Explore UCD

UCD Home >

MSc in Environmental Technology

MSc (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

Contact Us

The programme addresses the demand for graduates who have the skills to develop technological solutions for air, water and soil protection in existing and emerging sectors across industry (particularly agri-food and bioresources), consulting companies and regulatory authorities. This programme will enable its students to acquire skills in the areas of environmental engineering, risk assessment, air pollution, waste management, life cycle assessment, buildings and environment, energy systems and sustainable environment. Students will enhance their ability to work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multi-disciplinary settings, together with the capacity to  undertake lifelong learning.

This programme is delivered by a highly research-intensive School comprised of a European Research Council Fellow and six Marie Curie Fellowships. Opportunities for site visits and industry internships are provided where possible. Dr Tom Curran the academic coordinator has received teaching and research awards from UCD, the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE), the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) and most recently the prestigious Fulbright Award (TechImpact). The UCD School of Biosystems & Food Engineering consistently wins up to €3 million in annual research funding. 

Module Information: 
Under the "What modules can I take?" section below you will see general module information, for a more detailed description including module selection rules click here.

About This Course

  • Ability to work effectively as an individual and in teams together with the capacity to undertake lifelong learning
  • Effective oral and written communication skills, including design of supporting materials, for communicating with scientific stakeholders and practitioners
  • Knowledge and competency to design, organise and conduct scientific environmental research, and contribute to the development of innovative technologies for solving environmental problems
  • Knowledge and understanding of health & safety issues associated with work in various environments
  • Knowledge and understanding of policy, legislation and technology relating to environmental emissions to air, soil and water
  • Understanding and skills to apply scientific principles and analysis techniques governing environmental technologies in relation to sustainable development
  • Understanding of the need for high ethical standards and professionalism

Graduates of this masters can find employment opportunities in the following areas:

  • Engineering Consultancy
  • Environmental Regulation
  • Eco-Consulting and Design
  • Public Services
  • Research

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN30280 Water and Wastewater Engineering Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN30360 Life Cycle Assessment Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN40320 Waste to Energy Processes & Technologies Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN40700 Energy System & Sustainable Environments Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN30060 Quantitative Risk Assessment for Human and Animal Health Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN40110 Advanced Air Pollution Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN40400 LCA Applications Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN40460 Research, Teaching & Career Skills Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN40540 Practical Applications in ArcGIS Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN40090 Thesis Year-long (12 months)  30

Graduate Profile - Shubhangi Singh, Iarnród Éireann-Irish Rail

"Since childhood I was very keen to work for the betterment of all life on earth. Pursuing my undergraduate in Biotechnology provided me the opportunity to expand my knowledge and broaden my understanding. In the last semester of my undergrad my interest in the environment grew particularly due to degrading environmental conditions in my country. Then I decided to pursue my higher studies in the Environmental domain. UCD’s well designed MSc Environmental Technology curriculum covering pertinent topics such as air, water, soil, biodiversity, abatement techniques, management, and ethics offered me a well-rounded education. The programme allowed me to cultivate a skill set that enhanced my capability to serve mother nature in a professional manner. Since UCD fosters a culture of learning, innovation and discipline, my pursuit of higher education at UCD serves as an imperative steppingstone to accomplish these goals. Not only has it broadened my knowledge but it has also helped me secure a job opportunity in Irish Rail as a graduate environmental engineer and utilise my skills in my professional life."

This master’s has opened up employment opportunities for me going forward and after I complete my thesis I look forward to finding employment in the water preservation and contamination industry.

For more read our student blog: 

Daisy Odunze - Environmental Technology - UCD College of Engineering & Architecture

MSc in Environmental Technology (X565) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 9530
nonEU    fee per year - € 29100

***Fees are subject to change

Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see www.ucd.ie/global/scholarships/

The College of Engineering & Architecture also offer scholarships for non-EU students, for more information see: www.ucd.ie/eacollege/study/noneuscholarships.

An honours undergraduate degree (NFQ level 8) with a minimum second class honours or international equivalence in an engineering, science or technology degree programme. 

  • Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
  • Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the  English language requirements, may enter the programme upon  successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/ 
  • These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes 
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes


General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to MSc in Environmental Technology:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt X565
MSc in Environmental Technology
Master of Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2024
Graduate Taught Closed
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt X565
MSc in Environmental Technology
Master of Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught Apply
* you can change options at the top of the page