Environmental Sustainability

MSc Environmental Sustainability

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)



The Environmental Sustainability degree programme aims to develop your understanding of the environmental issues and sustainability goals facing society. We offer three degree options: MSc, Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate. You will be challenged to apply your scientific and technical knowledge to develop solutions to local and global problems and needs.



Dwindling natural resources and environmental quality issues are challenging businesses to work within a sustainability framework, while at the same time maximising employment provision and profitability. Consequently, there is a growing number of green technology and related enterprises that require a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. Equally, those within the regulation or policy environment must have the knowledge base to address the complexities of the ‘sustainability’ challenge.



- Eight schools contribute to the course capturing the significant strengths of UCD Science and Engineering in renewable energy resources, sustainable energy systems, environmental engineering and resource management, water quality assessment, protection/management and conservation science.



- The opportunity exists to harness these strengths within a negotiated and distance learning framework, offering you, the student, flexibility to gain a broad understanding of sustainability issues or to specialise more deeply in one of these particular fields of study.



Who should apply?

Full Time option suitable for:



Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes



Part Time option suitable for:



Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes



For both Full time and Part time options, as this is an online programme, we can enroll International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region where they are residing in their home country.



Course Description

The MSc, Graduate Diploma and Certificate will provide you with the theoretical background, practical training and ancillary workplace skills needed for a successful career in your chosen field. You will negotiate your learning needs with the assistance of our academic staff. Eight schools contribute to the course capturing the significant strengths of UCD Science and Engineering in renewable energy resources, sustainable energy systems, environmental engineering and resource management, water quality assessment, protection/management and conservation science. The opportunity exists to harness these strengths within a negotiated and distance learning framework, offering you, the student, flexibility to gain a broad understanding of sustainability issues or to specialise more deeply in one of these particular fields of study.



The course aims to develop your understanding of the environmental issues and sustainability goals facing society. You will be challenged to apply your scientific and technical knowledge to develop solutions to local and global problems and needs. Through discussion and research work you will learn to handle complex issues, analyse and interpret scientific data and information, use your judgment and ultimately communicate your findings and ideas. The course will develop your capacity for self-directed learning, within a supportive framework facilitated by online fora, discussion boards and virtual tutorial/classroom sessions.

Lectures will be delivered through the UCD’s online environment using a variety of media, including for example virtual classroom seminars, discussion boards and podcasts. Formative assessments will be used to help you develop and critically assess your own understanding of the material presented. All modules will have a high continuous assessment component. For some modules you will be expected to attend for an end of semester written examination

Applicants must hold a minimum of a 2.2 honours level degree in a science, engineering or related discipline. Applicants with pass degrees and who also have substantial relevant work experience may also be considered. If English is not your native language, proof of your proficiency in English will be required, unless you have taken your primary degree through English, in an English speaking country. The minimum acceptable score on the TOEFL Internet Based Test is 100, on the IELTS system it is 6.5. The original certificate of completion of an English language test must be enclosed with the application. In all cases the test results must not be more than 2 years old. These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes.

MSc Environmental Sustainability (Negotiated Learning) FT (F058)

Duration 2 Years

Attend Full Time

Deadline 29-JUL-24



MSc Environmental Sustainability (Negotiated Learning) PT (F059)

Duration 4 Years

Attend Part Time

Deadline 29-JUL-24

2 years full-time, 4 years part-time. Online.

Next Intake: 2024/2025 September.

Successful completion of this course will provide you with the professional competitive advantage to choose from careers in the application of green energy technology, environmental engineering, environmental monitoring and protection, resource and waste management, consultancy, research, heritage, conservation and education, either within regulatory bodies or in a wide range of industries, both multinational organisations and small- and medium-sized enterprises. The course also opens up opportunities to pursue further studies including up to PhD level.