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MSc in Environmental Technology  (X565)

MSc (NFQ Level 9) · Academic Year 2025/2026
School
School of Biosystems and Food Engineering
Attendance
Full Time
Level
Graduate Taught
NFQ Level
9
Award
Master of Science
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Programme Director
Assoc Professor Tom Curran
Overall Programme Credits:
90
Programme Credits:
Stage 1
Core/Option: 90 Electives: 0
Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
Stage 1: 90

Curricular information is subject to change.

For more information on this programme, see: MSc Environmental Technology.

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.

The MSc Environmental Technology Programme is aimed at science, engineering and technology graduates who wish to pursue a career in developing, implementing and managing solutions to minimise the environmental impact of emissions to air, soil and water. Our students will become active and independent learners, who will bring a critical and integrated approach to solving environmental challenges, both in local and global contexts. The programme modules are delivered by internationally recognised research-active academic staff through lectures, online learning materials, practicals, technical site visits and problem-based learning. Assessments include a mix of written examinations, oral presentations, video creation, reports, and theses, carried out individually or as teams. There are also opportunities for peer assessment, both internally within the class and externally within an international network. The programme can lead to career opportunities in regulatory authorities, environmental consultancies, industry and research.


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

UCD is Ireland’s Global University and its largest university with a track record in empowering students to enter a diverse range of careers that reflects the most diverse curriculum on the Island of Ireland. Consistently, over 90% of graduates are employed or in further study or training 9 months following course completion. The QS World Ranking on Graduate Employability has placed UCD at number 1 in Ireland for Graduate Employability since 2018. On the global stage UCD leads the Irish higher education sector and is the only Irish university to be ranked inside the world’s top 80 for Graduate Employability.

At University College Dublin we are aware that for many students, programme outcomes in terms of graduate jobs and career options is important. The purpose of this statement is to help you understand and appreciate the range of skills you may develop during your time at UCD and how you may develop your employability. Visit the UCD Careers Networks website and MyCareer, the UCD Career management Platform, to access career information, internships and graduate roles as well as information about the range of initiatives, supports and events available to you.

This programme provides opportunities for students to develop in areas such as:
  • Information & Communication Technology
  • Numeracy
  • Writing
  • Researching
  • Oral Communication
  • Written Communication
  • Presentations
  • Teamwork
  • Project management
  • Global awareness
  • Social responsibility
  • Critical thinking
  • Self-awareness


This programme supports students’ career development and employability through:
  • Career development initiatives with UCD Careers Network
  • Enhancing digital literacy skills
  • Development of critical thinking, problem solving skills and decision-making e.g. through individual and group projects and assignments
  • Development of self-reflection skills


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

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

Stage 1

X565 MSc Environmental Technology FT is a one-year, 90-credit Full-time Masters Programme.

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
BSEN30630 Practical Applications ArcGIS 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
BSEN40090 Thesis Year-long (12 months)  30

See the UCD Assessment website for further details, including worked examples of how degree award GPAs are calculated

Module Weighting Info
 
  Award GPA
Programme Module Weightings Rule Description Description >= <=
MTENA001 Stage 1 - 100.00%
Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20

Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67

Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07

Pass

2.00

2.47