Geological Sciences

Our Master of Research (MRes) degree in Geological Sciences is for highly motivated, enthusiastic students with a research interest in Geological Sciences. This MRes allows you to pursue research study in an area of your choosing under the direction of internationally recognised research in the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences at University College Cork.



The MRes in Geological Sciences is a full-time course running over 12 months (24 months part-time) from the date of first registration. Applications will be accepted for a start date in October or January. The programme consists of (a) a major research thesis and (b) taught modules on generic and transferable skills, with an emphasis on scientific writing, oral presentations, and general research skills.



The subject of your research project can be drawn from the range of expertise of staff in the Geology discipline in the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences including palaeontology, palaeobiology, palaeobotany, micropalaeontology, sedimentology, palaeo-environmental analysis, marine geology, geomatics, marine geosciences, structural geology, contaminant hydrogeology and igneous processes.



Our students undertake a total workload equivalent to 90 credits over the 12-month programme, the principal element of which is the completion of a major research thesis of approximately 10,000 words. In parallel, students must choose and pass taught modules to the value of 20 credits.

Modules (20 credits)



GL6020 Hydrogeology, Contaminated Land and Assessment (10 credits)

GL6021 Engineering Geology (10 credits)

GL6022 Environmental Planning and Regulation (5 credits)

GL6023 Offshore Environmental Geology (5 credits)

GL6024 Applied Geophysics (5 credits)

GL6025 Geoinformatics for Environmental Geology (5 credits)

GL6028 Applied Hydrogeology Skills (5 credits)

GL6029 Applied Geotechnical Skills (5 credits)

GL4004 Advanced Igneous Processes (5 credits)

GL4011 Economic Geology (5 credits)

GL4024 Advanced Palaeobiology (5 credits)

PG6001 STEPS - Scientific Training for Enhanced Postgraduate Studies (5 credits)

PG6009 Graduate Information Literacy Skills (5 credits)

PG6014 Scientific Outreach and Communication (5 credits)

PG6015 An Introduction to Research Integrity, Ethics and Open Science (5 credits)

PG6029 Skills in Public Engagement of Science (5 credits)

Applicants must have a Second Class Honours (minimum Grade 2.1) in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in the following relevant subject areas: Geology, Geoscience or Earth Science.



You must be approved by the MRes coordinator and programme team, including the Head of Geology in the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences.



The number of places is limited and decisions on entry to the programme will be made based on the applicant’s performance in their primary degree and interview according to the following criteria: academic qualifications, research experience and focus, scientific understanding, personal statement and strong recommendations from two academic referees.



English language requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. See our Postgraduate English Language Entry Requirements page for more information.



For applicants with qualifications completed outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. See our Qualification Comparison by Country page for more information.

12 Months Full-time; 24 Months Part-time.

Start Date October or January

The MRes in Geological Sciences is designed to give our students a research-intensive experience but at a degree level lower than a PhD. Taught modules are focused on generic and transferable research skills, rather than discipline-specific knowledge. There is an emphasis on data analysis, interpretation, problem-solving, and time- and project management. You will also develop skills in presenting and writing science, posing a research question, and developing a research proposal. Students completing this MRes programme will be competitive to secure funding, obtain a PhD position, or enter directly into employment within the geosciences sectors.



Our students also have the opportunity to collaborate with selected research groups within the SFI Research Centre in Applied Geosciences iCRAG. Ultimately the MRes programme at UCC is designed to give you the best start for your scientific research career.