Engineering - Water and Environmental Engineering

This Masters prepares graduates to work in the broad field of Water and Environmental Engineering, including environmental protection and management. This programme is suited to both Civil Engineering graduates or graduates from closely related disciplines, such as Science or Physical Geography.



Students in this programme will gain advanced theoretical and conceptual knowledge and understanding in the area of environmental engineering on topics such as engineering hydrology, environmental modelling, water and wastewater treatment, solid waste management, and environmental data analysis, among others.



Environmental engineering involves the application of engineering and scientific principles to solve or prevent environmental problems. This programme allows you to gain competencies in the design of facilities to treat water, wastewater and wastes; in the development and protection of water resources; in the design of flood protection system; in the analysis of environmental data; and in the design of infrastructure that respects the principles of environmental sustainability. It is delivered by a culturally diverse group of internationally renowned academic staff deliver the programme.

Stage 1 Core Modules

CVEN40220 Introduction to Water Resources Engineering 1 10

CVEN40570 Water Waste and Environmental Modelling 5

CVEN40590 Environmental Research Project 30

CVEN40860 Research Skills for Engineers 5

ENVB40040 Environmental Impact Assessment 5

STAT40690 Quantitative Methods for Engineers 5



Stage 1 Options - A)30CR:

OPTION MODULES: All students must take 30 credits of Option Modules, and students should aim for a balanced workload of 30 credits per trimester.

BSEN30240 Waste Management 5

BSEN30360 Life Cycle Assessment 5

BSEN40110 Advanced Air Pollution 10

CHEN40010 Environmental Engineering 5

CVEN40070 Water & Wastewater Treatment Processes 5

CVEN40080 Hydraulic Engineering Design 5

CVEN40690 Civil Engineering Systems 5

CVEN40840 Sustainable and Nature Based Water Infrastructure 10

ENVB40120 Freshwater Resources Assessment 5

An honours undergraduate degree (NFQ level 8) with minimum 2:1 award or international equivalence in civil engineering, other related engineering (such as chemical engineering, environmental engineering, agricultural engineering), physical science or environmental related degree programme.



Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.



Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/

Apply online



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes



Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: No

1 Year Full-Time(T430),

2 Years Part-Time (T436).

T430 MEngSc in Water and Environmental Engineering Master of Engineering Science Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught



T436 Water and Environmental Engineering Master of Engineering Science Part-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

Career & Graduate Study Opportunity

Graduates from this programme will enjoy career opportunities both nationally and internationally, in both engineering and environmental consultancies, regulatory authorities and in research. Graduates find employment as engineers in the private sector (e.g., engineering consultancy, engineering design, project management, risk assessment,waste management), in the public sector (e.g., environmental protection, regulation, standards development, local government, river basin management), and in the non governmental sector (e.g., environmental advocacies, NGO’s), or may wish to pursue further qualifications (e.g., PhD, MBA) to become even more specialised.



Graduates will be equipped with the skills that allow them to be lifelong learners, whether in the pursuit of knowledge for personal use or in connection with their engineering careers. Employers of environmental engineers include commercial firms, engineering consultancies, government agencies, and non-governmental organisations, all well known in Ireland and many with global operations. Some of these include: • RPS Group • White Young Green • Nicholas O’Dwyer • Atkins • Greenstar • Arup • McKinsey and Company • Mazars • Environmental Protection Agency • Local Authorities • Engineers Without Borders • Engineers Against Poverty • Friends of the Earth