Ocean Atmosphere & Climate - Structured

The human biogeochemical footprint is becoming so large that the future life and sustainability of our planet will be determined by societal choices in addition to natural variability. University of Galway, with the Centre for Climate & Air Pollution Studies and the Earth & Ocean Sciences, is at the forefront of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary climate research that is instrumental in addressing these pressing societal challenges and, with all of us facing the consequences of climate change, the research is more relevant today than ever before.



The new Structured Masters course bridges the boundaries between ocean and atmosphere and provides graduates with a broad understanding of how this coupled system works, affects and is affected by climate and human activities. It combines both taught and research elements and is designed for students who want to develop careers in this vibrant, global and multidisciplinary area.



The research aspect is developed in collaboration with the global and interdisciplinary research project Surface Ocean—Lower Atmosphere Study (SOLAS). SOLAS provides international science coordination and capacity building in quantitative understanding of the key interactions and feedbacks between the ocean, atmosphere, and climate. SOLAS is the only organisation in place to facilitate this integrated research, across disciplinary and national boundaries.



Integral to the Structured Masters programme is a seven-month research placement in a world-leading partner organisation under the SOLAS program to work with renowned scientists in the respective areas. Owing to our long-lasting relationship with major stakeholders, these placements offer students an opportunity to develop the necessary skills to continue with PhD studies or work in marine renewable energy and other marine/atmosphere related industry settings.

Course Outline

Ocean, atmosphere and climate area encompasses a wide range of marine, atmospheric physics/chemistry, physical/biological/chemical oceanography, climate research, focusing on inter- and multidisciplinary aspects.



The course structure is based on a 90 ECTS model, with 20 ECTS coming from four core modules and two optional modules, which account for 5 ECTS. A research project accounts for the remaining 60 ECTS.

Level 8 honours degree or equivalent to a minimum standard of Second Class Honours, Grade 1 or equivalent in an appropriate discipline.

Applications to most postgraduate programmes at University of Galway are made online via www.universityofgalway.ie/apply (see "Application Weblink").

Career Opportunities

• Owing to SOLAS long-lasting relationship with major stakeholders, this MSc offers students an opportunity to develop the necessary skills to continue with PhD studies or work in marine renewable energy and other marine/atmosphere related industry settings.

• The partnership with the international SOLAS project provides the best chance to gain research experience across disciplinary and national boundaries.

• The MSc provides the opportunity to learn from and work with the world-renowned experts in the field of Climate and Sustainability. Students will investigate sustainability challenges that enables them with appropriate career skills.

• Hands-on training will allow understanding the key interactions and feedbacks between the ocean and atmosphere, and how this coupled system affects and is affected by climate and people.