BEng Environmental Engineering

The Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Engineering is a three-year NFQ Level 7 undergraduate degree that applies scientific and engineering principles to protect and enhance environmental quality through solutions in water systems, waste management, pollution control, and sustainability. It suits students who want to work in environmental infrastructure and engineering roles that help communities and industries address environmental challenges such as water treatment, soil contamination, air quality, and sustainable systems design.

Curriculum structure

First Year:

In the first year, students build core engineering and environmental foundations with modules focused on understanding Mechanics, Material Science, Environmental Engineering fundamentals, Land Surveying, Construction basics, Health and Safety, Mathematics and Communication Skills. These subjects introduce the physical behaviour of materials and structures, environmental principles related to water, air, soil and pollution, basic surveying and measurement, and essential safety and communication skills required for engineering practice.

Second Year:

The second year continues with integrated engineering and environment-focused modules that expand on environmental systems and civil engineering principles. Students typically engage with hydraulics and water quality topics, wastewater and integrated waste systems, transport planning and infrastructure concepts, geotechnical engineering basics, and applied engineering mathematics. This year strengthens analytic and design skills while emphasizing sustainable engineering solutions.

Third Year:

In the final year of the programme, the focus shifts toward advanced environmental engineering applications and professional competency. Students study environmental infrastructure topics including water distribution and treatment systems, waste management and pollution control technologies, environmental impact considerations, and engineering management principles. The year also includes an engineering investigation project where students apply their cumulative learning to a practical environmental engineering problem, synthesizing technical, scientific and design knowledge.

Focus areas (in a string):
Environmental protection and engineering, water and wastewater systems, pollution control, sustainable infrastructure, waste management, surveying, geotechnics, engineering communication.

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Apply engineering science to environmental systems; design and analyse environmental infrastructure; assess environmental impacts; integrate sustainability and safety principles; communicate technical solutions; complete an engineering investigation project.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This NFQ Level 7 Bachelor of Engineering is aligned with Irish engineering education frameworks and provides a pathway for graduates to progress into honours degrees (e.g., Level 8 programmes) or into professional engineering and environmental practice roles.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Munster Technological University is a recognised public technological university in Ireland with strong industry engagement; its engineering programmes are designed for practical workforce readiness, and graduates are well positioned for employment in environmental consultancy, utilities, local authorities, engineering firms, and sustainability sectors.