyst, environmental quality control officer; consultancy based climate change researcher; in non-governmental conservation organisations, in governmental organisations such as the National Biodiversity Data Centre.