Environmental Sustainability - Negotiated Learning

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.



Course Highlights:

- The MSc will provide you with the theoretical background, practical training and ancillary workplace skills needed for a successful career in your chosen field.



- The course focuses on delivery of the knowledge and skills required to address sustainability challenges across a broad spectrum of activities such as agriculture, industry, green technology and resource management.



What Will I Learn?

1 - Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the theoretical background that underpins environmental/energy/sustainability issues.

2 - Demonstrate an ability to critically analyse current theoretical concepts and debates underpinning environmental/energy/sustainability issues.

3 - Demonstrate an awareness and knowledge of the legislative and regulatory controls across a range of environmental areas/sustainability issues.

4 - Locate, synthesise and critically review scientific information and data from a wide range of sources and construct and defend reasoned conclusions.

5 - Design and undertake research using appropriate data collection and analyses methods to develop solutions to environmental problems and sustainability challenges within the workplace and inform decision-making.

6 - Evaluate and implement cutting-edge creative solutions to new and existing challenges within the environmental sector.

7 - Communicate findings, ideas and solutions clearly and effectively.

Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:

Please consult the current course prospectus to ensure you are meeting all prerequisites for your chosen modules before you register online.

If you have any questions about your module choices or are unsure which modules are suitable for your learning objectives, please contact Elke Eichelmann at sustainabilityonline@ucd.ie

The following modules are not available for online registration. If you wish to register to one of the modules listed below please contact Elke Eichelmann at sustainabilityonline@ucd.ie

IS40030 People Information & Communication (Spring)

MEEN40820 Technical Communications (Autumn or Spring)

ENVB40350 Applied Ecotoxicology (Spring)

ENVB40430 Bioinvasions: Impact to Management (Spring)

ENVB40620 Environmental Impact Assessment Procedures On-line (1 of 2) (Autumn)

ENVB40630 Environmental Impact Assessment Procedures On-line (2 of 2) (Spring)

GEOG40850 GIS for Environmental Investigations (Spring)

ENVB40340 Practicum (Research; lab/field) (Year long)

ENVB40520 Practicum (Research; lab/field) Jan (Year long)

ENVB40580 Desk Study Proposal (Autumn)

ENVB40590 Desk Study Thesis (Summer)

ENVB40600 Desk Study Proposal (Spring)

ENVB40610 Desk Study Thesis Jan (Autumn)



ARCH40910 World Heritage Convention (Online) Autumn 10

ARCH40940 Management Plan (Online) Autumn 15

BSEN40480 Sustainable Energy & Environment Autumn 10

CVEN40620 Water Resources Eng 1 Autumn 10

ENVB30130 Ecology & its Application (On-line) Autumn 5

ENVB40360 Peatlands & Global Change (On-line) Autumn 5

ENVB40370 Data Analyses & Interpretation (On-line) Autumn 5

ENVB40410 Management of Sustainable Fisheries (On-line) Autumn 5

GEOL40450 Environmental Geoscience Autumn 5

MEEN40900 Energy, Climate and Sustainability (online) Autumn 5

BSEN40210 Green Technologies Project Autumn and Spring (separate) 5

BSEN40720 Carbon & Sustainability Autumn and Spring (separate) 5

AESC40250 Soil Resources Spring 5

ARCH40900 Cultural Heritage Conservation (Online) Spring 10

BSEN30030 Air Pollution Spring 5

CVEN40850 Sustainable and Nature Based Water Infrastructure (Online) Spring 10

ENVB30120 Genetics for Environmental Scientists (On-line) Spring 5

ENVB40320 Wildlife Management/Conservation (On-line) Spring 5

ENVB40380 Managing the Interface between Science and Policy (On-line) Spring 5

ENVB40440 Water Quality Assessment, Protection and Management (On-line) Spring 10

ENVB40570 Address' the Sust Chal(online) Spring 5

ARCH40920 Natural Heritage Conservation (Online) Summer 10

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.



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

2 years full-time (F058), 4 years part-time (F059). Online.

Next Intake: September 2025.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

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.