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BSc-BIOLOGICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL SCIENCES

Qualification : BACHELOR OF BIOLOGICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL SCIENCES

Award Type and NFQ level : UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)

CAO/MU Apply code : MH203

CAO Points : 410

Closing Date : 01 July 2025

View QQI details

Degree Overview
>With Climate Change, the global biosphere has entered a new and unchartered phase. To find solutions for this
crisis, scientists need to better understand how organisms, ecosystems and the environment interact together.
This course brings these disciplines together over an advanced 4-year programme. Students benefit from the international strengths of both the Biology and Geography Departments, and obtain integrated training in the applied areas of environmental data acquisition and experimental observation and analysis.
>The core areas in Biology and Geography covered by the programme provide foundation knowledge across both disciplines, and explore in different ways how the
dynamic planet Earth supports such a diversity of climates, landforms, ecosystems and species, and also how human activity is impacting on all of these from a local to a global scale.
>Training covers advanced technical skills in both disciplines, including geographical information systems, climate analysis, animal and plant science, molecular biology, and field-based methods, as well as advanced statistical analysis and data science.
>Students learn key transferable skills including independent thinking and analysis, advanced technical writing, presentation skills, group-working and leadership - all valuable in future careers.
>The main strengths of this degree include the advanced technical competency and expertise available from staff at Maynooth, and the variety of module options for students, alongside supporting options in Physics, Chemistry, Data Science and Statistics that provide options such as the pursuit of a science teaching career.

Duration: 4 years

1st year

  • 15 credits Geography
  • 15 credits Biology
  • 15 credits Mathematics
  • Either 15 credits of Data Science OR Experimental Physics 

2nd year

  • 20 credits Biology
  • 20 credits Geography
  • 20 credits Statistics OR 10 credits of Statistics AND 10 credits of Critical Skills in Science Communication

3rd year

  • Concentrate on Biological AND Geographical Sciences (30/30 credits), OR choose to also continue with Data Science (20/20/20 credits)

4th year

  • Concentrate on Biological and Geographical Sciences and associated research activities (thesis) and/or a short work placement - subject to availabiity (5 credits)
Course Duration: 4 years

Head of Department

Department of Geography


Department of ICARUS

Biology - Paul Moynagh - Maynooth University

Head of Department

Department of Biology


Department of Human Health Institute

Academic

Department of Geography


Department of ICARUS

Geography - Ro Charlton - Maynooth University

Academic

Department of Geography


Department of ICARUS

Geography - Ronan Foley - Maynooth University

Academic

Department of Geography


Department of ALL Institute

Lorna Lopez - Biology - Maynooth University

Academic

Department of Biology


Department of Human Health Institute


Department of Hamilton Institute

Carla Mateus Profile

Academic

Department of Geography


Department of ICARUS

Academic

Department of Geography


Department of ICARUS

Biology - Conor Meade - H&S

Academic

Department of Biology

Geography - Conor Murphy - Maynooth University

Academic

Department of Geography


Department of ICARUS

Lisa Orne profile

Academic

Department of ICARUS


Department of Geography

Academic

Department of Geography


Department of ICARUS

Academic

Department of Geography


Department of ICARUS


Department of Faculty of Social Sciences

Geography - Peter Thorne - Maynooth University

Academic

Department of Geography


Department of ICARUS

After Graduation
>Examples of careers for graduates of this degree include environmental consultancy, geographical information systems officer, town planning (following relevant postgraduate study), careers in science publishing and communication, as well as biology careers in research, healthcare and conservation.
>Graduates can also continue their studies with a PME and become a second level teacher of Biology and Geography to HL Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate Science.
>Both the Department of Biology and the Department of Geography offer a range of postgraduate study options. See Get in Touch section for links to see their postgraduate options.

This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.
Subject Required Ordinary Level Grade Higher Level Grade
Irish Yes O6 H7
English Yes O6 H7
Language No N/A N/A
Math Yes O4 H7
Science Yes O6 H7

International & EU/EFTA Entry Requirements

Mature Students

Mature Applicants

Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time/flexible degrees the mature age is 21. 

Click here to be taken to our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on that page outlines application steps for this degree.

Mature applicants who have a disability 

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require support for any required written exercise/interview/ online video audition which may form part of your application assessment, you must complete an online request form and submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2025. Applications for alternative examination accommodation cannot be considered after this deadline.

For further information on the supporting documentation required, as well as examination and other supports visit the Access Office website.

01 February 2025

Additional Information

Leaving Certificate Applicants

Required to present 2H5 & 4O6/H7, Irish, English & O4/H7 Mathematics & O6/H7 Science subject (one of Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Physics or Physics with Chemistry). MH203 Round 1 Points 2024: 410

HEAR & DARE

DARE: The Disability Access Route to Education is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.

HEAR: The Higher Education Access Route is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Contact the Access Office for more information about these access routes.

The Maynooth Education

Click here for details about optional Critical Skills courses, Electives and degree pathways. 

APPLY TO THE CAO - WWW.CAO.IE

The application process depends on the type of applicant you are. Click here for all information about how to apply.

Categories of applicant:

  • School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
  • Mature students (23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University/part-time degrees the mature age is 21)
  • EU/EFTA/UK students
  • International students (outside the EU)
  • QQI (Further Education) students
  • Transferring students
  • Deferring students
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