BSc Marine Science

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: € 35

Academic Qualifications: For international students seeking undergraduate programs at the University of Galway, the typical entry requirement is an academic performance equivalent to 60-65% or above in their previous education, varying according to the grading system of the respective country or educational system.

English Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5, with no individual section scoring below 5.5.
• TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 88 with minimum section scores of Listening 7, Speaking 16, Writing 18, and Reading 8.
• PTE (Pearson Test of English): Overall score of 61, with a minimum score of 48.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.

NUI Galway offers various scholarships and financial aid options specifically tailored to support international students pursuing their academic endeavors at the university. These scholarships aim to assist students in managing the costs associated with studying abroad and encourage academic excellence. 

International Student Scholarships: NUI Galway provides scholarships dedicated to international students based on academic merit, varying from partial tuition fee waivers to substantial scholarships covering a significant portion of tuition costs.

Government and External Scholarships: The university assists international students in availing themselves of government-funded scholarships or external funding opportunities offered by various organizations, both in Ireland and internationally. These scholarships may be country-specific or based on academic achievement and specific fields of study.

Research Scholarships: For postgraduate research students, NUI Galway offers several research scholarships and funding options. These scholarships support research projects and cover tuition fees, living expenses, or research-related costs.

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarships: There are diverse scholarships available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students across various disciplines, rewarding academic achievement and supporting talented individuals seeking higher education at NUI Galway.

Specific Program Scholarships: Some scholarships are program-specific, focusing on particular courses or areas of study, aiming to attract high-caliber students to those fields.

Graduating from the Bachelor of Science (BSc) program in Marine Science at the University of Galway opens up a wide range of exciting career opportunities in various sectors related to marine research, conservation, and management.  

1. Marine Biologist: Graduates can pursue careers as marine biologists, studying marine organisms and ecosystems to understand their behavior, ecology, and physiology. They may work for research institutions, government agencies, or environmental consulting firms, conducting field studies, analyzing data, and publishing scientific papers.

2. Oceanographer: Oceanographers study the physical, chemical, and geological aspects of the ocean, including currents, waves, and marine sediments. They may specialize in areas such as biological oceanography, physical oceanography, or marine geology, working for government agencies, research institutes, or oil and gas companies.

3. Environmental Consultant: Environmental consultants assess the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems and develop strategies for conservation and management. They may work on projects such as environmental impact assessments, marine spatial planning, or habitat restoration, providing expertise to government agencies, industry, or non-profit organizations.

4. Fisheries Biologist/Manager: Fisheries biologists study fish populations, fishing practices, and aquatic habitats to inform fisheries management and conservation efforts. They may work for government fisheries agencies, research institutions, or non-profit organizations, conducting stock assessments, setting catch limits, and implementing sustainable fishing practices.

5. Marine Conservationist: Marine conservationists work to protect and preserve marine ecosystems and species threatened by human activities such as overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction. They may engage in advocacy, education, and policy development, working for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or marine parks and reserves.

6. Aquaculture Technician/Manager: Graduates can work in the aquaculture industry, cultivating and managing aquatic organisms such as fish, shellfish, and algae for food production or conservation purposes. They may work on fish farms, hatcheries, or aquaculture research facilities, overseeing production operations, monitoring water quality, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

7. Coastal Resource Manager: Coastal resource managers oversee the sustainable use and conservation of coastal resources, including beaches, estuaries, and wetlands. They may work for government agencies, coastal management organizations, or consulting firms, developing coastal management plans, implementing restoration projects, and addressing coastal erosion and pollution issues.

8. Science Communicator/Educator: Graduates can pursue careers in science communication and education, engaging with the public to raise awareness about marine issues and promote conservation efforts. They may work for museums, aquariums, or non-profit organizations, developing educational programs, exhibits, and outreach materials.