Home ▻ Colleges & Schools▻College of Science and Engineering▻Postgraduate Programmes▻Postgraduate Taught Programmes▻College of SCIENCE and Engineering▻ Biodiversity & Land-Use Planning (MSc)

(MSc) Biodiversity & Land-Use Planning via blended learning

College of Science and Engineering, School of Natural Sciences

Course Code: MSC-MBL

Expand all

Videos can only be embedded if 'Functionality' cookies are enabled.  Manage Cookies
MSc Biodiversity and Land-Use Planning

Course Overview

This Master of Science (MSc) course provides you with the crucial skills and knowledge needed to manage biodiversity resources sustainably. The programme’s objectives are:

  • To integrate an international perspective and new research findings into a biodiversity and land use approach
  • To provide research-led opportunities that will help find solutions for conservation and planning conflicts
  • To develop expertise within local authority and public/private sector staff so they can meet international biodiversity and conservation obligations

This part-time course extends over 24 months and runs in two-year cycles continuously from September through to the end of August of the second year. The modular course is devoted to scientific and policy coursework delivered in a blended learning format, comprising a mixture of face-to-face contact in addition to private study combined with online support.

Aimed at individuals employed in the conservation, planning and engineering sectors, this course has been re-developed to meet the needs of working graduates who wish to upskill or change careers. Provision of flexible learning opportunities is a key aim of this programme and the course is now open to students wishing to join the programme at any time during the academic year. To do this, prospective students register and pay for individual modules in a ‘select and pay-as-you-go’ fashion. Credits for modules taken may be accumulated over a period of up to six years.

The course includes site visits to observe practical examples‌ The course includes site visits to observe practical examples

Scholarships available
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.


You may also be interested in one of our other Science of Sustainability postgraduate programmes.‌

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System. 

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Continuous assessment, written exams and a research project thesis.

Postgraduate Scholarships

Other postgraduate scholarships available

What Our Students Say

Ronan

Ronan Hennessy |   Executive Planner, Dublin City Council

I found the MSc course to be both challenging and extremely interesting. The teaching staff and guest lecturers were extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic and the student interaction was of significant benefit. The modules provided me with a solid background in ecology and built on this to provide in depth, relevant guidance and knowledge in relation to key areas of habitat management and European Directive requirements, as well as providing practical fieldwork and case studies. The project aspect offered me the opportunity to undertake an in-depth analysis of a topic of interest aswell as providing a solid grounding in methodological research and results presentation. Having completed the course I am now confident in undertaking a rigorous examination of the environmental and ecological aspects of development proposals and am familiar with the legislative requirements for the protection of biodiversity and the wider environment.I would recommend this course to anyone with an interest in sustainable development and the planning process and consider it to be a valuable and key resource in my professional work.
Oonagh

Oonagh Duggan |   Policy Officer, Birdwatch Ireland

I had been looking for a course which was based on solid teaching in ecology but which also offered practical training in the various assessment tools (EIA, AA, SEA) and the MSc BLUP met these criteria and more. The course of study, assessment and examination is rigorous and requires commitment but the course content is so interesting, the field trips are great and the interaction with other class participants make for a very rewarding learning experience. I found the quality of teaching, the variety of assessment methods and the course organisation to be of a very high standard. This course gave me the foundation in environmental science that I needed to further my career in the environmental field.

Downloads