Why Choose This Course
I found the range of modules offered provided students with key skills required for future employment in the ecology sector.
Joe McElheron
BSc, Ecology and Environmental Biology
This course provides students with a broad-ranging education into a wide spectrum of scientific subjects whilst providing the freedom to explore their interests in-depth, especially in the final year.
Lily May Duggan, BSc EEB
Ecology and Environmental Biology is the only degree of its kind in Ireland and was established in response to increasing awareness of environmental and wildlife issues.
A degree in Ecology and Environmental Biology provides you with a sound scientific knowledge and experience in a wide range of scientific techniques relevant to addressing current environmental issues. In particular, you will possess field skills and theoretical knowledge required for ecological work such as environmental and pollution monitoring, toxicity testing, impact assessment, and nature conservation and management.
In addition, you will learn laboratory techniques relevant to other biological fields including biochemistry, biotechnology, environmental sciences, aquaculture, fisheries and zoology.
Placement or Study Abroad Information
The School of BEES operates an exchange system with North American and other European universities that allows students to substitute a year abroad for Year 3 in UCC.
A work-experience module is also available to students in Year 4, enabling you to spend 6-10 weeks in a structured working environment, where you will be evaluated both on your contribution to the placement institution and by a report on your experience.
Skills and Careers Information
A degree in Ecology and Environmental Biology allows you to work in many different fields in Ireland and abroad such as:
- research in universities or industry
- research in government agencies such as OPW, EPA, ERU, Forestry, Fisheries
- consultancy
- journalism
- teaching at second and third level
- administration in civil service, county councils or industry
- environmental scientists in industry, agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries and government
- management conservation working in habitat management, nature reserves, landscape planning, and fisheries
Requirements
Refer to CK404
Non-EU Candidates
Non-EU candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.
To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page.
Refer to our International Office page for more information on how to apply to UCC.
Fees and Costs
Course fees include a tuition fee, student contribution fee and capitation fee. The state will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme. The annual student Contribution and Capitation Fees are payable by the student. In 2022/23 the Student Contribution Fee will be €3,000 and the Capitation Fee will be €138.
Please see Fees Office for more information.
Students will be expected to pay for some small laboratory items such as lab coats and contribute towards the cost of field trips.
For International Fees see our Fees Schedule page.
How Do I Apply
Refer to CK404
EU Applicants: The Central Applications Office (CAO) processes applications for undergraduate courses in Irish Higher Education Institutions. Refer to the CAO page for further information.
Mature Applicants (age 23 or over): See the CAO Mature Applicants page and the Mature Students Admissions Pathway (MSAP) page for essential information on the application process for mature students.
QQI FET/FETAC Applicants: See our QQI FET/FETAC Applicants page.
Non-EU Applicants: Non-EU applicants apply online via the UCC Apply portal. See our International Office page.
All Applicants: Please note that the modules listed are indicative of the current set of modules for this course and are subject to change from year to year. Please check the College Calendar for the full academic content of any given course for the current year.
- In UCC, we use the terms programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.