Your Pathway from School into a Career in Geoscience
Find out how you can move into a geoscience career in Ireland, starting with further education after you complete your Leaving Certificate
Whether you’re just starting to think about your future or you’re already considering your CAO options, there are plenty of access routes open to you.
Recommended Leaving Certificate Subjects
Geography
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Maths
Agricultural Science
Climate Action and Sustainable Development
Level 5 QQI Course at a Community College
Galway Community College, Co. Galway
Biomedical Science / Laboratory Techniques
Cathal Brugha FETC, Co. Dublin
Dun Laoghaire FEI, Co. Dublin
Pre-University Science (Laboratory Techniques)
Tullamore FETC, Co. Offaly
A list of all the Colleges offering the Level 5 course in Laboratory Techniques can be found on the PLC website here.
Undergraduate Degree at a University
BSc (Hons) in Geoscience and related disciplines
University College Dublin
BSc (Hons) in Geology via Science Common Entry - CAO Code DN200
Science (Earth & Environmental Sciences stream) - CAO Code DN200
Trinity College Dublin
BA in Geography & Geoscience - CAO Code TR062
National University of Ireland Galway
BSc in Earth & Ocean Sciences - CAO Code GY314
BSc in Geography & Geosystems - CAO Code GY134
University College Cork
BSc in Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences - CAO Code CK404
Masters Degree Options
MSc in Applied Environmental Geoscience
Applied Environmental Geoscience UCC
University College Cork’s level‑9 master’s provides in‑depth training in hydrogeology, engineering geology, environmental geophysics, geoinformatics, and environmental regulation, blending lectures, fieldwork, and a 30‑credit industry research project:
MSc in Subsurface Characterisation & Geomodelling
Subsurface Characterisation & Geomodelling UCD
UCD offers a cutting‑edge full‑time master’s training in 3D modelling, structural geology, geofluids, remote sensing, and geomodelling software (e.g. Petrel, Leapfrog, ArcGIS) for careers in resource and environmental sectors.
Further Education Opportunities
There are plenty of opportunities to get started on the road to a career in geoscience.
While the list below isn’t exhaustive, it gives you a good starting point to consider what’s available.
If you have questions about what options would work for you, make sure to reach out to your guidance counsellor, careers advisor or chosen education provider, who will be more than happy to point you in the right direction.
Not sure which path is right for you?
Take our 30-second Pathfinders Quiz to find out which area of geoscience suits your interests and skills.