Risk Resilience & Sustainability

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’.



An overview of our programme is also available on Youtube: https://youtu.be/s35FKezdAdE

Stage 1 Core Modules

GEOG40390 Research Design Autumn 5

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)40CR:



Choose 40 credits from the modules listed below. Students should check with Programme Director before choosing GEOG40820 or GEOG40870.

ARCT41310 Geodesign for Urban Futures Autumn 5

GEOG40820 GIS Principles and Applications Autumn 10

GEOG40860 Practical Environmental Assessment Autumn 10

GEOG40960 Coastal Risks Autumn 5

GEOG40990 INFOMAR marine seabed data Autumn 5

GEOG41000 INFOMAR marine survey data Autumn 5

GEOG41090 Urban Data Analytics Autumn 10

GEOG41170 Citizen Science Autumn 10

GEOG41240 Stewardship for Sustainability Autumn 5

GEOG40870 Advanced GIS Applications Spring 10

GEOG40890 Remote Sensing Spring 10

GEOG41060 Geostatistics and Programming for GIS Spring 10

GEOG41070 Risk, Resilience and Sustainability Internship Spring 5

GEOG41190 Advanced Qualitative Methods Spring 5

GEOG41250 RRS Internship 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://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/

Apply online.



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes



Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: No

1/2 years, FT/PT, On Campus.

W464 Risk, Resilience & Sustainability Master of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught



W465 Risk, Resilience & Sustainability Master of Science Part-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught

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.