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University of Limerick

Sustainable Resource Management - Policy & Practice

Overview
This novel course is a multidisciplinary approach to environmental sustainability devised by UL and NUIG to respond to the continuing interest among students in an environmental/resource management taught MSc., and to market demands for graduates with more applied knowledge of the environmental sector. Strongly research led, it is unique in that it combines the expertise of both institutions in relation to urban form and function and landscape evaluation and management for conservation in a jointly awarded MSc postgraduate degree.

The 12-month long course comprises new modules taught only at postgraduate level and aims to provide participants with the skills, knowledge and experience that are needed to pursue successful careers in managing environmental resources sustainably. The course will help develop government policy and economic recovery by producing top quality graduates who can contribute to a smart economy and hasten implementation of green technologies. Given the pressure on and competition for limited resources, the course applies an evidence based approach to developing solutions for all system users. Graduates will become technically fluent in selected environmental science theory, policy development, implementation and best practice.

Overview:
Students who undertake this course will:
- develop a technical and scientific understanding of sustainability issues and problems associated with management of resource use and management in relation to (a) urban form and function and (b) landscape evaluation and management for conservation.

- comprehend a range of policy responses in relation to enhancement of sustainability in Irish urban and rural settings, and selected international case studies.

- synthesise an understanding of the complexity of both natural and socio-economic-natural systems, together with an understanding of existing and innovatory sustainability policy options, to develop a competency in identifying and evaluating optimal policy options.

Entry requirements

At least a second class honours primary degree Level 8 in an appropriate discipline, or a professional or other equivalent qualification recognised by both the University of Limerick and NUI Galway. This course is suitable for graduates with a primary degree in the Environmental Sciences/Engineering/Economics or Geography/Biological Sciences/Ecology and Earth Sciences who wish to extend their knowledge and skills for a career related to resource management. Mature students with relevant experience are most welcome to apply. A strong personal statement demonstrating interest in the course is also essential as this will be considered as part of the application. Applicants may be required to attend for interview.

WHAT TO UPLOAD WITH YOUR APPLICATION:
Qualification transcripts and certificates
English language qualification if English is not your first language
Certified English translations of your transcripts/certificates where the originals are in a language other than English.
An up-to-date CV (curriculum vitae)
A copy of your Birth certificate (long document)

English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than two years prior to application):

Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:

Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved
Irish Leaving Certificate English Ordinary Level Grade D or above
TOEFL 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based)
IELTS Minimum score of 6.5 with no less than 6 in any one component.
English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) Grade C1
GCE O level English Language/GCSE English Language Grade C or above
University of Cambridge ESOL Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English - Grade A
GCE Examination Boards Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council School Certificate Pass 1-6

Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact the International Education Division for advice.

Duration

1 year full-time.

Careers or further progression

Specific career opportunities such as Sustainability Officers, Ecological Consultants and Environmental Advisors exist within government agencies, public bodies, NGOs, environmental planning and engineering consultancies with an emphasis on sustainable design, corporate companies on a national and international scale. In addition, opportunities for further research exist. Opportunities exist within the "Green" economy as governments, NGOs and large corporations must work to meet environmental targets set within international obligations. Graduates will acquire translational and multidisciplinary skills in environmental entrepreneurship and sustainability sector enabling them to take on managerial roles within an industrial / corporate setting, or within a regulatory body or consultancy firm.

Previous graduates have found relevant employment in Ireland, UK, USA and elsewhere as University researcher; PhD student; industry based environmental management, environmental analyst, environmental quality control officer; consultancy based climate change researcher; in non-governmental conservation organisations, in governmental organisations such as the National Biodiversity Data Centre.

Further enquiries

Course Coordinator:
Dr Caitríona Carlin
Rm 206, Applied Ecology Unit,
Centre for Environmental Science,
School of Natural Sciences,
NUI Galway
Tel : 353-91-493 863
Email: Caitriona.carlin@nuigalway.ie/caitriona.carlin@ul.ie

Course Director University of Limerick
Professor Richard Moles
Faculty of Science + Engineering
Tel: 353-61-202817
Email: richard.moles@ul.ie

Subjects taught

Programme Content

This programme brings together theory, policy and practice to provide participants with the skills, knowledge and experience that are needed to pursue successful careers in managing environmental resources sustainably. As the course is structured around research in both NUI Galway and University of Limerick that is strongly linked to decision makers in industry and government organisations, it will develop graduates with necessary skills in identifying and evaluating solutions for real world problems.

Semester 1 comprises 3 modules taught in NUI Galway:
(1) Ecosystem Assessment;
(2) Biodiversity and Conservation and
(3) Environmental Problems and Solutions

Semester 2 comprises 4 modules taught in UL:
(1) Material and Energy Flows;
(2) Urban Form and Transport;
(3) Urban Household Sustainability and
(4) Sustainable Life-cycle Engineering

Semester 3:
Research Project based either at UL or NUI Galway.

Comment

This multi-disciplinary programme brings together theory, policy and practice to provide participants with the skills, technical knowledge and first-hand experience that our experience shows are needed to gain employment as professionals in sustainable resource management. Sustainability challenges and practical solutions are analyzed in relation to urban areas, transport, industry and biodiversity conservation.

Application date

Taught Programmes - Application Process
All applicants apply through the online application system by choosing a programme from one of the five faculties. If Non-EU applicants wish to contact the International Education Division first before completing an online application, they can do by filling out the International Education Division Enquiry Form. For more information visit the International Office website.

International Office:
Tel: +353 61 202414
Fax: +353 61 213062
email: international@ul.ie.

Visit the International Office website

What to include (upload) with your application
Certified results for all examinations mentioned on your application form and/or confirmation of the award of your qualification(s).
Evidence of English language proficiency.
Certified translations of your award and transcripts if they are not in English
A copy of your birth certificate or passport

Please note that certain programmes request additional documentation such as personal statements and/or references. Please check the programme entry requirements to ensure you have included the required information.

What happens after I apply?
Once you submit your application online, you will receive an email acknowledgement. It is important that you upload all your documents at the time of application as you will not be able to upload these at a later stage. If you do not have your documents at the time of application, you will need to mail them to the Postgraduate Admissions Office once they become available.
Your application will then be passed to the Course Director who will decide whether or not to offer you a place. Some programmes require interviews and you will be notified of the date, time and venue.

Decision Letter
You will receive one of the following letters from the Postgraduate Admissions Office:
An unconditional offer. You satisfy all of the academic conditions required and we are offering you a place.
A conditional offer. You do not yet satisfy the academic conditions required before entry but you propose to do so. The conditions are listed in the offer letter and may include English language tests as well as degree results.
Letter of regret. We are unable to offer you a place.

Please note that a decision is authoritative and official only if it has been sent in writing from the Postgraduate Admissions Office.

Accepting a place at the University of Limerick
To accept your offer you must pay your acceptance deposit and send in the course acceptance form, stamped by the bank, to the Postgraduate Admissions Office. On receipt of this acceptance form/deposit, the Postgraduate Admissions Office will change the status of your application to Firmly Accepted. You will receive an orientation pack in August. The orientation pack will provide you with full details of orientation and enrolment.

Deferring your offer
You cannot defer a place on a taught postgraduate programme without the permission of the Course Director. If you are offered a deferral, you will receive a letter from the Postgraduate Admissions Office confirming that a deferral has been granted. You should then contact the Postgraduate Admissions Office before March of the following year to confirm that you will be accepting your place. If you are not offered a deferral, then you must re-apply for the programme the following academic year.

Contacts
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Graduate School
Foundation Building
University of Limerick
Tel: +353 61 234377
Fax: +353 61 233287
Email: postgradadmissions@ul.ie