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UCC Postgraduate courses

Environmental Science (MRes)

Course Fact File
CodeMRESES
Duration12 Months Full-time; 24 Months Part-time
Teaching ModeFull-time, Part-Time
QualificationsMRes
NFQ LevelLevel 9
EU Fees€5,840 plus an additional bench fee of €3000. See Fees and Costs for full details.
See Fees and Costs for full details.
Non-EU Fees€15,070 plus an additional bench fee of €3000.
Credits90
Start DateJanuary 1, April 1, July 1, or October 1

Course Outline

The MRes in Environmental Science (CKS83) is a research-intensive, 12-month programme (part-time option available). The course aims to recruit motivated students with a strong interest in environmental research, especially where this relates to the aquatic environment. The MRes allows you to work closely with a staff member on a research project of mutual interest. Students undertake a total workload of 90 credits over the 12-month programme, including a major research project worth 70 credits. Taught modules (20 credits) will be chosen to enhance each student’s individual skill set.

Research Project (70 Credits)

The extended project is the focus of the MRes and will be expected  to  represent  cutting-edge,  original  research conducted under the close supervision of internationally recognised staff within the School of BEES. Projects can be selected from a broad range of environmental science topics, with a focus on inter-disciplinary research.
Projects may be conducted in collaboration with external organisations,  such  as  the  Environmental  Protection Agency, Industry and Local Authorities. Applicants are encouraged to suggest projects that foster collaborative research with external agencies. 

Research topics should fall within one, or more, of the following broad areas:

  • Water pollution
  • Water quality and human health
  • Biomimetic  and  sustainable  material  research
  • Climate change and ocean acidification
  • Innovative water and wastewater treatment
  • Management of marine and freshwater resources
  • Sustainable water use
  • Environmental risk assessment of emerging pollutants in the aquatic environment

Information about research projects or current research areas that are currently available can be found on the BEES
website. Students with their own project proposal are also strongly encouraged to apply.

Taught Modules (20 Credits)

Taught modules (20 credits) chosen to enhance each student’s individual skill set, and may include the following:

  • EV4012 Environmental Impact Assessments (5 credits)
  • BL6019 Ecological Applications of Geographical Information Systems (5 credits)
  • GG6501 Introduction to Geographical Information systems (5 credits)
  • GG6502 Introduction to Remote Sensing (5 credits)
  • GG6541 Introduction to Coastal and Marine Processes (5 credits)

Other relevant modules are offered by the University (subject to availability and approval).

Further details of these modules can be found on the Book of Modules. 

Additionally a whole range of postgraduate modules (see modules beginning with PG) is also potentially available, subject to space availability on the module.

Why Choose This Course

The MRes in Environmental Science is designed to give our students a research-intensive experience but at a degree level lower than a PhD. 

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 topics such as the environment, science, geography, biomimetics, sustainability, climate change, and similar.

Skills and Careers Information

The MRes is designed to give you a strong start in your scientific career. Students will gain invaluable experience in many key transferrable skills required by employers or in preparation for a PhD, including: project design and planning, experimental design, data management and statistical analysis, scientific writing, presentation skills, proposal writing, laboratory and field research techniques, safety, research ethics and integrity, information literacy and science communication.

The MRes will therefore provide an excellent background when applying for PhD positions, or when seeking employment in the private or public sectors (e.g. in environmental consultancy, environmental management, local or national agencies or other research positions).

Requirements

Successful applicants must possess an Honours primary degree (minimum 2.1 Honours or equivalent) in an area relevant to Environmental Science.

Candidates must be approved by the MRes Coordinator and Programme Team, including the Head of Discipline of Environmental Sciences. The number of places is limited and decisions on entry to the programme will be made following an interview. 

Entry decisions 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. 

Prospective students are advised to contact the Programme Coordinator Prof. Marcel Jansen in advance of application to discuss possible project areas.

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.

Fees and Costs

See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.

How To Apply

See our How to Apply page for more information.

Apply Now

For queries regarding course content or timetables please contact

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