Design Thinking for Sustainability

HCI Pillar 1 courses are designed to provide specialisation and conversion courses for graduates to ensure that they have the skills most needed by employers today. They are open to all, regardless of employment status.

Who should apply
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No

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, and who understand these sustainability challenges. Not just from a business perspective but also scientific, regulatory, and ethical viewpoints.

Through this course you will understand key concepts such as the circular economy, decarbonisation, and just transition. You'll become well-versed in an iterative approach to product and service design – trying, testing, and trying again. And you'll learn how to embrace your creativity and entrepreneurial side to lead change, embed sustainability, and address complex challenges.

Everything you've learned will be put 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.

By the end of this course you'll be ready to reposition your career for the emerging green economy.

Subjects taught

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

Entry requirements

This course is great for anyone just beginning their career in sustainability, or keen to move into this area. You may have a technical background, or you might not – we welcome learners from diverse disciplines and sectors.

You might be:
A recent graduate
Changing focus part way through your career
Unemployed or formerly self-employed
A carer or returner to work

You'll need a minimum honours degree (Level 8) qualification.

OR applicants with 5+ years of relevant employment history can apply under UCD's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.

HCI Pillar 1 eligibility requirements.

English language requirements.

Keen to start seeing the world differently?

Application dates

The following entry routes are available:

Grad Dip Design Thinking for Sustainability FT (F189)
Duration 9 Months
Attend Full Time

Duration

9 months Full Time Blended

More details
  • Qualifications

    Postgraduate Diploma (Level 9 NFQ)

  • Attendance type

    Full time,Daytime,Blended

  • Apply to

    Course provider