Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary study which examines the interaction between humans and the environment, with specific reference to the effects of modern technological advances.  

Postgraduate research opportunities in the field of Environmental Science leading to MSc and PhD degrees are available within the college. Research areas currently include the fields of agri-environmental research, biodiversity, biological control, and habitat management and wetland studies.

Year 1 

• Biology
• Hot Topics in Environmental Science
• Introduction to Law  
• Introduction to Statistical Data and Probability With either:  
• Chemistry  
• Physics or  
• Chemistry/Physics  
• Introduction to Psychology I and II  
• Introduction to Irish Habitats 

Year 2 

• Environmental Modules
• Botany and Plant Science Modules
• Earth and Ocean Sciences Modules  
• Microbiology Modules  
• Zoology Modules  
• Environmental Legislation 

Year 3 

• Nature Conservation and Habitat Management
• Field Course with Environmental Skills
• Habitat Management Planning  
  
• Legislation for Environmental Scientists  
  
• Environmental Microbiology  
  
• Microbial Genomics  
  
• Plant Resources and Ecosystems  
  
• Introduction to Biostatistics  
  
• Plus four electives from a wide range of modules 

Year 4 

• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Environmental Science Seminars
• Advanced Field Course in Environmental Science 
  
• Final Year Project 
  
• Plus four electives from a wide range of modules

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

• The opportunity to study the environment in an area with unique, pristine habitats.
• Hands-on learning through field modules and labs and final-year thesis project.
• Interdisciplinary experience in a range of modules across the sciences and humanities.
• Small class sizes with direct supervision from professors. 

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary study which examines interaction between humans and the environment, with specific reference to the effects of modern technological advances on the environment. Graduates of our programme have worked with such government bodies as: 

• National Parks and Wildlife Service
• Waterways Ireland
• Regional Fisheries Board
• Geological Survey Ireland
• National Biodiversity Records Centre
• Teagasc 

Opportunities in the private sector, such as Environmental Consulting, and Research in academia also exist. 

No matter what path you choose, the B.Sc. in Environmental Science gives you the skills to build a successful career in a changing world. Check out Environmental Science Career sheet to know more.

The BSc in Environmental Science is designed to develop students’ proficiency in a range of field sampling techniques while fostering an awareness or the major environmental issues of our time, critical thinking and analytical skills. The learning experience is dynamic, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application to prepare students for environmental careers. 

How Will I Learn? 

1. Practical Experience: Students engage in field trips, laboratory modules and hands-on exercises in which they learn a range of methods used by environmental scientists.
2. Conceptual and Theoretical Modules: Modules on a range of environmental issues and topics provide students with the theoretical foundations to ground their practical work.
3. Final Year Thesis: In the final year students develop and carry out a research project of their own with one-on-one supervision from one of our academic staff.
4. Interdisciplinary Approach: This method uses input from a number of academic disciplines to integrate natural sciences, law, and social sciences, broadening your career opportunities.
5. Technology Driven Tools: Students will gain experience with GIS, statistical analysis coding, and some of the latest technologies used for fieldwork, giving them the experience employers are looking for. 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

1. Continuous Assessment: Regular coursework, including essays, assignments and field/lab exercises. Students receive regular feedback on their progress. 
2. Examinations: Written exams take place before Christmas and in May. Written exams evaluate proficiency in comprehension of major concepts, critical thinking skills and ability to communicate in writing. 
3. Oral Assessments: Students participate in class discussions, field trips and presentations.
4. Final Year Thesis: The thesis in Year 4 is assessed based on a literature review, work on the research project, a final thesis and final presentation. Students are assessed by their own advisor as well as other faculty members and an external examiner.

Course queries: 
mike.gormally@universityofgalway.ie   

Programme Director(s):  

Prof Mike Gormally  
E: mike.gormally@universityofgalway.ie
Professor in Environmental Science  
School of Natural Sciences
College of Science and Engineering 

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 Level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e., Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint), Agricultural Science or Computer Science) or Technology, and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes. 

Alternative Pathways 

The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links: 

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places 

• Mature Students 

• Access and Foundation programmes 

• HEAR Scheme 

• DARE Scheme 

Other Qualifications 

If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:  

• A Level students 

• International Baccalaureate students  

• EU students 

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.  

Admissions Office  

Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.  

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants 

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.  

Mature Applicants  

Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.  

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants  

Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements.

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
	All	€4,268	€3,000	€27,000	€140	€3,140	€7,408	€27,140

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €3,000 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to non-EU fees.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.

Equipment and Fieldtrips  
Some modules incorporate practical laboratories and for these, you may be required to purchase basic safety items such as a laboratory coat or goggles, sturdy footwear and raingear for field work (approx. cost of €200 in Year 1). Other modules may require a kit of components to be purchased.  

Fieldtrips 
There are some minor travel costs attached to participating in mandatory fieldtrip for the final year course (approximate cost of €200 ). All other field trips are covered in tuition fees. The School endeavours to cover costs as much as possible and keep the contributions from students as low as possible.  

Application Process 

Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for each the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.