Wildlife Biology - Kerry
Wildlife Biology is the study of the natural environment, the living things in it, and their interactions. This MTU programme, unique in Ireland, prepares you for a variety of roles (lab, field and desk-based) in research, biodiversity, conservation and land use management. Based in the stunning and wildlife rich county of Kerry, the course attracts students from across Ireland, Europe and beyond.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | Munster Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | Munster Technological University | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
4 years full-time.
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Score the necessary CAO points and meet Leaving Certificate Minimum entry requirements
6 Subjects
Subjects O6/H7 4
Subjects H5 2
Maths Grade 06/H7
English or Irish Grade O6/H7
Medical Clearance required
Leaving Certificate General Entry Requirements
Minimum entry requirements may be satisfied by the results of more than one Leaving Certificate. The minimum entry requirements may be varied for non-standard applicants and holders of QQI-FET awards.
2nd Chance Maths Exam
Some students who apply for MTU courses may not achieve the required entry standard in Maths through the Leaving Certificate examination. For such applicants, the University offers a second chance to reach the required entry standard through a MTU Maths Exam.
This second chance facility allows applicants (depending on their results in the MTU Maths Exam) to gain entry to courses with an Ordinary Leaving Certificate Maths entry standard and (with a higher level of performance) courses with a Higher Leaving Certificate Maths entry standard.
Common Bonus Points Scale for Higher Level Maths
A bonus of 25 points is awarded to applicants who achieve a grade H6 or above in higher level (HL) Maths.
Formula:
All students presenting H6 or above in HL Maths will have 25 points added to their score for Maths.
The six highest subject points scores will then be counted to achieve a cumulative points score, as is normal practice. The bonus points will only be relevant in cases where the subject HL mathematics (including bonus points) is scored as one of the candidate’s six best subjects for points purposes. Consequently, if HL mathematics (cumulative points score) is not among these six subjects, the bonus points will not be included in the total points score. Bonus points will be awarded irrespective of the year in which the examinations were taken.
Foundation Maths
A minimum grade of F2 in foundation level Maths fulfils the minimum entry requirements in Maths for the following programmes
A minimum grade of F2 in foundation level Maths fulfils the minimum entry requirements in Maths for the following programmes
MT 571 BA in Early Childhood Education and Care
MT 574 BA in Social Care
MT 654 HC in Arts in Hospitality Studies
MT 655 HC in Arts in Culinary Studies
MT 971 BA (Honours) in Early Childhood Education and Care
MT 974 BA (Honours) in Social Care
Maths is not required for entry to:
MT 575 BA in Community Development
MT 572 BA in Early Childhood Education & Care
MT 820 BA (Honours) in Contemporary Applied Art (Ceramics, Glass, Textiles)
MT 821 BA (Honours) in Fine Art
MT 822 BA (Honours) in Photography with New Media
MT 823 BA (Honours) in Visual Communications
MT 931 BA (Honours) in Popular Music - Electric Guitar
MT 932 BA (Honours) in Popular Music - Electric Bass Guitar
MT 933 BA (Honours) on Popular Music - Keyboards
MT 934 BA (Honours) in Popular Music - Drums
MT 935 BA (Honours) in Popular Music - Voice
MT 936 BA (Honours) in Music
MT 938 BA (Honours) in Musical Theatre
MT 939 BA (Honours in Theatre and Drama Studies
Although not a requirement, if an applicant achieves a minimum grade of F2 in foundation level Maths, this grade is recognised for entry and CAO points are awarded as follows: F1 = 20 points, F2 = 12 points.
Full details of the minimum entry requirements for courses are outlined on the relevant course webpage. Applicants are advised to check the relevant subjects, tests, portfolios, and dates very carefully. In particular, there are early assessment procedures for some courses.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Holders of the LCVP apply in the normal way through the CAO. Points are awarded on the same basis as for the Leaving Certificate. The link modules ‘subject’ may not be used to meet the minimum entry requirements.
Leaving Certificate Applied Programme LCAP
The LCA subjects do not meet the minimum requirements for entry to MTU full-time courses. Holders of Leaving Certificate Applied qualifications may wish to proceed to a FET-QQI course and in turn apply to third level on the basis of their FET-QQI award.
Careers / Further progression
Employment Opportunities
Our graduates have taken employment with a range of employers such as the Forest Service, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Fota Wildlife Park and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Others are employed with Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Marine Institute and as part of agri-environment schemes and other large-scale conservation projects. Many go on to complete master degrees and/ or PhDs. Some graduates have undertaken conservation work internationally (UK, Canada, Central America).
Further Studies
Suitably qualified Level 8 honours graduates are eligible to progress to taught master programmes or to research at either master or PhD level.
Further information
September 2026
16
Entry 2026
Early online application (discounted): Fee €35 Closing Date: 20 January 2026 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €50 Closing Date: 1 February 2026 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: €65 Closing Date: 1 May 2026 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2026 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2026. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2026, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2026 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €65 applies.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
Overview
Wildlife Biology is the study of the natural environment, the living things in it, and their interactions. This MTU programme, unique in Ireland, prepares you for a variety of roles (lab, field and desk-based) in research, biodiversity, conservation and land use management.
Based in the stunning and wildlife-rich county of Kerry, the course attracts students from across Ireland, Europe and beyond.
The first two years are common with MT 680 Higher Certificate in Biological and Environmental Studies. Zoology, Botany, Ecology and Microbiology (in year 2) offer a wide and deep understanding of living things. Outdoor education modules provide skills to work and navigate safely in wild and remote environments, and include a Certificate in Remote Emergency Care. A module on Geographical Information Systems provides experience in the new industry standard for management of spatial data.
Habitat Studies, Species Identification and a Wildlife Expedition in year 3 provide practical and applied skills. Research modules (including group Ecology project and individual final year thesis) facilitate development of skills in desk and field data collation, analysis and presentation. Modules in Environmental Protection, Biodiversity, Conservation and Habitat Conservation Management prepare for a career supporting the sustainable transition of society and economy to battle the biodiversity and climate crises.
With weekly field trips, in a variety of aquatic, upland and remote habitats in Co. Kerry and beyond, you need to be reasonably fit, and prepared for all weathers and rough terrain.
What will I study?
First Year at a Glance:
• Biology: an overview of the kingdom of life and the processes that makes living things work
• Chemistry: a thorough introduction to the elements, molecules and reactions that affect life – both within organisms and in the environment
• Scientific Communication and Computer Applications: develops skills for interpersonal and scientific communication
• Irish Wildlife: overview of the fauna of Ireland with reference to life histories, habitat and conservation status.
• Outdoor Skills: foundation levels of personal skills and competencies in a range of outdoor environments
• Physics Concepts: an introduction to physics as a basis for understanding mechanics and energy in the living world
• Introduction to Environmental Science: global environmental challenges, environmental degradation and effects on human health
• Field Biology and Earth Science: practical field biology and introductory geology and physical geography
• Mathematics and Statistics for Science: basic mathematical methods and introductory statistics to describe and analyse data
T: +353 (0)66 7145606
Email: sciencekerry@mtu.ie