Foundations of Sustainable Development

The stability of the Earth as a system is currently at risk as five of the nine planetary boundaries - describing the environmental limits within which humanity as a species may continue to thrive - have now been exceeded. The practice of sustainability is crucial to our management of life under water, life on land, the environment, and for societal health and wellbeing now and in the future. Utilising the digital resources of the SDG Academy and the sustainability expertise of UCD academic staff, the Professional Diploma in Foundations of Sustainable Development is taught through the lens of the SDGS and has the unique ability to address the large range of issues covered by the 2030 agenda. Ultimately, it will equip students to solve some of the most pressing issues of our times. Students who complete the programme will emerge with a holistic understanding of the core tenets of sustainable development across the four pillars of the Sustainable Development Goals —economic, social, and environmental, and governance.



Key facts

-The programme is flexible and delivered online and it provides students who complete the programme with a pathway for entry onto UCD’s online MSc Sustainable Development programme.

-This programme can be completed over 1 trimester (Sept start only) or over 2 Trimesters (Sept & Jan start) giving the student lots of flexibility.

-Lectures for module 'Global Classroom' is available as live and also recorded. The second module 'Fundamentals of Sustainability' is on demand, this gives the student a lot of flexibility to learn.

-The programme utilises the best available online sustainability education resources from global experts and is delivered in partnership with the UNSDSN SDG Academy (https://sdgacademy.org/)

-Assessments are through continuous assessment.

-Once they complete the Diploma, students can continue into UCD’s online Master’s of Science (MSc.) in Sustainable Development—offsetting 20 academic credits.

Fundamentals of Sustainability PLAN40550

Global Classroom POL42080

A primary degree with at least Second Class Honours Grade II (2H2) (NFQ Level 8 or international equivalence) in a relevant subject such as planning, political science, international relations, social science, sociology, history, geography, economics, global studies, public policy, development studies, EU studies, law.

If English is not your native language, proof of English will also be required -please see the University minimum English language requirements.

The following entry routes are available:

PD Foundations of Sustainable Development PT (T392)

Duration 9 Months

Attend Part Time

Deadline Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised



(T394 - Jan Start)

9 Months Part-time

MODE OF DELIVERY: Online

Next Intake: 2024/2025 September

Please note there is also a January start date for this programme T394

Career Opportunities for graduates:

As a sustainability expert in corporate entities

Almost all NGOs now require expertise in sustainability

Environmental corporate governance (e.g. ESG)

Education for sustainable development careers

Sustainability consultant