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School of History and Geography

Undergraduate Programmes

BA IN CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY - DC294

The BA in Climate and Environmental Sustainability is a specialist applied geography programme that prepares students to understand and address the challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability. Students will explore how people shape the environment and how the environment, in turn, shapes society, engaging directly with pressing issues such as improving water quality, managing biodiversity, and developing climate responses.

Students will also study innovative topics across both physical and human geography, learning to see how the environment itself can offer solutions to environmental challenges. Fieldwork is a core element of the programme, with opportunities to visit case study sites where environmental change is occurring, and to examine first-hand the main sustainability challenges facing Ireland.

You will also gain essential skills in research, teamwork and problem-solving, as well as training in collecting high-quality data and developing strong analytical skills. These experiences will ensure that you graduate with the tools to engage critically with climate and environmental issues and to contribute meaningfully to identifying responses.

This programme will equip you with a distinctive blend of applied geographic knowledge and transferable skills, preparing you for future careers in climate and environment-related fields. Potential opportunities for graduates include environmental consultancy, biodiversity and water management, climate policy, and sustainability research.

HISTORY IN BA JOINT HONOURS PROGRAMME - DC009, DC292 & DC295

The objective of the History programme is to provide students with a sound historical perspective, to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to critically evaluate historical information, and to engage in historical reconstructions.  

This is achieved through a range of modules dealing with the history of Ireland, Europe, and the broader world in all periods and phases.  The primary focus is the modern era, but substantial opportunities are also provided for students to focus on medieval and early modern Ireland and continental Europe.

The School has research strengths in Early Modern and Modern European history, history of science and the environment, and the history of Ireland, and teaches to these strengths while engaging with broader historical contexts also.

History graduates find careers in which they can use their skills in research, critical analysis and written communication such as historical research and writing, journalism, teaching, government agencies, business administration, museums, politics and publishing.

What our students have said:

  • I really enjoy the subject and want to continue learning about the past. (1st year)
  • The lecturers are all very approachable and helpful. (2nd year)
  • The programme has completely broadened my historical understanding. (2nd year)
  • I thoroughly enjoyed my three years studying history.  All the lecturers have been so helpful and approachable and this enhanced the experience. (3rd year)
  • The courses are extremely interesting; I was delighted with my choice. (3rd year)

GEOGRAPHY IN BA JOINT HONOURS PROGRAMME - DC009

Geography helps us to explore and understand space and place - recognising the great differences in cultures, political systems, economies, landscapes and environments across the world, and exploring the links between them. Geographers study the past and present of important issues like climate change, international migration, environmental degradation, and spatial inequalities, making geography one of the most relevant courses you could choose to study at university.

At DCU, geographers are specialists in how towns and cities have developed in Ireland and around the world, how societies and ecosystems shape and react to questions of environmental sustainability, and how Ireland’s physical and cultural landscape has evolved.  They look forward to being able to share this knowledge with you. 

Geography is an excellent subject to have as part of a degree and provides an ideal framework for connecting and bringing together other fields of knowledge with the wider BA Joint Honours Programme. Graduates have found many pathways after a degree with Geography, including teaching (secondary and primary), planning, environmental consultancy, humanitarian aid work, public and civil service employment and a wide range of other careers.

What our students have said:

  • The programme encourages you to put yourself out there e.g. with presentations - in 1st year I was so shy and would not speak in front of people, now can speak during lectures and in front of groups. Gives you guidance but doesn't spoon-feed, makes you do your own research.
  • Friendly lecturers, good mix of online / classroom based work and use of continuous assessment puts less pressure on students at exam time.
  • Lecturers are easily approached and very helpful. Content covered in lectures and modules varies and allows the student to learn about aspects one would not think of outside of the Geography programme. Valuable computer skills are attained along with learning how to map different information.
  • I've had a great three years studying Geography.  It was a risk for me choosing Geography as I did not study it for the Leaving Cert, but I am so glad I chose it as I have loved every minute of it!
  • Studying Geography at DCU has not only widened my knowledge of the physical world but it has also developed a deeper understanding and awareness towards historical, social and political geographies. It helped shape my perspective with both current national and international affairs and has given me an opportunity to discover and research areas that interested me throughout my studies!

Links to the undergraduate programmes on which the School of History and Geography teaches: