Risk, Resilience & Sustainability

MSc Risk, Resilience & Sustainability

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)



Risk, Resilience and Sustainability are three keywords of our time. A deeper understanding of risk, the ways in which it is generated, experienced and managed is fundamental to addressing many of our pressing societal issues. Concepts such as ‘critical infrastructure’ underpin government initiatives to prepare, and manage for, global challenges such climate change, natural disasters, ecological uncertainty, and extreme social inequity. The concept of sustainability is heavily enshrined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) , which have been widely taken up as a road map for future development around the world. The key objective of the course is to explore how sustainability and resilience work together in the safeguarding of ecosystem services, the economy, construction, transportation and political systems.



Geography as a discipline offers expertise in the environment (e.g. hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, cyclones, floods and other environmental hazards) and the societal dimensions of risk, resilience and sustainability and is well placed to offer an interdisciplinary framework. It develops the Schools vision of creating cutting edge research-led teaching that works towards ‘shaping the future’ in ways that are not only more environmentally sustainable, but also through addressing issues of critical importance to ‘future proofing earth’.

Module Trimester Credits



Stage 1 Core Modules

GEOG40390 Research Design Autumn 5

GEOG40820 GIS Principles and Applications Autumn 10

GEOL40710 Natural hazards and risk Autumn 5

GEOG40520 Dissertation Summer 30



Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:

Choose one fieldwork Module

GEOG40830 Global South Fieldwork: Vietnam Spring 10

GEOG40940 International Urban Fieldwork Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - B)30CR:

Choose 30 credits from the modules listed below.

ARCT41310 Geodesign for Urban Futures Autumn 5

GEOG40860 Practical Environmental Assessment Autumn 10

GEOG40890 Remote Sensing Autumn 10

GEOG40990 INFOMAR marine seabed data Autumn 5

GEOG41000 INFOMAR marine survey data Autumn 5

GEOG41090 Urban Data Analytics Autumn 10

GEOG40870 Advanced GIS Applications Spring 10

GEOG40960 Coastal Risks Spring 5

GEOG41060 Geostatistics and Programming for GIS Spring 10

GEOG41070 Risk, Resilience and Sustainability Internship Spring 5

GEOG41120 Geopolitical Risks and Crises Spring 10

A primary degree with at least GPA 3.08 (2.1/2H1) or international equivalent in Geography or a related discipline.



We would encourage applicants from those with at least a GPA 3.08 (2.1/2H1) in a related area that provides appropriate background to the programme.



In certain circumstances, we will consider students who have a GPA 2.48 (2H2) and some relevant work or other experience. Contact geography@ucd.ie This includes students returning to study after a break.



Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element) or equivalent



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

1 Year Full-Time, 2 Years Part-Time.

Commencing September 2025

Careers & Employability

The MSc in Risk, Resilience and Sustainability offers direct employment prospects in environmental protection agencies (e.g EPA), International organisations such as the UN, the European Environment Agency and the European Commission, government departments and state agencies addressing global challenges, NGOs, Advise industries on social and environmental strategies, voluntary sector, government, civil service, as well as further academic study. Beyond this, understanding Risk, Resilience and Sustainability and the intellectual and practical skills developed are designed to enable graduates to understand the world in order to change it.