MSc in Sustainable Resource Management: Policy and Practice

Key Points

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This innovative course offers a multidisciplinary approach to environmental sustainability designed to respond to the continuing interest of students in an MSc in environmental management and the market demands for graduates with a more applied knowledge of the environmental sector. Strongly research-led, it is unique in that it combines urban form and function and landscape assessment and management for conservation in a jointly awarded postgraduate masters degree.

The 12-month course comprises new modules taught at postgraduate level only and aims to provide participants with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to pursue successful careers in sustainable environmental resource management. The course will help develop government policy and economic recovery by producing high quality graduates who can contribute to a smart economy and accelerate the implementation of green technologies. Given the pressure and competition for limited resources, the course applies an evidence-based approach to develop solutions for all users of the system. Graduates will technically master selected environmental science theory, policy development, implementation and best practices.

Students taking this course:

They will develop a technical and scientific understanding of the sustainability issues and problems associated with the management of resource use and management in relation to (a) urban form and function and (b) landscape assessment and management for conservation.
You will understand a range of policy responses in relation to improving sustainability in Irish urban and rural settings, and selected international case studies.
They will synthesise an understanding of the complexity of natural and socio-economic-natural systems, together with an understanding of innovative and existing sustainability policy options, to develop competence in identifying and evaluating optimal policy options.

Program structure

This programme brings together theory, policy and practice to provide participants with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to pursue successful careers in managing environmental resources sustainably. As the course is structured around research at both NUI Galway and the University of Limerick, which is strongly linked to decision makers in industry and government organisations, it will develop graduates with the skills needed to identify and evaluate solutions to real-world problems.

YEAR 1

Semester 1 – Fall

3 modules taught at NUI Galway: – 3 modules taught at NUI Galway: – 3 modules taught at NUI Galway: – 3 modules taught at NUI Galway

Ecosystem Assessment
Biodiversity and conservation
Environmental problems and solutions

Semester 2 – Spring

4 modules taught at UL: –

Material and energy flows
Urban form and transport
Sustainability of the urban home
Sustainable Life Cycle Engineering

Semester 3 – Summer

Research project (UL or NUIG based)

Career options

Specific career opportunities exist as Sustainability Officers, Ecological Consultants and Environmental Advisors within government agencies, public bodies, NGOs, environmental planning and engineering consultancies with an emphasis on sustainable design, corporate firms nationally and internationally. In addition, there are opportunities for further research. Opportunities exist within the ‘green’ economy as governments, NGOs and large corporations must work to meet environmental targets set within international obligations. Graduates will acquire translational and multidisciplinary skills in the sustainability sector and environmental entrepreneurship, enabling them to take on managerial roles within an industrial/corporate environment, or within a regulatory body or consultancy firm.

Graduates of this programme have found relevant employment in Ireland, UK, USA, and elsewhere as university researchers; PhD students; in industry-based environmental management, environmental analyst, environmental quality control officer; consultancy-based climate change researcher; in non-governmental conservation organisations, in government organisations such as the National Biodiversity Data Centre.

Admission requirements

At least a bachelor’s degree with honours (Level 8 – National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) in an appropriate discipline, or a professional or other equivalent qualification recognised by both the University of Limerick and NUI Galway. This course is suitable for graduates with an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science/Engineering/Economics or Geography/Biological Sciences/Ecology and Earth Sciences who wish to broaden their knowledge and skills for a career related to resource management.
In the case of international candidates, the foreign equivalent is required. In addition, a degree officially translated into English will be required.
In addition, a CV (Curriculum Vitae) must be included in the application; a personal statement showing interest in the course; and a copy of your birth certificate or passport.
IELTS 6.5, with no less than 6 in any component (or internationally recognised equivalent).