Sustainable Materials and the Environment (MRes)

Our Master of Research (MRes) degree in Sustainable Materials and the Environment is for highly motivated, enthusiastic students interested in research in this area.

This MRes allows you to pursue a research project in a broad variety of topics under the direction of internationally recognised researchers in the School of Chemistry Environmental Research Institute, or Tyndall National Institute at University College Cork.

The MRes in Sustainable Materials and the Environment is a full-time course running over 12 months from the date of first registration. Applications will be accepted for a start date in September. The course consists of (a) a major research thesis and (b) taught modules including sustainable materials and environmental chemistry and transferable skills, with an emphasis on scientific writing, oral presentations, and general research skills.

The subject of your research project can be drawn from the range of staff expertise in sustainable materials and environmental chemistry disciplines in the School of Chemistry or Tyndall National Institute.

Our students undertake a total workload equivalent to 90 credits over the 12-month course, the principal element of which is the completion of a major research thesis of approximately 25,000 words. In parallel, students must choose and pass taught modules to the value of 20 credits.

Modules (20 credits)

Core Modules

Elective Modules (choose 5 credits)

See also the University Calendar (MRes) for more information.

Course Practicalities

Prospective applicants are advised to contact the Programme Director Dr Brenda Long in advance of application via www.ucc.ie/apply to discuss possible project areas.

Students should consult the Fees office page for information on EU and non-EU College and bench fees for Sustainable Materials and the Environment - MRes.

Why Choose This Course

Connected Curriculum

Our learning approach reflects our commitment to the Connected Curriculum where we emphasise the connection between students, learning, research and leadership through our vision for a Connected University. Our staff are at the forefront of this integrative approach to learning and will support you in making meaningful connections within and between disciplines such as sustainable materials and environmental chemistry.

Skills and Careers Information

The MRes in Sustainable Materials and the Environment is designed to give our students a research-intensive experience. Taught modules will increase your knowledge in the areas of materials, in particular, sustainable materials, and environmental chemistry and how they intersect.

Research projects allow our students to combine both practical and theoretical skills both of which will emphasise data analysis, interpretation, problem-solving, and time- and project management.

You will also develop skills in presenting and writing science, posing a research question, and developing a research proposal. Students completing this MRes course will be in a competitive position to secure funding, obtain a PhD position, or enter directly into employment within the sustainable materials and environment sector.

Applicants must have a minumum Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in Chemistry, Material Science, Materials Chemistry, or Physics. Applicants must be approved by the MRes coordinator and course team, including the Head of the School of Chemistry.

The number of places is limited and decisions on entry to the course will be made based on the applicant’s performance in their primary degree and interview according to the following criteria: academic qualifications, research experience and focus, scientific understanding, personal statement, and strong recommendations from two academic referees.

English language requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. See our Postgraduate English Language Entry Requirements page for more information.

For applicants with qualifications completed outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. See our Qualification Comparison by Country page for more information.

International/non-EU applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure, visit the international student's information page.

For more information contact the International Office.

The MRes in Sustainable Materials and the Environment is designed to give our students a research-intensive experience. Taught modules will increase your knowledge in the areas of materials, in particular, sustainable materials, and environmental chemistry and how they intersect.

Research projects allow our students to combine both practical and theoretical skills both of which will emphasise data analysis, interpretation, problem-solving, and time- and project management.

You will also develop skills in presenting and writing science, posing a research question, and developing a research proposal. Students completing this MRes course will be in a competitive position to secure funding, obtain a PhD position, or enter directly into employment within the sustainable materials and environment sector.