Environmental Sciences (M.Sc. / P.Grad.Dip.)

Course Overview

The degree in Environmental Sciences, the first of its kind in Ireland, has an established pedigree, attracting students with diverse academic backgrounds from Ireland and abroad. It comprises a series of taught modules encompassing a variety of current environmental themes, followed by a five-month research project. There is also the possibility to opt for a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Sciences, consisting of the taught modules only.

The aims of this course are to promote an understanding of environmental science, and the capability to apply that knowledge to current environmental issues and sound environmental management; to develop the necessary intellectual skills and practical expertise to design and execute independent research; and to cultivate skilled communicators able to organise ideas and disseminate them through written and oral presentations.

Following the successful completion of the taught part of the course, students embark on a closely supervised research project intended to expand the skills and knowledge base acquired in earlier modules. Previous research projects have covered a range of subjects, including groundwater contamination; atmospheric heavy metal deposition; environmental education; sewage processing systems; bio-indicators of marine pollution; microplastics; the impacts of erosion in African lakes; ocean chemistry and climate change; and radon in natural and work environment.

Applicants are required to possess a minimum 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent.

Two academic references, or reference letters from industry for candidates who left academia several years ago.

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band B, see the English Language Requirements page here.

Our graduates find jobs in academia and industry. Previous graduates of this course have been employed by a range of agencies involved in environmental protection, as environmental consultants and in local government. Many graduates have gone on  to do further research in a range of environmentally related disciplines. Graduates from the course have pursued their interests in environmental sciences throughout the world.  Some examples of jobs that our M.Sc. students have embarked after finishing this programme are environmental field scientist, research assistant (project scientists), environmental consultant, instrument and GIS technician, analyst for water quality (or other environmental data analyst). Employers include Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, Gas Networks Ireland, Kerry Group, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Veolia, CSO, Headcount Engineering, Jacobs Engineering, Teagasc, Promar International UK, Pfizer, RSK Ireland, and Calx.