Sciences - Natural Sciences - Research

The School of Natural Sciences, comprising the academic units of Botany, Geography, Geology and Zoology and incorporating the Centre for the Environment, forms an internationally recognised, research-led centre of academic excellence accommodating biological, physical and social scientists.



Research Programmes



The research Interests of staff in the School are highly diverse and span the four major themes of: Ecology and Evolution; Earth and Environmental Science; Molecular Biology and Comparative Physiology. Society, Space and Environment.



Our research is conducted by 39 principal investigators whose activities are supported by post-doctoral and postgraduate researchers engaged in a wide range of dynamic research areas. Currently, there are in excess of 140 postgraduate research students and a further 50 students in total registered for the School’s one-year taught Masters degree programmes (Environmental Sciences, Biodiversity and Conservation, Environment and Development) and a further 45 on the 2 year Masters in Development Practice. Our School is productive in its output of research, producing over 500 peer-reviewed publications since 2004, along with a host of books and presentations by invitation at conferences and other events. The School’s website (http://www.naturalscience.tcd.ie/research) provides up-to-date information on the research interests of individual and groupings of members of academic staff in the School.

March 2026 Entry

Master in Science, Botany (Part-Time) - Part-Time31/Mar/2026

Master in Science, Botany (Full-Time) - Full-Time31/Mar/2026

Master in Science, Geology (Part-Time) - Part-Time31/Mar/2026

Master in Science, Geology (Full-Time) - Full-Time31/Mar/2026

Master in Letters, Geography (Part-Time) - Part-Time31/Mar/2026

Master in Letters, Geography (Full-Time) - Full-Time31/Mar/2026

Master in Science, Geography (Part-Time) - Part-Time31/Mar/2026

Master in Science, Geography (Full-Time) - Full-Time31/Mar/2026

Master in Science, Zoology (Part-Time) - Part-Time31/Mar/2026

Master in Science, Zoology (Full-Time) - Full-Time31/Mar/2026

Doctor in Philosophy, Botany (Part-Time) - Part-Time31/Mar/2026

Doctor in Philosophy, Botany (Full-Time) - Full-Time31/Mar/2026

Doctor in Philosophy, Geography (Part-Time) - Part-Time31/Mar/2026

Doctor in Philosophy, Geography (Full-Time) - Full-Time31/Mar/2026

Doctor in Philosophy, Geology (Part-Time) - Part-Time31/Mar/2026

Doctor in Philosophy, Geology (Full-Time) - Full-Time31/Mar/2026

Doctor in Philosophy, Zoology (Part-Time) - Part-Time31/Mar/2026

Doctor in Philosophy, Zoology (Full-Time) - Full-Time31/Mar/2026



September 2026 Entry

MLitt in Geography (Full-Time) -30/SEP/2026

PhD in Botany (Part-Time) -30/SEP/2026

PhD in Botany (Full-Time) -30/SEP/2026

PhD in Geography (Part-Time) -30/SEP/2026

PhD in Geography (Full-Time) -30/SEP/2026

PhD in Geology -30/Sep/2026

PhD in Geology (Full-Time) -30/SEP/2026

PhD in Zoology (Part-Time) -30/SEP/2026

PhD in Zoology (Full-Time) -30/SEP/2026



In exceptional circumstances it may be possible to register retrospectively. Applicants wishing to be considered for retrospective admission should contact the Graduate Studies Office by emailing research.admissions@tcd.ie

Next Intake: March 2026 / September 2026