About Environmental And Geographical Sciences -bsc in Limerick Institute of Technology

What is the programme about?

​Society today faces significant environmental challenges, from climate change at global level to waste management at local level.  This programme prepares students to work in the environmental management sector and thus help businesses and communities respond actively to the challenges we face.

During the programme, students develop a good scientific understanding of how the earth’s natural systems work.  This knowledge is then applied to managing natural and human environments.  New approaches to balancing the needs of society and the economy with protection of the environment are investigated.

The programme includes lots of practical lab work, field work, field trips and computer-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) sessions.  Subjects on professional development are also included – ‘soft’ skills that are much sought after by employers.  A work placement during the summer of third year provides students with a valuable opportunity to gain experience.  And with some luck, your work placement might turn into your first environmental management job!

Students who successfully complete this three year programme are eligible to progress into the final year of the Honours Bachelor Degree in Environmental and Natural Resource Management (LC408)

Who is the programme suited to?

​If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, this may be the programme for you!  Would you like to explore the wonders of environmental science and the great outdoors?  Do the challenges of protecting the environment interest you?  Are you studying subjects such as geography, agricultural science, biology or chemistry at school?  Maybe you already have relevant work experience?  Do you have an active outdoor hobby or interest?

Top 3 Reasons

​1 The programme covers a wide range of environmental topics in a practical and active way and thereby opens up a variety of career opportunities.  You can progress into the final year of the Honours Bachelor Degree in Environmental and Natural Resource Management (LC408).

2 The second year of the programme in particular involves regular field trips and field work.

3 Current students enjoy the supportive, friendly and positive atmosphere in class and on the Thurles campus.

Check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EnvironmentalCourse.

Class Contact Hours

​Year 1 = 21 hours per week
Year 2 = 21 hours per week
Year 3 = 19 hours per week

Did You Know?

​The Thurles and Clonmel campuses of LIT are actively participating in the An Taisce Green-Campus programme.  So there’s plenty of opportunities for students and staff to gain hands-on experience of environmental management in a large organisation. 

Check out https://www.facebook.com/LITTIPPERARYGREENCAMPUS for news on progress.

Want More?

​Click through the tabs at the top of this webpage to learn more about the programme.

Jobs Include

​Graduates of this Ordinary Bachelor Degree are qualified for a wide range of roles including Environmental Technicians and Environmental Officers with businesses, public agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

This Ordinary Bachelor Degree is being offered for the first time, but it forms part of the BSc (Hons) in Environmental and Natural Resource Management at LIT Thurles, which has been running since 2008.  Two cohorts of students have graduated from the BSc (Hons) programme, and they are having success in obtaining employment and gaining entry to relevant postgraduate courses (see the Opportunities and Video tabs on the BSc (Hons)webpage for further details).  Some third year students on the BSc (Hons) have been offered work as a result of their work placement.

Students who successfully complete the Ordinary Bachelor Degree also have the option to progress into the final year of the BSc (Hons).  This provides the opportunity to do a dissertation, and opens up the possibility of progression to postgraduate studies.

Graduate Profile

Martina Cripps 
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Environmental and Natural Resource Management
Employed by ECOS Environmental Consultants Limited

I graduated from LIT Thurles with a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Environmental and Natural Recourse Management. 

The course equipped me with a broad range of skills not only from an environmental perspective but also from a business and project management perspective. I am currently working as an Environmental Scientist for an Environmental Consultant based in Limerick. I work on a broad range of projects primarily relating water, waste and wastewater such as: Environmental Management, Impact and Assessment, Resource Management. 

Previous to this position, I carried out independent research on species of primary concern in the Slieve Bloom Mountains. As part of this research, I applied skills such as ecology and earth science, GIS, research techniques and field studies all of which I developed in my time studying at LIT Thurles. The modules covered during my time studying BSc (Hons) in Environmental and Natural Resources Management prepared for me for a career path in the environmental sector. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in pursuing a career in the environmental sector. 

Entry Requirement

A minimum of 5 O6/H7 grades in Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish. 
FETAC Applicants and Mature Applicants:  
Please see our Admissions webpage for further information.

IELTS score for entry to undergraduate courses a minimum score of 5.5