The Bachelor of Science (Geography and Geosystems) is a four-year program designed to provide a robust scientific foundation in understanding the Earth's systems and human interactions with them.

Year One: You will receive a foundational scientific understanding of the natural world, encompassing subjects such as Biology (BO101), Chemistry & Physics (CP102), and Mathematical Studies (MA161). Core Geography modules include "Principles of Human Geography" (TI150) and "Principles of Physical Geography" (TI151), alongside "Geography in Practice (GiP)" (TI1100/TI1101) which develops essential research competences and skill-based exercises.

Year Two: Core modules focus on traditional Physical Geography, including "Weather & Climate" (TI216), "Biogeography" (TI235), and "The Earth: From Core to Crust" (EOS2102). Students also take "Environmental Legislation" (LW217) and "Statistics for Data Science I & II" (ST2001, ST2002).

Also in year two, students choose two of four possible pathways:

1. Coastal and Marine Sciences: Focuses on Oceanography and Coastal Sciences. Modules include "Introduction Ocean Sciences" (EOS213) and "Ocean Dynamics" (EOS303).
2. Ecosystem Sciences: Reinforces the identification and evaluation of terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Modules include "Aquatic Plant Sciences" (BPS202), "Field Studies in Biogeography" (TI2107), "Plant Resources & Ecosystems" (BPS3102), and "Plants, atmosphere, & environment throughout Earth history" (BPS3107).
3. Environmental Planning and Policy: Explores environmental planning in policymaking and the relationships between environment and society. Modules include "Marine Spatial Planning" (TI2104), "Legislation for Environmental Scientists" (LW3124), "Environmental Ethics" (PI3103) or "Environmental and Natural Resource Economics" (EC388), "Sociology of the Environment" (SP420) or "Ocean & Marine Politics" (SP721).
4. Palaeo-Sciences: Exposes students to long-term environmental change and its relation to modern environmental systems. Modules include "Introduction to Palaeoclimatology" (TI2108), "Field Studies in Palaeoclimate" (TI2106), "Palaeoceanography" (TI3128), and "Palaeoecology - Reconstructing Past Environments" (TI338).

Year Three: Core modules focus on "Introduction to GIS" (TI2101), "Professional Skills and Pathways for Geographers" (TI3500), "Research Project Design and Development" (TI335), and "Introduction to Sustainability" (BSS2103).

Semester 2 offers options for a work placement, a research placement, an Erasmus semester abroad, or further studies on campus, allowing students to apply their skills in real-world settings. Students will be paired with an academic supervisor based on their research interests to guide them through their research proposal, placement opportunities, and final year thesis.

Year Four: A significant portion of your efforts will be dedicated to an independent research project (TI3129 Dissertation) supervised by Geography staff members. Students will further develop their GIS skills with "Advanced GIS" (TI311) and enhance their understanding within their chosen pathways. "Applied Field Hydrology" (EOS305) and "Communicating Science and Research" (EV5102) are also core modules, along with a pathway-specific module to deepen knowledge.

Curriculum Information

• Integrated Learning: Combines classroom and field-based learning to provide diverse opportunities for academic study, hands-on research, and technical experiences.
• Spatial Expertise: Develops skills in mapping and understanding the spatial and temporal variability of natural systems, crucial for addressing climate change and human impacts.
• Pathway Specialization: Offers four distinct pathways (Coastal and Marine Sciences, Ecosystem Sciences, Environmental Planning and Policy, Palaeo-Sciences) from Year 2, allowing for tailored study based on your interests.
• Real-world Application: Emphasizes informed decision-making based on scientific data, preparing you to tackle contemporary environmental challenges.
• GIS and Data Science: Core modules in GIS and Statistics provide advanced analytical and technical skills highly sought after in environmental and geographic fields.

Professional Development: Includes modules specifically designed for professional skills and career pathways for geographers, and opportunities for work or research placement.

The BSc (Geography and Geosystems) program prepares graduates to become experts in human-environment relationships and the spatial dynamics of the natural world, equipped to manage natural resources and heritage. There is a growing demand for a workforce literate in the scientific and geographic protocols necessary to advance critical environmental issues such as climate change, energy use, sustainable development, and policy.

Graduates are well-positioned for careers in diverse sectors, including:

• Environmental Consultancy: Working with firms on projects like renewable energy, environmental assessment, and infrastructure
• Government & Public Sector: Roles in agencies such as the Marine Institute, EPA, BIM, GSI, NPWS, An Taisce, and local county councils
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Opportunities as GIS specialists opens employment in all societal sectors, utilizing skills in spatial data analysis and map production
• Research & Academia: Engaging in research in areas such as marine geoscience, palaeoclimatology, and ecosystem assessment
• Conservation & Management: Applying modern conservation strategies and assessing human impacts on the environment
• Environmental Planning & Policy: Evaluating the relationships between environment and society and applying planning tools

The program offers guidance and a clear pathway to an array of career opportunities, empowering students to develop their personal career goals.

Dija Mažonaitė
Project Environmental Scientist - LVIA Specialist, MKO

"The best thing about the course is the professors and lecturers because they are genuinely interested in your ambitions and career goals. They'll sit with you and walk you through the different options. I recently graduated and I'm already working with one of the biggest environmental consultancy firms in Ireland. I'm working on diverse projects whether it's large renewable energy projects like wind or solar farms, or everyday infrastructure making a real impact on the world."

Lorna Dunne
3rd Year Student (GIS Technician with Mallon Technology)

"I know for a fact that modules like GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and undertaking my Research Dissertation during my final year as a Geography Student at University of Galway have helped me to secure a position as a GIS Technician with Mallon Technology. Many of the skills that I acquired during my undergraduate degree like independent research and project design are exactly what most employers are searching for. I am looking forward to putting what I learned into practice."

University of Galway students have the opportunity to study at one of our partner universities abroad as part of our Erasmus program. Participating in Erasmus programs provides considerable evidence that enhances student performance in their final year.

In Year Three, students can choose an Erasmus Semester abroad as one of four options for their second semester.

The Discipline of Geography's Erasmus Coordinator introduces students to these international exchange opportunities.

Opportunities and Requirements:

• Host Universities must teach at least 20 ECTS worth of relevant Geography/Geosystems modules in English.
• Specific partner institutions and available places may vary each year and can be competitive.

Current Host Universities (Academic Year 2023/2024):

• Wageningen University, Netherlands
• Gothenburg University, Sweden
• Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
• Uppsala University, Sweden

Additional places may be available via ENLIGHT (to be confirmed):

• Helsinki University, Finland
• Ghent University, Belgium
• Flame University, India

Application Timeline:

• September: Expression of interest by student to Programme Coordinator; Nomination of students to Host Universities.
• October: Student prepares and submits applications to Host Universities; Preparation of Learning Agreement.
• November: Preparation of ERASMUS Grant Application; Preparation of a Mobility/Risk Assessment and Study Abroad Declaration.

Students not accepted for an Erasmus placement will be advised by their academic supervisor on pursuing a work or research placement, or registering for on-campus options

. Detailed information is available in the Erasmus Handbook on CANVAS (TI3500).

Work placements are an attractive and integral part of the BSc (Geography and Geosystems) program, allowing students to apply classroom skills in a real-world setting.

Opportunities in Year Three:

• In Semester 2 of Year Three, students have the option to pursue a work placement or internship.
• Placements are organized through the Discipline of Geography and out in-house Work Placement Officer, leveraging staff contacts in diverse areas of the private sector relevant to the program's core pathways.
• The experience is designed to give students a practical appreciation of the needs and operations of the workplace, significantly improving their knowledge.

Benefits:

• Practical Experience: Gain hands-on experience in relevant industries, applying the skills learned throughout your degree.
• Skill Enhancement: Develop transferable skills such as presentation, teamwork, negotiation, report writing, and ethical professional actions.
• Career Readiness: Actively engage with the work market and appraise career development opportunities.
• Networking: Connect with civil society partners, community groups, and other actors in a competent manner.

Detailed information on Work and Research Placements is available in the Placement Handbook on Blackboard (TI3500).

While the BSc (Geography and Geosystems) program itself does not have a direct professional accreditation mentioned, students undertaking specific modules can meet external professional requirements. For example, by taking a total of 60 ECTS of appropriate Mathematical Studies modules (such as MA161) during their undergraduate studies, students can satisfy the Teaching Council’s subject requirements for mathematics teachers while majoring in another Science subject.

• Dr Audrey Morley
• Dr Terry Morley
• Dr Liam Carr
• Dr Peter Creighton
• Prof. Henry
• Dr Goetz Pfeiffer
• Dr Donal O'Regan
• Dr Gordon Bromley
• Dr. Ronan Kennedy
• Dr. Emma Holian
• Dr. Rachel Cave
• Dr. Dagmar Stengel
• Dr Kevin Lynch
• Dr Shane Tyrrell 
• Dr. Patrick Collins
• Dr. Gesche Kindermann
• Dr Chaosheng Zhang
• Dr Tiernan Henry
• Dr Cathy Melia
• Dr. Nora Ward
• Dr Thomas Van Rensburg
• Dr Martin White
• Dr Brendan Flynn
• Dr Mike Hynes

The BSc (Geography and Geosystems) program offers a dynamic learning environment that blends classroom instruction with practical, hands-on experiences. Learning involves a mix of lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions, including field and laboratory work.

Assessment Overview: Each module in the program is assessed separately. While assessment methods vary, you can expect a combination of:

• Continuous Assessment: This includes essays, written assignments, in-class exercises, and group projects.
• Practical Assessments: Many modules involve laboratory assessments and fieldwork, reinforcing skills through real-world application.
• Presentations: Opportunities for oral presentations, such as the dissertation proposal seminar, are integral to developing communication skills.
• Examinations: Some modules will include written examinations.

Final Year Dissertation (TI3129): This significant component is assessed in two periods:

• Semester 1: Requires a 'completed' Literature Review section and a 15-minute dissertation presentation/proposal seminar, simulating a scientific conference presentation. This presentation outlines your topic, research question, methods, preliminary results, and conclusions/proposals.
• Semester 2: The final written dissertation, with a word count of 7,000 words (excluding abstract, acknowledgements, table of contents, bibliography/references, and appendices). The dissertation is the single most substantive element, requiring original research, execution of field/laboratory/library work, and the development of practical and academic skills.

At the beginning of each module, you will receive a module outline detailing the learning outcomes, assessment methods, and recommended study hours. The program uses University of Galway Grade Descriptors for general assessment, which outline the academic performance required for each grade band.

Course queries:
artsundergrad@universityofgalway.ie 

College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies
T +353 91 493 958

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e., Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint), Computer Science or Agricultural Science) and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes. 

Alternative Pathways

The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links:

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places
• Mature Students
• Access and Foundation programmes
• HEAR Scheme
• DARE Scheme

Other Qualifications

If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:

• A Level students
• International Baccalaureate students
• EU students

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.

Admissions Office

Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.

Mature Applicants

Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.  

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants

Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements.

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €3,000 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to non-EU fees.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.

High-achieving undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for a range of prestigious scholarships that recognise academic excellence and support students in reaching their full potential. Click here for further Information.

International (Non-EU) Application Information

Application Process

Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1^st October each year for entry the following September.  

Further Information

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

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