Design Thinking for Sustainability

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)
The MSc in Design Thinking for Sustainability is a unique programme that bridges sustainability knowledge and skills, ensuring students begin to affect change within the programme and are ready to quickly transition to new roles and opportunities upon graduation.

Every aspect of the global economy is changing rapidly due to the effects of climate change. As a result, employers need people who are agile and innovative, who understand sustainability challenges and crucially, are capable of taking action.

Students learn the Design Thinking process, a human centred problem solving methodology that originated in Stanford University, to create innovative, sustainable solutions to complex, real-world problems. In tandem, students develop a sustainability mindset through sustainability literacy including a working knowledge of sustainability systems, issues and tools, framed by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The MSc in Design Thinking for Sustainability, introduces key concepts such as the circular economy, decarbonisation, and just transition. Students also learn how to embrace their creative and entrepreneurial side to lead change, embed sustainability, and address complex challenges.

Everything students learn is into practice with a project to look at a real-world sustainability challenge. This will be set by one of our industry partners, who have previously included ESB, Oxfam, Dublin City Council, and SuperValu. In the final component of the MSc students apply their learnings to a project of their own choosing - an opportunity to lead a project with real world impact, offering an ideal springboard for the next step in your career.

By the end of this MSc students are ready to reposition their career for the emerging green economy.

Who should apply?
Full Time option suitable for:

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

The MSc programme is for learners seeking the following attributes:

Learning Agility

An in-depth understanding of the Design Thinking process, a human centred problem solving methodology, and the ability to apply it appropriately across a wide range of contexts and sectors, and the aptitude to continuously adapt and develop your approach and to learn in a collegial, professional manner.

Sustainability literacy comprising a range of sustainability systems, issues and tools, all framed by the UN Sustainable Development Goals and underpinned by the skills for continuous and self-directed learning into the future.

Professional Adaptability

Well-developed intellectual curiosity, analytical and interpersonal skills to lead multi-disciplinary approaches for the successful development of creative and innovative solutions to real-world sustainability challenges across a broad range of stakeholders, sectors and disciplines.

Globally Engaged; Ethical Leadership

An ethical perspective to leading change – sensitive to the beliefs and values of others, able to contextualise and communicate with diverse groups in a way that engages and influences behaviour.

An awareness of your own role and responsibilities as an active global citizen especially in the context of sustainability

An inclusive values-based approach to your life and work, appreciating the importance and benefits of diversity and equity.

MSc Design Thinking for Sustainability
Graduate Taught
Please click below to view modules.

Close All
Stage 1 - Core
Leadership for Innovation and CreativityIA40340
Innovation SprintIA40350
Creative Thinking & InnovationIA40430
Design your Purposeful LifeIA40460
Entrepreneurship: Application and MindsetIA40470
Design for User-Centric, Sustainable SolutionsIA40610
Systemic Approaches, Interdisciplinary SolutionsIA40620
Applied Sustainability ProjectIA40830

The MSc Design Thinking for Sustainability is a pathway programme Level 9 MSc (90 ECTS). Applicants to this programme must have successfully completed the Graduate Diploma in Design Thinking for Sustainability (60 ECTS) to be eligible for the final MSc module (30 ECTS). You will not be eligible to apply for this Master’s programme if you have not completed the Graduate Diploma in Design Thinking for Sustainability.

PLEASE NOTE* Priority will be given to Graduate Diploma in Design Thinking for Sustainability alumni from 2020/21 for the January 2024 MSc intake however we encourage all interested applicants to register their interest.

Deadline for Jan 2024 MSc module applications: November 15th, 2023.

If you have any further questions regarding the application process, please email sarah.westvik@ucd.ie

The following entry routes are available:

MSc Design Thinking for Sustainability FT (F252)
Duration 1 Years
Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

Please read the information below carefully as there are two entry options available to this programme.

Option1 - Pathway: If you are currently a full time resident in the Republic of Ireland and meet the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1 funding eligibility requirements (view here), you may apply for a funded place to the Graduate Diploma in Design Thinking in Sustainability directly via the Springboard+ website and on completion, apply for the MSc module pathway option.

Option 2 - Full MSc: If you are currently not resident in the Republic of Ireland or you are resident in the Republic of Ireland but do not meet the HCI Pillar 1 funding eligibility requirements, you may apply directly by submitting an application via the ‘How To Apply?’ section below. Please see below for application documents required.

For more information, please visit our website or send a query via the ‘Ask a question’ button and a member of the team will be in touch with you very shortly.

Applications will be reviewed and places offered on a rolling basis until the course is full.

Below is a summary of the application procedures for this course. These are subject to change. We strongly recommend you speak to a recruitment advisor who will guide you with your application.

The full document requirements are listed below. Please read them carefully.

Initial supporting documents

You will need to upload some supporting documents as part of your application:

Current CV and Letter of Motivation.

A copy of your academic transcript to show that you have a minimum of an Undergraduate Honours Bachelor's Degree (NFQ Level 8). If you previously studied at UCD, please provide your UCD student number on a Word document/PDF.

Applicants who do not have a level 8 qualification can apply through Recognition of Prior Learning.

Under UCD's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy, consideration will be given on a case by case basis to applicants who do not hold a primary degree but who can demonstrate extensive professional experience. Typically, such applicants would have five years or more experience where their role includes managing teams, leading projects, programmes or business units.

If you are applying under RPL, please review your CV to ensure that it clearly demonstrates the following-

a. Any experience of leadership and self-direction
b. Any experience of management or entrepreneurship
c. A description of employee, budget and client responsibilities

RPL applicants should also upload two recently dated professional/employment references. These should be on headed paper or from an official email address and including the referees name, role and email address.

If English is not your first language an English language qualification is required. Click HERE for full English Language Requirements for UCD.

1 Year Full Time

Next Intake: 2024/2025 September.

Decision makers in government, enterprise and civil society now recognise that learners must have not just the knowledge to act on sustainability, but also the skills to act quickly. The MSc in Design Thinking for Sustainability is a unique programme that bridges knowledge and skills, ensuring students begin to affect change within the programme and are ready to quickly transition to new roles and opportunities upon graduation.

The MSc in Design Thinking for Sustainability offers students an opportunity to apply, test and master their learnings individually with a high degree of autonomy in a high stakes, real world context. Students must design innovative implementation plans and individually lead a complex and ambitious sustainability project, managing multiple stakeholders and competing needs to deliver an actionable solution.

As a result of the highly applied nature of this MSc in Design Thinking for Sustainability, students may leverage the project for future career opportunities.

Ireland’s ‘Second National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development – ESD to 2030: “Learners must acquire the knowledge, skills, values and dispositions needed to promote sustainable development.

“The Irish economy will need to fill more than 20,000 jobs by 2030 just to support green economy sectors.” IDA Ireland

“Key to guaranteeing a more sustainable and secure future is ensuring we have the right green skills to power the transition to net zero” Minister for Transport, Climate, Environment and Communications Eamon Ryan, TD