BSc Hons. Environmental Science and Engineering

The BSc (Hons) Environmental Science and Engineering (TR064) at Trinity College Dublin is a five-year integrated degree that combines natural science, engineering principles and sustainability practice to equip students with the skills to design and deploy solutions that protect and improve the environment and human wellbeing. This interdisciplinary programme suits students who want to address global challenges such as climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, water and energy systems, and sustainable infrastructure with both scientific and engineering expertise.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 – Foundations in Environment & Engineering

In the first year, students build a strong base in science and engineering with modules such as ESU11001 – Team Design: Global Environmental Challenges, GSU11001 – Spaceship Earth: An Introduction to Earth Systems Science, CHU11E05 – Chemistry for Engineers, MEU11E08 – Introduction to Professional Engineering, PYU11E04 – Physics, and MAU11E01 & MAU11E02 – Engineering Mathematics I & II. These subjects introduce key concepts in environmental systems, chemical and physical processes, engineering design and mathematics, preparing students to think across disciplines.

Year 2 – Interdisciplinary Environmental Science & Engineering

In the second year, students continue interdisciplinary study with modules such as ESU22002 – Team Design – Sustainability & Nature Based Solutions, Climate Science, BYU22210 – Sustainable Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, CEU22E07 – Engineering & The Environment, CEU22E05 – Fluid Dynamics for Environmental Engineering, GSU22201 – From Atoms to Rocks, and BYU22203 – From Organisms to Ecosystems. These build insight into sustainability challenges, environmental processes and engineering applications while strengthening analytical and teamwork skills.

Year 3 – Core Environmental & Engineering Integration

In the third year, students deepen technical and practical understanding with core modules like CEU33A13 – Process Engineering, CEU33A14 – Sustainable Energy, ESU33040 – Environmental Monitoring, BOU33123 – Soil Science, GLU33009 – Hydrology and Groundwater Quality, ESU33006 – Team Design – Nature-Based Solutions, and CEU33A10 – Surveying and Geo-Spatial Analysis. Optional choices like Fundamentals of Ecology and Ice Age Earth allow students to tailor their specialisation while gaining field and laboratory experience.

Year 4 – Applied Learning & Professional Experience

In the fourth year, the emphasis shifts to applied work, specialist modules and real-world experience, including BSc internship, Erasmus or UNITECH exchange opportunities, and optional advanced topics such as Restoration and Rewilding alongside a Capstone research project in Semester 2. This year supports professional maturation through immersive practice, industry exposure and advanced environmental problem-solving.

Year 5 – Integrated Master’s Pathway

The fifth (MAI/M.A.ES) year extends learning to a master’s level with specialisations in Environmental Engineering or Applied Environmental Science, where students focus on advanced topics, research, professional competencies and project leadership. Graduates emerge with both an honours degree and a master’s qualification, enhancing their technical depth and employability.

Focus areas (in a string):
Environmental systems science, sustainability, fluid dynamics, hydrology and water quality, soil science, process engineering, sustainable energy, geo-spatial analysis, nature-based solutions.

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Apply integrated scientific and engineering principles to environmental challenges; design sustainable interventions; conduct field and laboratory research; analyse environmental data; communicate solutions in technical and professional contexts.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The integrated BSc/Master’s degree aligns with interdisciplinary competencies across natural science and engineering and prepares graduates for roles in environmental consulting, sustainability planning, engineering design, public policy and postgraduate research.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Trinity College Dublin is ranked among the top universities globally and is highly regarded for its research strength in science and engineering, enhancing graduate prospects in environmental and sustainability careers.