Expand+There are no specific entry requirements for the Diploma in Geology.

Basic computer skills will be an advantage. E-mail, internet and NUI Galway's online learning environment are in use throughout the course.

All applicants, whose first languag...

Hide-There are no specific entry requirements for the Diploma in Geology.

Basic computer skills will be an advantage. E-mail, internet and NUI Galway's online learning environment are in use throughout the course.

All applicants, whose first language is not English, or who have not been educated through the medium of the English language during their two most recent years of study, must present one of the following qualifications in the English language: IELTS: 6.5 or TOEFL (IBT): 92. Please see this webpage for further information: https://www.nuigalway.ie/international-students/english.html

Candidates who are 21 years or over on or before January 1 st of year of entry may gain entry to the programme on the basis of mature years. Candidates under 21 years should meet the minimum matriculation requirements as outlined in the Frequently Asked Questions section.

Expand+The Diploma in Scientific Studies (Geology) provides an introduction to the science of geology for people with a general interest in the natural environment. It explores key questions such as:

How did the Earth and the landscape form?
What is a g...

Hide-The Diploma in Scientific Studies (Geology) provides an introduction to the science of geology for people with a general interest in the natural environment. It explores key questions such as:

How did the Earth and the landscape form?
What is a geological hazard?
What are geological materials and how are they exploited?
What effect does that have on the environment?

The programme aims to provide students with a broad introduction to the study of the Earth and hands-on practical experience of the techniques employed within the fields of geology. The principles of geology are covered using case studies and physical materials from around the world and the course includes field trips to see in-situ geology in an Irish context.

Expand+The programme consists of lectures and practical exercises concerning the structure of the Earth from the atomic to the planetary level, internal and external Earth processes and materials, and the interaction between people and the planet they inhab...

Hide-The programme consists of lectures and practical exercises concerning the structure of the Earth from the atomic to the planetary level, internal and external Earth processes and materials, and the interaction between people and the planet they inhabit. The programme includes the following topics:

Planet Earth
Structural Geology and Geological Maps
Building Blocks of the Earth
Crystallography, Mineralogy and Microscopy
Irish Geology
Virtual Geology Tours
Evolution of the Earth
Palaeontology
Economic Geology
Earth's Physical Resources
The Human Perspective
Hazards and the Environment

There are also two field trips available per semester, usually from a half day to one day in duration. They are are all located in Ireland, in counties Mayo, Galway, Clare and sometimes further afield (e.g. Antrim, Kerry or Waterford) and they are designed to complement the course material.