MSc Environmental Resource Management

Khaing Min Thant - Programme Management Senior Officer at UNOPS

My experience in the Environmental Resource Management course at UCD was truly transformative. I chose this course because of my passion for sustainable development and the urgent need for effective environmental governance in my home country, Myanmar. The curriculum was diverse and comprehensive, covering everything from ecological principles to resource management strategies. The lecturers were incredibly knowledgeable and approachable, always willing to engage in meaningful discussions and provide guidance.

One of the highlights was the hands-on learning approach. Field trips and practical projects allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. This experiential learning was invaluable and deepened my understanding of environmental challenges and solutions.

Socially, UCD was a vibrant and welcoming community. I connected with classmates from all over the world, which enriched my learning experience and broadened my global perspective. The cultural exchange was a significant aspect of my time there, and it has continued to influence my approach to international development work.

Since graduating, my career has greatly benefited from the skills and knowledge I gained at UCD. In my roles at UNOPS and Trocaire, I am seen as a leader in the field of indigenous community land and environmental resource governance. The course equipped me with the tools to support sustainable development initiatives and contribute effectively to environmental resource management projects. My input is often sought by colleagues, grassroot civil society organizations and NGOs in Myanmar, particularly on environmental considerations in development and humanitarian programming.

Overall, the MSc in Environmental Resource Management has had a profound impact on both my personal and professional growth. It has enabled me to make a meaningful difference in the communities I serve and has set a strong foundation for my ongoing commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship."

Liz Jarocki - Gradaute View

I chose Ireland for so many different reasons. First to come and study first of all I actually studied abroad here in UCD for my undergrad and I loved it so much that I wanted to come back for a full-time Masters program. I saw Ireland is such a great opportunity as a place with so many different natural resources to study from agriculture, to wind energy there are jus so many options and as a smaller country you get a more personal experience and a lot more of a tangible aspect on the impacts of our studies so I really really enjoyed my experience here. 

I think especially in the environmental Resource Management program, there's a really great emphasis on field trips and getting to really really interact with what we're studying and so we got to go to places like Wicklow, the Burren and to the UCD Lyons Farm and it was a really great experience of true Interactive Learning and I really really enjoyed that element of the programme.

Graduate View 

Sinead Doyle, Inspector, Environmental Protection Association

For my undergraduate studies I completed an Arts degree in English and Geography graduating as a secondary school teacher. As I was completing my degree I knew my education journey was not complete and that I wanted to develop my skills further and complete an MSc. My interest was in

the area of environmental studies and after researching a number of programmes, I felt that the MSc Environmental Resource Management at the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science was the right programme for me. I felt this MSc would complement my undergraduate degree and enable me to develop my professional career. I was particularly attracted to the high level of practical applied learning included within the programme and felt this would enhance my employment opportunities greatly.

I secured a role as an Environmental Technician with Carlow County Council immediately after completing the MSc. I currently work with the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) as an Inspector. Without completing my Masters degree I would not have secured these positions and would not be where I am today. I feel having completed the MSc gave me a distinct advantage over other candidates and I now work alongside two of my classmates from the MSc programme.

Graduate View 

Dr Brendan Dunford, Manager, Burren Programme & Co-founder Burrenbeo Trust

Having spent my twenties travelling around the world, I’d become increasingly interested in the relationship between people and their places, how communities shape their local environments and vice-versa, and what a precious resource a healthy environment is. I decided that I wanted to learn more and reconnect again with my own homeplace, so I returned to Ireland, ‘parked’ the

backpack and enrolled in the MSc Environmental Resource Management at UCD. I loved it! The mix of people in terms of age, academic background and nationality, the diversity of subjects available, the passion for learning and change among my new classmates, all made for a very inspiring experience. Having the course located within the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science was a bonus as so much of the Irish landscape is shaped by farming and so much change has taken place in that sector of late.