Biological, Environmental and Geological Sciences, University College Cork

Requirements unclear

1 of 7, 6 open

Met: Diploma
Not yet clear: Subjects
Not yet clear: Grades
Not yet clear: Language
Not yet clear: Age
Not yet clear: Other
Not yet clear: Score

, , ,

Next deadline in 3 months

20 Jan 2027: CAO discounted early online application closes

The programme

Foundation year in UCC's School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, spanning biology, geology and environmental science, with fieldwork and lab practicals. After year 1 you choose one of five degrees: Applied Plant Biology, Ecology and Environmental Biology, Environmental Science, Geoscience or Zoology. A work placement is available in fourth year.

Rank in biology
Where University College Cork ranks in world subject rankings. Lower is better. A subject ranking rates the university’s work in a subject across all its faculties, not one department or this programme, so every programme there in the subject shares it. Under each list, what it mostly rests on. The colour shows where the university stands among the other universities on this site, not among all universities in the world: green ahead of most, red behind most. The combined score averages those standings over the lists: 10 is ahead of all of them in every list, 1 behind all. So it compares only the universities on this site, and can change as more are added. Rankings mostly measure research, not teaching.
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Sources
topuniversities.com · biological sciences
201-250 … University College Cork
timeshighereducation.com · life sciences
201–250 … University College Cork
shanghairanking.com
201-300 … University College Cork

Combinedamong those here

201-250QS 2026, Biological Sciencesreputation

201–250THE 2026, Life Sciencesresearch and teaching

201-300ARWU 2026, Biological Sciencesresearch papers

Can you get in?

School diploma required
VWO (Dutch pre-university diploma)
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Sources
www2.cao.ie
Netherlands … What qualifications are accepted? … Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO (Gymnasium A/B and Atheneum A/B) diploma)
Netherlands What qualifications are accepted? Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO (Gymnasium A/B and Atheneum A/B) diploma)
ucc.ie
EU/EFTA/UK applicants presenting an equivalent school-leaving qualification should review the EU/EFTA/UK Applicants page for information on equivalent grades and how to prove their level of English.
For you, Met: Your VWO diploma counts.
Required school subjects
Biologie or scheikunde or natuurkunde as a VWO exam subject
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Sources
ucc.ie
The following are considered Lab Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physics with Chemistry and Agricultural Science.
English … Irish … Maths … Lab Science … O6/H7 … O6/H7 … O6/H7 or H4* … O6/H7 or H4*
www2.cao.ie
What grade counts as a pass for purposes of admission to HEIs? 6 (on a scale of 5-10 where 10 is best)
For you, Not yet clear: Enter your subjects to check.
Minimum subject grades
6 different subjects at 6 or higher, at least 1 of them at 9 or higher, at least 2 of them at 8 or higher, including English, Maths and Lab Science subject; Biologie or scheikunde or natuurkunde or wiskunde B or wiskunde D or informatica: at least 9
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Sources
ucc.ie
At least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H4 in one subject, minimum grade H5 in one subject and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects.
English … Irish … Maths … Lab Science … O6/H7 … O6/H7 … O6/H7 or H4* … O6/H7 or H4*
1 more from this page
Note: H4 in either a Lab Science subject, Maths or Applied Maths or Computer Science
www2.cao.ie
6 distinct recognised subjects which must include 2 subjects grade 8 and 4 subjects grade 6 in the VWO
Table 1: Subject Grade Comparisons … H1 H2 H3 H4 H5 H6 H7 … 10 10 9 9 8 8 7
3 more from this page
O1 O2 O3 O4 O5 O6 … 8 8 7 7 6 6 or Pass in HAVO
If two versions of the same subject are presented, the average score will be included in the calculation.
* For a higher maths requirement these scores must be in Maths B or D
For you, Not yet clear: Enter your subjects and grades to check. No grade entered for biologie or scheikunde or natuurkunde or wiskunde B or wiskunde D or informatica.
Minimum overall grade
None
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Source
www2.cao.ie
The minimum eligibility criteria follow. Proof of English proficiency is required in all cases. … 6 distinct recognised subjects which must include 2 subjects grade 8 and 4 subjects grade 6 in the VWO
What grade counts as a pass for purposes of admission to HEIs? 6 (on a scale of 5-10 where 10 is best)
Language level required
English: VWO engels 8 or higher or an accepted language test
English: at least 8 for engels on your VWO list or IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT (current 1-6 scale) 4.5 or TOEFL iBT (2025 test results, 0-120 scale) 90 or Duolingo English Test 120 or Cambridge English (C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency) 176 or Cambridge Linguaskill 176 or PTE Academic 63 or LanguageCert Academic 70 or Oxford Test of English 140 or IELCA Academic 35 or Trinity ISE III
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Sources
www2.cao.ie
The minimum acceptable level of English is 8 in the VWO or equivalent English Language competence (see page 9). Note applicants whose school-leaving examinations are more than two years old must present additional proof of English.
ucc.ie · euapply
Teaching in Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is normally through the medium of English; therefore all applicants are required to demonstrate a high level of competence in the English Language.
Matriculation Examinations from European Countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved can be used to prove level of English.
11 more from this page
An average score of 6.5 overall and a minimum of 6.00 in each band in the IELTS Academic Test.
Internet-based test: 4.5 overall and at least 4.5 in every other section in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
2025 test result: Internet-based test: 90 (no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
A minimum score of 120 is required with at least 110 in each subscore.
176+ on Cambridge English scale with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English
Cambridge Linguaskill An average score of 176 overall and a minimum of 169 in each skill.
A minimum of 63 (with at least 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section)
An average score of 70 overall and a minimum of 65 in each skill of the LanguageCert Academic Test.
A minimum score of 140 overall with a minimum score of 125 in each skill.
IELCA Academic Minimum score 35 with a minimum of 33 in each band
Trinity ISE III with at least merit in each skill category
For you, Not yet clear: English: enter your grade for engels.
Minimum age
Born before 16 January 2011 for 2027, going by the 2026 rule (born before 16 January 2010)
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Sources
nui.ie
Students must normally have attained the age of seventeen years by 15th January following entry to a Constituent University
ucc.ie
CAO applicants for full-time degrees must normally have reached 17 years of age by the 15 January of the year following entry to UCC.
For you, Not yet clear: Enter your birth year to check.
Extra steps
None
Fairly sure — The university does not say this in so many words, but it follows from its pages. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Sources
ucc.ie · euapply
If you are applying on the basis of your school-leaving examination results, you are not required to provide a personal statement, letters of recommendation, or any additional material to the documents listed above. You will be assessed on your grades alone.
www2.cao.ie
Restricted courses are identified in the handbook by the words "(Restricted - see page 3)" on the same line as the restricted course's title.
8 CK404 Degree options in: Applied Plant Biology | Ecology and Environmental Biology | Environmental Science | Geoscience | Zoology
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8 CK404 Degree options in:
Other requirements
English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish. Applicants born and fully educated outside the Republic of Ireland who present qualifications other than the Leaving Certificate are automatically exempt from Irish.
How it works: A Dutch VWO applicant born and fully educated outside the Republic of Ireland is exempt automatically and does not need to apply to NUI.
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Sources
ucc.ie
English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish .
ucc.ie · euapply
Candidates born and fully educated outside the Republic of Ireland (26 counties) who are presenting qualifications other than the Leaving Certificate for matriculation are automatically exempt from Irish and do not need to make an application to NUI.
An average score of 6.5 overall and a minimum of 6.00 in each band in the IELTS Academic Test.
10 more from this page
2025 test result: Internet-based test: 90 (no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
A minimum score of 120 is required with at least 110 in each subscore.
176+ on Cambridge English scale with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English
A minimum of 63 (with at least 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section)
An average score of 70 overall and a minimum of 65 in each skill of the LanguageCert Academic Test.
A minimum score of 140 overall with a minimum score of 125 in each skill.
IELCA Academic Minimum score 35 with a minimum of 33 in each band
Trinity ISE III with at least merit in each skill category
For all proficiency tests, the results must normally have been issued within two years prior to the start of your course
(note applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only)
www2.cao.ie
Note applicants whose school-leaving examinations are more than two years old must present additional proof of English.
For you, Met: Not required for you: you were born and permanently live outside Ireland.
English tests must meet all score, section and validity rules. Not required with VWO English 8 or higher.
If English is proven by a test instead of the VWO English grade, each test also needs its section minimums: IELTS Academic 6.0 in each band; TOEFL iBT 4.5 in every section (for 2025 results, at least 21 in writing and 19 in every other section); Duolingo 110 in each subscore; Cambridge English and Linguaskill 169 in each skill; PTE Academic 59 in each Communicative Skills item; LanguageCert Academic 65 in each skill; Oxford Test of English 125 in each skill; IELCA Academic 33 in each band; Trinity ISE III at least merit in each skill. Tests are from a single sitting, and results must normally have been issued within two years before the course starts.
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Sources
ucc.ie
English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish .
ucc.ie · euapply
Candidates born and fully educated outside the Republic of Ireland (26 counties) who are presenting qualifications other than the Leaving Certificate for matriculation are automatically exempt from Irish and do not need to make an application to NUI.
An average score of 6.5 overall and a minimum of 6.00 in each band in the IELTS Academic Test.
10 more from this page
2025 test result: Internet-based test: 90 (no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
A minimum score of 120 is required with at least 110 in each subscore.
176+ on Cambridge English scale with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English
A minimum of 63 (with at least 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section)
An average score of 70 overall and a minimum of 65 in each skill of the LanguageCert Academic Test.
A minimum score of 140 overall with a minimum score of 125 in each skill.
IELCA Academic Minimum score 35 with a minimum of 33 in each band
Trinity ISE III with at least merit in each skill category
For all proficiency tests, the results must normally have been issued within two years prior to the start of your course
(note applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only)
www2.cao.ie
Note applicants whose school-leaving examinations are more than two years old must present additional proof of English.
For you, Not yet clear: Check this yourself.
Applicants whose school-leaving examinations are more than two years old must present additional proof of English.
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Sources
ucc.ie
English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish .
ucc.ie · euapply
Candidates born and fully educated outside the Republic of Ireland (26 counties) who are presenting qualifications other than the Leaving Certificate for matriculation are automatically exempt from Irish and do not need to make an application to NUI.
An average score of 6.5 overall and a minimum of 6.00 in each band in the IELTS Academic Test.
10 more from this page
2025 test result: Internet-based test: 90 (no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
A minimum score of 120 is required with at least 110 in each subscore.
176+ on Cambridge English scale with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English
A minimum of 63 (with at least 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section)
An average score of 70 overall and a minimum of 65 in each skill of the LanguageCert Academic Test.
A minimum score of 140 overall with a minimum score of 125 in each skill.
IELCA Academic Minimum score 35 with a minimum of 33 in each band
Trinity ISE III with at least merit in each skill category
For all proficiency tests, the results must normally have been issued within two years prior to the start of your course
(note applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only)
www2.cao.ie
Note applicants whose school-leaving examinations are more than two years old must present additional proof of English.
For you, Good to know: Good to know: for information; it does not change whether you qualify.
Score needed to get in
462 CAO points or more: the 2026 cut-off, which changes every year
Applicants are ranked by CAO points; the highest get the places. The cut-off is the lowest score that got a place, so it moves with each year's applicants.
Earlier cut-offs: 495 in 2025 (CAO Round 1), 487 in 2025 (CAO Round 2), 489 in 2024 (CAO Round 1), 485 in 2024 (CAO Round 2), 494 in 2023 (CAO Round 1), 490 in 2023 (CAO Round 2), 498 in 2022 (CAO Round 1), 495 in 2022 (CAO Round 2).
How the score is worked out: Average of the best 6 distinct recognised subjects taken in a single sitting: 10 → 600, 9 → 595, 8 → 541, 7 → 374, 6 → 250, 5 → 200.
+25 for wiskunde B or wiskunde D at 6 or higher, if it is one of the subjects counted.
Two versions of one subject, such as wiskunde B and D, count once, at their average.
Grades are rounded to whole numbers first, as on the diploma.
The university gives only these rows and does not say how averages between them convert, so a score between two rows is a range.
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Sources
www2.cao.ie
Points Required for Entry to Level 8 Courses 2026 … RND 1 RND 2 … CK404 Biological, Environmental and Geological Sciences 462
ucc.ie
CAO Points | 2026: 462
www2.cao.ie
The indicative equivalence will be calculated, based on the average of the best 6 distinct recognised subjects taken in a single sitting as follows:
Table 2: Points Conversion … Average Mark … IPS … 10 … 600 … 9 … 595 … 8 … 541 … 7 … 374 … 6 … 250 … 5 … 200
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NB Sample grades only. The steps between points shown are not necessarily even as they are based on statistical comparisons.
If two versions of the same subject are presented, the average score will be included in the calculation.
Bonus points of 25 will be awarded for grade 6 or better in Advanced level Mathematics (i.e., B or D) where mathematics is one of the subjects counted for points.
The indicative equivalence will be calculated, based on the average of the best 6 distinct recognised subjects taken in a single sitting as follows: Table 2: Points Conversion Average Mark IPS 10 600 9 595 8 541 7 374 6 250 5 200
For you, Not yet clear: Needs grades for at least 6 different subjects; you have entered 0.

Applying

Where you apply

Through CAO, with course code CK404.

Final examination results: certificates or statements of results issued by the examining authority, in the original language, showing dates, subjects and results; UCC asks for a certified true copy of the official results
Final school report, in some cases (to show the full range of subjects taken)
Certified English translation by a professional translation service, for qualifications not issued originally in English or Irish
Evidence of English language proficiency, if required

Dates

20 Jan 2027CAO discounted early online application closes
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Source
www2.cao.ie
Discounted application fee (35 fee) available up to 20 January at 5pm
Early online application (discounted) … 35 … 20 January 2027 at 5pm
1 more from this page
Early online application (discounted) 35 20 January 2027 at 5pm
in 3 months
1 Feb 2027CAO normal application closing date
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Source
www2.cao.ie
Normal closing date for applications (50 fee) is 1 February at 5pm
Normal online application … 50 … 1 February 2027 at 5pm
1 more from this page
Normal online application 50 1 February 2027 at 5pm
in 4 months
1 May 2027CAO late application closing date (late applications open 5 March 2027)
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Source
www2.cao.ie
Closing date for late applications is 1 May at 5pm
Late online application … 65 … 1 May 2027 at 5pm
1 more from this page
Late online application – restrictions apply (see page 3) 65 1 May 2027 at 5pm
in 7 months
1 Jul 2027CAO Change of Mind closes (free)
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Source
www2.cao.ie
Change of Mind Closes on 1 July at 5pm
Change of Mind … Nil … 1 July 2027 at 5pm
1 more from this page
Change of Mind Nil 1 July 2027 at 5pm
in 9 months

More about the programme

How places are given

Cap on places (numerus fixus)
115 a year
The 2026 figure; the 2027 one is not out yet.

Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Source
ucc.ie · entryreqs
Minimum Cut-Off Points / Approximate Places
Programme … Course Code … Round 1 Points 2026 … Approximate Overall Places^ … Biological, Environmental and Geological Sciences … CK404 … 462 … 115
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^Whilst every effort is made to ensure these figures are accurate, these figures are only published for the guidance of students and staff.
How applicants are picked
Ranked by school grades; the highest get the places
Eligible applicants are ranked by CAO points (for VWO: converted from the average of the best six subjects) and offers go from the highest score down; ties at the last place are broken by random number. UCC assesses school leavers on school-leaving exam results only.
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Sources
www2.cao.ie
After the points have been calculated, applicants are placed on a list in order of merit for each course for which they are eligible.
If there are five applicants with an identical points score competing for one remaining place, random number selection applies
1 more from this page
random number selection applies and the place will be offered to the applicant with the highest random number.
ucc.ie
Where it is found necessary to limit entry to a particular programme, places will be allocated on merit to qualified applicants.
ucc.ie · euapply
You will be assessed on your grades alone.
Past admission numbers
In 2026 the lowest score that got in was 462 (CAO Round 1).
There are 115 places for the 2026 intake.
In 2025 the lowest score that got in was 495 (CAO Round 1).
In 2025 the lowest score that got in was 487 (CAO Round 2).
In 2024 the lowest score that got in was 489 (CAO Round 1).
In 2024 the lowest score that got in was 485 (CAO Round 2).
In 2023 the lowest score that got in was 494 (CAO Round 1).
In 2023 the lowest score that got in was 490 (CAO Round 2).
In 2022 the lowest score that got in was 498 (CAO Round 1).
In 2022 the lowest score that got in was 495 (CAO Round 2).

Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Sources
www2.cao.ie
Points Required for Entry to Level 8 Courses 2026 … RND 1 RND 2 … CK404 Biological, Environmental and Geological Sciences 462
ucc.ie
CAO Points | 2026: 462
ucc.ie · entryreqs
Programme … Course Code … Round 1 Points 2026 … Approximate Overall Places^ … Biological, Environmental and Geological Sciences … CK404 … 462 … 115

Once you have started

First-year minimum to continue
Pass all 60 credits in the first year; if you do not, you can resit or repeat the year
Every course is worth a number of credits, which you earn by passing it; a full year is 60.
In the university’s words: To pass a year and progress, a student needs an overall mark of 40%, at least 50 credits passed at 40% or more, and any remaining modules (up to 10 credits) at 30% or more (pass by compensation). Failed modules can be resat at the Autumn supplemental examinations or repeated in a repeat year; a student who does not pass within three academic years of first registering for the year cannot continue without special permission.
Fairly sure — The university does not say this in so many words, but it follows from its pages. This is the 2025 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Source
ucc.ie
School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences … PROGRAMME LISTING: APPLIED PLANT BIOLOGY, EARTH SCIENCE, ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE, GEOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY, INTERNATIONAL FIELD GEOSCIENCES, ZOOLOGY
To pass a year and progress to a subsequent year, candidates must achieve: 1. an overall mark of 40% across all modules 2. at least 50 credits with a mark of not less than 40% in each module 3. a pass by compensation to a maximum of 10 credits with a mark not less than 30% in these modules.
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A maximum of 60 credits, equating to Total Marks of 1,200 may be awarded per year of a programme unless a module is assessed on a PASS/FAIL basis only.
For candidates failing to achieve the pass standard at the Summer Examination Board, there will be a Supplemental Examination in Autumn with an Autumn Examination Board.
Students who fail to achieve the pass standard for the year at the first attempt must repeat all failed/absent modules at the Supplemental Examination
Students repeating the year may do so choosing one of the following mechanisms.
Candidates must pass/progress within three academic years of the date of first registration for a year, otherwise they cannot continue in the programme without special permission.
Pass, Pass by Compensation and Progression Standard (Programme level) - see Table 1 for any additional or alternative regulations to those listed here. To pass a year and progress to a subsequent year, candidates must achieve: 1. an overall mark of 40% across all modules 2. at least 50 credits with a mark of not less than 40% in each module 3. a pass by compensation to a maximum of 10 credits with a mark not less than 30% in these modules.
Where a student passes the year according to the Pass and Progression Rules, they shall be awarded credits (e.g. 60 credits in the case of an undergraduate degree programme).

After you graduate

Where graduates go
Not found
Unsure — We could not find this on the university’s pages. Ask the university.
Pages checked
ucc.ie (Skills and Careers Information)
Where graduates went (measured)
University College Cork honours-degree graduates of 2024 in natural sciences, mathematics and statistics, nine months after graduating: 44.3% working full-time, 5.1% part-time, 1.5% about to start a job; 42.5% in full-time and 1.8% in part-time further study; 3.0% unemployed; 1.8% other activities.
Measured from all natural Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics graduates of University College Cork, not just this programme (2024). Past graduates, not a promise.

Fairly sure — The university does not say this in so many words, but it follows from its pages. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Sources
public.tableau.com · HEI Comparison
Undergraduate Honours Degree Programmes … Field of Study: Natural Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics … University College Cork … Working full-time 44.3% … Working part-time 5.1% … Due to start a job in the next 3 months 1.5% … Engaged in full-time further study, training or research 42.5% … Engaged in part-time further study, training or research 1.8% … Other Activity 1.8% … Unemployed and looking for work 3.0%
hea.ie
HEI level data (GO Class of 2024) … 3. HEI-Level Information (UG Honours Degree): This looks at employment outcomes for undergraduate honours degrees for each HEI

Click an for the details and sources behind a fact. Its colour says how sure we are: sure, fairly sure, unsure.