Sustainable Environments

Course Overview

This multidisciplinary course provides students with insight into environment, health, and sustainability issues within urban and rural environments. It integrates ecological, health and sustainability issues and considers their interaction within the natural and built environments. It combines modules from Environmental Science, Engineering and Economics to provide students with experience of research-led learning opportunities that will develop skills in identifying and evaluating sustainable solutions for real world environmental problems. Fieldtrips to learn from the practical experience of professionals are an essential element of this course. This course is open to students from a variety of backgrounds.



This course combines theory, policy and practical experience to provide its graduates with the skills and knowledge that are needed to pursue successful careers in managing sustainable environments. It provides scene setting lectures, site visits and practical work to encourage students to adopt an informed, creative and innovative approach to problem solving. It will provide students with the competences to obtain employment in environmental consultancy, policy development or proceed to further research.



Course Outline

This multidisciplinary course integrates and evaluates environment, health, and sustainability issues within the natural and built environment. Students gain experience of research-led learning opportunities in Environmental Science, Engineering and Economics that will develop skills in identifying and evaluating sustainable solutions for real world problems. A key aspect is that students learn by doing. Fieldwork and site visits, where students learn from practical experience are essential elements.



The course structure is based on a 90 ECTS model, with 60 ECTS coming from taught modules. A research project in Semester 2 Summer accounts for the remaining 30 ECTS. Assessment comprises continuous assessment (C/A) solely in Semester 1, and a combination of C/A and examination for some modules in Semester 2. Students must submit a report on their research project at the end of the summer in Semester 2.

Year 1 (90 Credits)

Required MI5106: Environmental Resilience

Required EV602: Ecosystems Assessment

Required EV6101: The Environment and Human Health

Required EV603: Biodiversity & Conservation

Required EV604: Environmental problems & Solutions

Required CE476: The Built Environment

Required EV5103: Sustainable Environments Research Project module

Optional BI5108: Green Lab Principles and Practice

Optional PAB5125: One Health

Optional CE6107: Water Quality

Optional EV5102: Communicating Science and Research

Optional EC5102: Renewable Energy Economics and Policy

Optional CE466: Energy in Buildings

Optional PAB5127: Geospatial Analysis and Remote Sensing

Optional EC5116: Global Issues in Agricultural, Marine and Renewable Energy Economics

Places are limited (15) and selection is based on each candidate’s academic record/relevant experience, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.



Applicants must have a primary degree with a second class honours, or equivalent in a relevant discipline. Relevant disciplines include science, marine science, engineering, environmental science, geography, social science, health promotion, engineering, economics or other related disciplines.



Applicants who do not have an academic background and have relevant experience are welcome to apply. They may be required to attend an interview.

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).

1 year, full-time.

Next start date September 2025

Career Opportunities

Graduates with this qualification will pursue a wide range of careers in the public, private and voluntary sector. Job opportunities exist within environmental, agri-environmental and sustainability consultancies, or as sustainability officers in companies and corporations. Graduates may also find employment within national, regional and local government sectors. Graduates may also go on to further research.