Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)
Sustainable management of our environmental resources is at the heart of some of the key challenges facing humanity today; food security, climate change, biodiversity loss, and the protection of water and soil resources.
The MSc in Environmental Resource Management is an established programme that develops graduates with the flexible combination of environmental science, policy and management expertise necessary to address these needs. This programme draws on the academic expertise and diversity available in the School of Agriculture and Food Science; ranked in the top 100 globally in the area of Agriculture and Forestry.
The programme is accessible to candidates from a very broad range of primary degree backgrounds and draws students from Ireland, Europe, and across the world including a successful track record with the Irish Aid Fellowships.
Fieldwork is involved in many of the modules offered, including visits to leading extension/advisory and research programmes in the area of sustainable environmental resource management. The research thesis allows the student to drive their own original research project and develop specific skills.
Who should apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
Vision & Value Statement
The MSc in Environmental Resource Management is designed for those who wish to undertake advanced studies in the pursuit of a career in the environmental sciences. Particular emphasis is placed on exploring globally important environmental issues, including climate change, and the sustainable management of soil, plant and water resources in agriculture and other land use systems. The programme fosters in its graduates the qualities of self-motivation and critical thinking. For those with an inquiring mind, a deeper understanding of scientific principles relevant in solving agri-environmental and food security concerns is provided, which in combination with understanding of effective policy-making, leads to sustainable management practice. The programme structure is supportive of guided self-learning and provides the opportunity to develop key skills across the agri-environmental sciences. Core elements of the programme include: literature review and knowledge assimilation; core lab, field and IT skills (including use of GIS and remote sensing software); experimental/survey design and quantitative data analysis; and written and verbal communication skills. Use is made of individual and group work assignments designed to develop individual, teamwork and leadership skills. These skills will culminate and be tested further in the final semester, when the student does an independent supervised project.
Programme Outcome
Evaluate the wider environmental issues and challenges of food production and security, and appreciate the objectives of national, EU and international policy
Appreciate the functional benefits of natural processes within managed rural ecosystems
Combine the use of core lab, field and IT skills in scientific study and evaluation
Devise and interpret environmental studies/evaluations involving the collection, appropriate analysis and reporting of resulting observations
Interpret the ecological processes and cycles that underpin sustainable management of natural resources
Understand the key terrestrial ecosystem services such as climate and water regulation and nutrient cycling, and how they may be promoted by effective and sustainable land management practice
Apply learned skills and competencies in environmental consultancy, evaluation and assessment
Integrate scientific understanding in sustainable management and policy approaches
Apply learned skills and competencies in environmental consultancy, evaluation and assessment
Appreciate the functional benefits of natural processes within managed rural ecosystems
Combine the use of core lab, field and IT skills in scientific study and evaluation
Devise and interpret environmental studies/evaluations involving the collection, appropriate analysis and reporting of resulting observations
Evaluate the wider environmental issues and challenges of food production and security, and appreciate the objectives of national, EU and international policy
Integrate scientific understanding in sustainable management and policy approaches
Interpret the ecological processes and cycles that underpin sustainable management of natural resources
Understand the key terrestrial ecosystem services such as climate and water regulation and nutrient cycling, and how they may be promoted by effective and sustainable land management practice