The MSc Applied Environmental Geoscience at University College Cork (UCC) builds advanced, practice-oriented skills for assessing environmental conditions and managing geoscience risk. You will study hydrogeology, contaminated land, engineering geology, and applied geophysics/geoinformatics, culminating in an applied research project.
Programme type: MSc (taught)
Award level: NFQ Level 9 (Master’s)
Duration: Typically 1 year full-time (confirm exact duration for your intake)
Credits: 90 ECTS (confirm for your intake)
Delivery: On-campus at University College Cork (confirm module timetable and delivery pattern)
Location: Cork, Ireland
Language of instruction: English
Tuition fees: Vary by applicant category—check the UCC programme page for the latest fee information
Application route: Apply via the University College Cork application portal (follow the programme-specific steps)
Intake/start dates: Check the programme website for the next available intake
Assessment: Combination of coursework, practical/application-based learning, and a capstone/applied research project
Work placement/project: Includes an applied research project; industry-linked learning activities may be available depending on the academic year
Programme structure (typical)
Taught modules (core)
You will study applied environmental geoscience topics such as:
- Environmental Assessment and Monitoring
- Hydrogeology, Contaminated Land and Assessment
- Engineering Geology
- Environmental Planning and Regulation
- Offshore Environmental Geology
- Applied Geophysics
- Geoinformatics for Environmental Geology
- Applied Hydrogeology Skills
- Applied Geotechnical Skills
Applied research project (capstone)
- Applied Environmental Geoscience research project (capstone-style module)
- Focus on integrating methods, interpreting results, and producing a professional-quality technical output
Curriculum notes
- Module availability and sequencing can vary by academic year; confirm the current module list and timetable with UCC.
Academic requirements
- Applicants must hold at least a Second Class Honours Grade II (or equivalent) in a primary honours degree at NFQ Level 8, or an equivalent qualification, in a relevant discipline (e.g., Geological/Earth Sciences, Civil Engineering, Environmental Sciences).
- Applicants with a relevant postgraduate qualification may be considered for entry on an equivalent basis.
English language requirements (minimums as listed on the programme record)
- IELTS Academic: 6.5 (overall)
- TOEFL iBT: 90 (overall)
- PTE Academic: 63 (overall)
- Duolingo English Test: 120 (overall)
- Oxford Test of English (OTE): 140 (overall)
Application documents (typical)
- Academic transcripts and degree certificate(s)
- Curriculum vitae (if requested by the programme)
- Proof of English proficiency (where required)
Deadlines and intake
- Application deadlines and start dates vary by intake—check the UCC programme page for the most up-to-date dates.
Check for any work restrictions
After completing your MSc at University College Cork, you may be able to apply for permission to work in Ireland, subject to Irish immigration rules and the conditions attached to your student permission.
In many cases, eligible graduates can apply for a post-study work permission that allows employment in the State for a limited period. Eligibility is generally linked to factors such as:
- Successful completion of the programme and confirmation of your award
- Holding the appropriate immigration permission at the time you apply
- Meeting any qualification and programme requirements set by the Irish authorities
- Submitting the application within the required timeframe after graduation
Immigration rules can change and additional conditions may apply depending on your nationality and personal circumstances. Always check the latest guidance on the official Irish immigration website and/or contact UCC’s international student support team before planning your post-study work.