Who is this course for? 

Our obligations to protect the environment under EU legislation mean that this course will play a pivotal role for those currently working in or who wish to enter the planning or engineering professions in local government or as private consultants. Graduates of this course will ensure that governments, local authorities and private consultancies will help implement sustainable policies that contribute to economic recovery while managing limited biodiversity resources.

What will I study? 

The course is delivered as a Part-Time Degree taken over a 24-month period. The year is divided into two teaching semesters (September to December and January to April). Students will take six taught modules each year and the summer period in year 2 will be used to complete a research thesis.  

Core modules: 

• Ecosystem Science
• Introduction to Flora & Fauna of Ireland
• Ecological Survey Techniques
• Biodiversity Legislation & Policy
• Habitat Identification & Assessment
• Habitat Creation, Management and Restoration
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
• Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
• Appropriate Assessment (AA)
• Climate Change & Biodiversity
• Water Framework Directive (WFD)
• Invasive Species & Biodiversity 

Curriculum Information

• Employability: Graduates of this course will ensure that governments, local authorities and private consultancies will help implement sustainable policies that contribute to economic recovery while managing limited biodiversity resources.
• Range of modules: Includes modules in Habitat Management, Environmental Impact Assessment, Appropriate Assessment and Invasive Species Management.
• Master core concepts: Develop a solid foundation in ecological theory and conservation principles, applying them to real-world contexts.
• Strengthen problem-solving abilities: Learn to approach biodiversity conservation and management challenges critically, using both theoretical and practical perspectives. 

The key aim of this programme is to develop expertise relevant to local authority and public/private sector staff so they can meet international biodiversity and conservation obligations. 

Graduates of this course will ensure that governments, local authorities and private consultancies will help implement sustainable policies that contribute to economic recovery while managing limited biodiversity resources. 

This MSc presents graduates with opportunities across various fields and recent graduates are now working in: Government Departments; City and County Councils as Biodiversity, Heritage or Planning Officers; National Parks and Wildlife Services; Inland Fisheries Ireland; Forest Service; Coillte; Environmental and Planning Consultancies; NGOs. 

• Dr Gesche Kindermann
• Dr Caitríona Carlin
• Dr Tiernan Henry
• Dr Bob Kennedy 

How will I learn? 

The MSc in Biodiversity and Land Use Planning combines innovative teaching methods with practical, hands-on learning to ensure a comprehensive educational experience. You will learn through a mix of interactive lectures, seminars, workshops and field work led by expert faculty. Real-world case studies and exercises will enable you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems. 

Group projects and collaborative activities will enhance your teamwork and communication skills, while individual assignments and the final dissertation will help you develop independence and critical thinking.  

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Throughout the programme, your progress is assessed through various coursework, including reports, essays and presentations.  

1. Continuous Assessment- Regular coursework, including reports, essays, presentations and online participation. Students receive regular (weekly) feedback on their progress. 
2. Project Work- Research work will allow students to apply their skills in real-world contexts. 

https://www.universityofgalway.ie/science-engineering/school-of-natural-sciences/  

Course queries: 
gesche.kindermann@universityofgalway.ie   

Programme Director(s):  

Dr Gesche Kindermann,  
Lecturer in Environmental Sciences,  
Head of the Discipline of Environmental Science, 
School of Natural Sciences
College of Science and Engineering 
E: gesche.kindermann@universityofgalway.ie
T: 091 493862 

University of Galway recognises that knowledge and skills can be acquired from a range of learning experiences. This is in line with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) goals which aim to recognise all learning achievements by supporting the development of alternative pathways to qualifications (or awards) and by facilitating the recognition of prior learning (RPL). 

Applicants who do not have the required academic qualifications for entry purposes, but have relevant work experience may also be entitled to apply under the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning Policy. Further, students may apply for exemption(s) from some programme courses based on equivalent courses already completed. Further information is available on the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning website

Graduates of the MSc Biodiversity and Land Use Planning will be able to:  

• Identify conservation value of ecosystems, habitats and species, determine ecosystem services and recognize environmental impacts. 
• Determine the relevant European and national biodiversity conservation legislation and its application at local, national and international level.  
• Define current practice in relation biodiversity management and conservation in Ireland and relate this to best practice.  
• Implement best practice identification, surveying, mapping, assessment and management techniques at species, habitat and landscape level.  
• Apply appropriate techniques for conservation management relative to relevant legislation and policy.  
• Select and recommend appropriate implementation of biodiversity conservation legislation and measures in their professional roles.
• Assess the gaps in their own knowledge and in their workplace, determine training needs and recommend appropriate action.  
• Evaluate current practice in relation to biodiversity conservation at international, national, regional and local level, and compare this to best practice. Based on the evaluation recommend and implement improvements to current practice.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Candidates must hold at least a First Class Honours Level 8 primary degree in a related subject area or hold a primary degree in a related area (which is acceptable to the college) without honours and have three years’ relevant practical experience in the subject area. 

Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here.  

English Language Entry Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.  

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.  

Supporting Documents

You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course.   

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance.  

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.