MSc Environmental Resource Management

Linking Environment, Agriculture and Society for a Sustainable Future

The MSc in Environmental Resource Management at UCD is a premier, science-based programme designed for graduates ready to tackle the world’s most urgent ecological crises. By focusing on the sustainable management of land, water, soil, and biodiversity, this course prepares you to lead global efforts in climate action, biodiversity restoration, and food security.

The curriculum offers a comprehensive integration of environmental science and strategic management. You will go beyond the classroom through hands-on fieldwork, advanced data analysis, and real-world projects. This approach ensures you develop the scientific expertise and practical experience required to influence environmental policy and practice at both national and international levels.

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Gateway to a variety of careers

Graduates can also move beyond traditional environmental consultancy and government roles, with growing opportunities in:

Climate action & sustainability leadership
Agri-food industry sustainability
International development and humanitarian programmes
Renewable energy and environmental technology sectors
Public engagement and education

This MSc also has a strong record of graduates progressing to international fellowships, including the Irish Aid Fellowship Programme.

Graduates of this programme are in high demand as environmental management becomes central to government, industry and community planning. Alumni work in consultancy, regulatory authorities, NGOs, local government, and international development.

Typical graduate roles include:

Environmental Consultant
Environmental Advisory Officer
Environmental Engineer
Policy Analyst
Researcher
Inspector with regulatory authorities (e.g. EPA, local councils)

Khaing Min Thant

Since graduating, my career has greatly benefited from the skills and knowledge I gained at UCD. In my roles at UNOPS and Trocaire, I am seen as a leader in the field of indigenous community land and environmental resource governance. The course equipped me with the tools to support sustainable development initiatives and contribute effectively to environmental resource management projects. My input is often sought by colleagues, grassroot civil society organizations and NGOs in Myanmar, particularly on environmental considerations in development and humanitarian programming.

Overall, the MSc in Environmental Resource Management has had a profound impact on both my personal and professional growth.

Build Skills for Success

Land & Water Management

Develop scientific expertise in managing soil, water, and land resources to address global challenges like climate change, resource depletion, and food security.

Environmental Policy & GIS

Master the frameworks of national and international environmental legislation while gaining technical proficiency in GIS and spatial analysis for informed decision-making.

Ecosystem Monitoring

Gain practical skills in ecological modelling and environmental assessment to interpret vital natural cycles and evaluate the human impact on diverse ecosystems.

Applied Research & Fieldwork

Bridge theory and practice through intensive field-based data collection and a major research project, building the analytical skills required for professional consultancy.

The field trips were a highlight – from the Burren to UCD Lyons Farm – offering interactive learning that brought our studies to life. Ireland’s diverse natural resources and UCD’s supportive environment made this MSc an incredible experience.

Liz Jarocki, 2024 Graduate

Learning Beyond the Classroom

UCD provides an immersive environment designed to bridge the gap between scientific theory and real-world application. We move beyond the traditional lecture hall to foster a culture of active inquiry and field-based discovery. Students engage directly with diverse landscapes — from UCD Lyons Farm to the Burren and Wicklow — utilizing advanced technologies like GIS and ecological modelling to address the urgent challenges of environmental stewardship and resource management.

What Will I Learn?

Master sustainable management of land, water, and biodiversity through a science-led curriculum. You will build expertise in environmental consultancy, use technical tools like GIS for spatial analysis, and navigate global policy frameworks. By interpreting vital cycles like climate regulation and conducting independent research, you will gain the professional and scientific skills required for leadership roles in the global environmental sector.

How Will I Learn?

Bridging the gap between theory and practice, this science-led programme combines core modules in ecosystem monitoring with intensive fieldwork and lab data collection. You will engage with industry professionals to build a professional network while developing employer-ready skills in teamwork and quantitative analysis. A 30-credit research thesis allows you to specialise in your chosen field, ensuring you connect scientific concepts to real-world solutions.

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Our Staff

Our academic staff is renowned for their dedication to their subjects and their commitment to providing students with an exceptional learning experience. They are experts in their respective fields and are passionate about nurturing the next generation of graduates in the field.

Thomas Cummins

Assistant Professor & Programme Director

Thomas is a soil and environmental scientist and the Programme Director for the MSc Environmental Resource Management at UCD. He specialises in soil science, environmental assessment, and sustainable resource management, bridging the gap between academic research and applied practice.

His teaching focuses on soil and water systems, nutrient cycling, and environmental monitoring, with a strong emphasis on practical skills like GIS and field data collection. He is dedicated to preparing graduates for professional careers in environmental consultancy, policy, and regulation.

Thomas’s research spans soil biogeochemistry, catchment hydrology, and the impact of agriculture on ecosystem health. He is actively involved in national monitoring initiatives and environmental observation networks. By partnering with government and industry, he ensures the programme effectively links scientific inquiry to tangible environmental outcomes and professional excellence.

Paul Murphy

Associate Professor in Soil Science and Sustainability

Paul is a soil scientist specialising in nutrient management, water quality, and greenhouse gas emissions. His research utilises advanced tools like GIS and LiDAR to investigate nitrogen cycling and soil health across diverse scales. He leads the Long-term Grazing Platform at UCD Lyons Farm, exploring how sustainable agricultural practices—such as multi-species swards—can mitigate climate change.

A co-lead of the UCD Earth Institute Climate Theme, Dr Murphy brings extensive research expertise into modules on Soil Science and Agri-Environmental Management. His practice-focused teaching equips students with the technical skills needed for high-impact careers in environmental consultancy, policy, and research.

Ainhoa González Del Campo

Associate Professor, School of Geography

Ainhoa is an environmental planner specialising in geospatial analysis and decision-support tools. Her research bridges the gap between science and policy to build resilient communities. She has led high-impact national projects, including the Environmental Sensitivity Mapping tool for the EPA and renewable energy planning tools for the SEAI, which provide spatial data to guide sustainable development across Ireland.

At UCD, Ainhoa teaches Sustainability, Environmental Assessment, and GIS. Her practice-based approach equips students with the technical proficiency and problem-solving skills essential for careers in planning and consultancy. A leader in the field, she serves on the UCD Sustainability Core Working Group and has held board positions with Ordnance Survey Ireland and the International Association for Impact Assessment.

Jonathan Yearsley

Assistant Professor in Environmental Modelling and Agroecosystems

Jon leads the Ecological Modelling Group at UCD, where his research focuses on understanding ecosystem resilience in a changing world. By combining large biological datasets and remote sensing with mathematical models, he investigates how species disperse and how natural habitats respond to environmental disturbances. His interdisciplinary work spans from the population genetics of invasive species to the complexities of soil nutrient cycling.

In the classroom, Jon coordinates modules in Ecological Modelling, Data Analysis, and Quantitative Tools for the Life Sciences. He is dedicated to helping students bridge the gap between biology and mathematics, ensuring they graduate with the advanced problem-solving and quantitative skills highly sought after by global research institutions and environmental employers.

Your Journey Starts Here

Ready to take the next step?

Passionate about sustainability, climate action, and the protection of natural resources?

UCD’s MSc in Environmental Resource Management responds to the urgent global need for experts who can balance human activity with the health of our planet. Learn to manage land, water, and soil resources while using technical tools like GIS and environmental policy to solve complex ecological challenges. With access to world-class research facilities and professional networks, it’s your path to becoming a leader in global environmental stewardship.

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UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science

Agriculture and Food Science Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.

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