Course Summary
This programme offers the theory and practice of environmental protection and is designed for those who have, or who aspire to have, environmental responsibilities but who may lack sufficient formal training in the area.
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
Applicants require an Honours degree (Level 8) in science or engineering, or other relevant cognate area. Alternatively, applicants may hold a relevant Ordinary degree (Level 7) in science or engineering other relevant cognate area and have obtained a minimum of three years relevant post-qualification experience. Applicants must have achieved merit or greater in the 60 credit Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Protection before progressing to the Masters.
Recognition of Prior Learning: Yes.
Application Details
Flexible learning courses are popular, and they fill on a first come, first served basis. There are two major intake periods throughout the academic year, September and January.
For January start courses, applications typically open in October, and for September start courses, applications typically open in February. Closing dates for applications are listed on the individual course webpage.
Start Date: September 2025.
Fees
Total Fees: €4800
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.
Naturalist
Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.
Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.
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.
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.
Career Progression
Many of our Masters programmes are structured in a way that includes recognised entry and exit awards. This means that you can apply for part of Masters first and learn at your own pace or if you are unable to complete the full programme, you can still gain a recognised qualification. Our entry and exit awards typically include Postgraduate Certificate award and a Postgraduate Diploma award.
Duration
Study Hours
Students can expect one live lecture per week - lasting approximately 2 hours. Students typically spend 25-35 hours per week on the Dissertation Module. This includes meetings with supervisors, academic research, experimentation/field studies (if applicable), writing and workshop activities.
On-Campus Attendance
At Postgraduate Diploma level, there is one (occasionally two) workshop per subject. The workshops take place on a Friday or Saturday. At Masters level, students may be required to present their progress to peers and supervisors in on-campus workshops (max 2).