Geography - 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'.
Programme Outcome
Knowledge and Understanding:
- core knowledge across a range of disciplines relevant to risk, resilience and sustainability
- an appreciation of the context and contribution of different disciplines within the broader area of risk and resilience in general.
- technical and data analysis skills in GIS and Remote Sensing developed through practical experience
Applying Knowledge and Understanding:
The programme will seek to prepare its graduates to be:
Academically excellent, having:
- in-depth knowledge of their chosen academic discipline underpinned by critical thought, analysis and reflection;
- well-developed understanding of the limits, contradictions and emerging issues within their chosen
discipline and also its relationship to other disciplines;
Making Judgements:
The programme will help shape Global citizens, having:
- awareness of their responsibility as active global citizens, including a commitment to social and cultural
diversity, equity and ethics;
- well-developed skills of citizenship and the potential to contribute to the growth and enhancement of communities in their work and life contexts.
Communications and working skills
- Articulate theoretical concepts, current debates and research findings to both specialist and non-specialist audiences from a risk, resilience and sustainability perspective
- Work effectively with peers in learning, research, and presentation
Learning skills
- Collect or source data using research methodologies taught on the programme
- Engage in independent research and analysis under supervision
Subjects taught
Stage 1 - Core
Research Design GEOG40390
Dissertation GEOG40520
Introduction to Arc GISGEOG40820
Research Design II GEOG40950
Natural hazards and risk GEOL40710
Stage 1 - Option
Physical Geography of Cities GEOG40780
Global South Fieldwork: Vietnam GEOG40830
Practical Environmental Assessment GEOG40860
Advanced GIS GEOG40870
Population Patterns and Challenges GEOG40880
Remote Sensing GEOG40890
International Urban Fieldwork GEOG40940
Coastal Risks GEOG40960
INFOMAR marine seabed data GEOG40990
INFOMAR marine survey data GEOG41000
Entry requirements
- 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 Prof. Jacky Croke jacky.croke@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 7.0 (no band less than 6.5 in each element) or equivalent
Application dates
How to apply?
The following entry routes are available:
MSc Risk, Resilience & Sustainability FT (W464)
Duration 1 Years
Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*
MSc Risk, Resilience & Sustainability PT (W465)
Duration 2 Years
Attend Part Time
Deadline Rolling*
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised.
Duration
1 Year Full-Time, 2 Years Part-Time.
Post Course Info
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.