MSc Sustainable Resource Management: Policy & Practice

At least a second class honours primary degree (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 a primary degree in the Environmental Sciences/Engineering/Economics or Geography/Biological Sciences/Ecology  and Earth Sciences who wish to extend their knowledge and skills for a career related to resource management. Mature students with relevant experience are most welcome to apply. A strong personal statement demonstrating interest in the course is also essential as this will be considered as part of the application. Applicants may be required to attend for interview.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than two years prior to application):

Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:

• Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved
• Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above
• TOEFL – 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based)
• IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5 with no less than 6 in any one component.
• English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1
• GCE ‘O’ level English Language/GCSE English Language – Grade C or above
• University of Cambridge ESOL –Certificate of Proficiency in English – Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English – Grade A
• GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6

Specific career opportunities such as Sustainability Officers, Ecological Consultants and Environmental Advisors exist within government agencies, public bodies, NGOs, environmental planning and engineering consultancies with an emphasis on sustainable design, corporate companies on a national and international scale. In addition, opportunities for further research exist. 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 environmental entrepreneurship and sustainability sector enabling them to take on managerial roles within an industrial / corporate setting, or within a regulatory body or consultancy firm.

Previous graduates have found relevant employment in Ireland, UK, USA and elsewhere as University researcher; PhD student; industry based environmental management, environmental analyst, environmental quality control officer; consultancy based climate change researcher; in non-governmental conservation organisations, in governmental organisations such as the National Biodiversity Data Centre.

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

Semester 1 comprises 3 modules taught in NUI Galway:- (1) Ecosystem Assessment; (2) Biodiversity and Conservation and (3) Environmental Problems and Solutions
 
Semester 2 comprises 4 modules taught in UL:- (1) Material and Energy Flows; (2) Urban Form and Transport; (3) Urban Household Sustainability and (4) Sustainable Life-cycle Engineering
 
Semester 3
Research Project based either at UL or NUI Galway.