Program Overview
UCC's MSc Applied Environmental Geoscience program equips graduates with comprehensive knowledge and skills in environmental impact assessment, monitoring, and geological engineering practices. It provides practical training through industry partnerships and a research project, preparing graduates for a wide range of career paths in environmental science, engineering, and related fields. The program emphasizes industry relevance, featuring contributions from industry professionals and offering opportunities for practical experience.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The MSc Applied Environmental Geoscience program at UCC provides comprehensive training in the theory and practice of environmental geoscience. It was established in 2017 in response to a skills shortage in the environmental geoscience sector in Ireland. The program is multidisciplinary and vocational, equipping graduates for careers in scientific, engineering, and environmental consultancies, natural resources and mining industries, regulatory agencies, and research in Ireland and internationally. The course content is regularly reviewed by industry advisors to meet the ongoing needs of the geoscience sector. The program also offers a unique opportunity for international students to gain EU-based work experience while studying.
Outline:
The program is delivered in two parts:
Part I (60 credits):
- EV6011 Principles of Environmental Assessment and Monitoring (10 credits): This module covers the principles and practices of environmental assessment and monitoring, including environmental impact assessment, environmental auditing, and environmental management systems.
- GL6022 Environmental Planning and Regulation (5 credits): This module explores the legal and regulatory framework for environmental protection, including planning law, environmental licensing, and pollution control.
- GL6023 Offshore Environmental Geology (5 credits): This module examines the geological processes and environmental issues associated with offshore environments, including seabed mapping, marine resource management, and offshore renewable energy.
- GL6024 Applied Geophysics (5 credits): This module introduces the principles and applications of geophysical methods for environmental investigations, including seismic surveys, ground penetrating radar, and electromagnetic methods.
- GL6025 Geoinformatics for Environmental Geology (5 credits): This module covers the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other spatial data analysis techniques for environmental applications.
- GL6028 Applied Hydrogeology Skills (5 credits): This module provides practical training in hydrogeological field techniques, including groundwater sampling, well construction, and aquifer testing.
- GL6029 Applied Geotechnical Skills (5 credits): This module provides practical training in geotechnical field techniques, including soil sampling, laboratory testing, and site investigation.
Part II (30 credits):
- GL6019 Applied Environmental Geology research project (30 credits): This module involves an independent research project undertaken between April and September. Students work with an industry partner on a topic of their choice, developing their research skills and gaining practical experience.
Assessment:
The program employs a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Continuous assessment
- Practical reports
- Essays
- Seminars
- Field reports
- In-class tests
- Final dissertation
Teaching:
The program is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of academic staff at UCC with extensive expertise in all aspects of applied environmental geoscience. The teaching methods include:
- Lectures
- Practical work
- Seminars
- Fieldwork (20 days)
Careers:
Graduates of the MSc Applied Environmental Geoscience program are in high demand for technical roles in both the public and private sectors at home and abroad. Potential career paths include:
- Environmental consultant
- Geotechnical engineer
- Hydrogeologist
- Marine geologist
- Environmental scientist
- Research scientist
- Students have access to a range of facilities, including the Soil Mechanics Laboratory, the School of BEES research facilities, the School of Chemistry analytical facilities, and dedicated office space and computing facilities.
- The program is connected to the Connected Curriculum, which emphasizes the connection between students, learning, research, and leadership.
- The program offers scholarships and bursaries to prospective and current students.
Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2024/2025 Deposits If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January. Fee payment Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January. page. Any questions? Bench Fee Please be advised that a €1,000 bench fee is also required, payable directly to the department.
