Course Summary
The MSc in Coastal and Marine Environments is directed at graduates from Geography, Natural Sciences and other related disciplines in the social and natural sciences, and at professionals in the field who are interested in furthering their knowledge of the field.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Level 8 degree, Second Class Honours or equivalent, with Second Class Honours Grade 1 or equivalent in a relevant field of study. Selection is based on candidates’ academic record at undergraduate level, statement of intent and academic letters of recommendation.
Application Details
Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.
An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).
Next start date: September 2026
Fees
Fees: EU
€7,890 p.a. full-time; €3,855 p.a part-time (including levy) 2024/25
Fees: Tuition
€7,750 p.a. full-time; €3,750 p.a. part-time 2024/25
Fees: Student levy
€140 p.a. full-time; €105 p.a. part-time 2024/25
Fees: Non EU
€18,500 p.a. (18,640 p.a. including levy) 2024/25
Student levy €140—payable by all students and is not covered by SUSI. Further detail here.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Career Progression
PhD Research: University of Galway; Cornell University, USA; Norwegian University of Science and Technology, University College Dublin; Dundalk Institute for Technology; Technological University Dublin.
Government Agencies (Planning & Environment): Marine Institute; Maine Department of Marine Resources, USA; State of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, USA; Inland Fisheries Ireland; An Coimisiún Pleanála (Irish Planning Board).
Environmental Consultancy & Research: MKO Planning and Environmental Consultancy; The Nature Conservancy; JBA Consultants; Verde Environmental Consultants; J.F. Brennan Company; MWP Engineering and Environmental Consulting; Xodus Group Global Energy Consultancy; Marine Energy (Wales); Prescription Landscape, USA; Royal Haskoning DHV; ConeTec Investigations - Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental; Dewberry Consulting; Persis Ltd; The All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA).
Duration
2 years part-time