Sustainable Development for Business

Course Overview

Momentum towards a sustainable business model is a high priority on all top performing business agendas. This course addresses the increasing pressure organisations and their decision makers are under to balance environmental and societal impacts with maintaining competitive advantage and profitability.



This shift in focus, when done strategically, can align a business closer to customers, investor demands, market trends and emerging regulatory requirements and create a competitive advantage in a sustainability conscious society. Designed to tackle the increasing need for sustainable business transformation, participants completing the programme will be equipped with the tools to create long-lasting change throughout their organisation.



A key feature of the programme is an action learning module where participants design a sustainability project for their employer organisation, their business or for a project partner organisation where a “blueprint” for implementation is developed.



This course provides participants with the knowledge and tools to address important sustainability challenges by becoming purpose-driven business leaders, understanding the wider socio-economic impact of their business, and the skills to develop smart strategies for implementing sustainable business. In addition, this course seeks to promote increased dialogue between leaders in business, government, academia, and NGOs to work towards a zero-carbon economy and to deliver on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.



Is This Course For Me?

This programme is designed for:

• Mid-level and senior executives from across the private sector, public sector and third sector looking to examine their organisations’ impact on society as well as the environment, and gain a firm understanding of how they can drive competitive advantage through a sustainable business model.

• Experienced managers in diverse functions – including CSR and sustainability, legal and compliance, procurement, operations and external affairs

• Recently promoted executives who are facing new leadership challenges in the area of sustainability.



Course Structure

This Postgraduate Certificate programme is 30 credits delivered over a 9 month period from October to June. The five modules are delivered over a series of workshops (three per module) held in-person on a Thursday evening and all day Friday, once a month, to minimise interference with busy work schedules.

The programme has five modules delivered over two twelve-week semesters within a 9-month period: The Sustainable Green Organisation, Sustainability Measurement and Reporting, A Practical Toolkit for Sustainable Business, Purpose-Driven Systemic Change, Sustainability in Action Project.



Participants are assessed on a module-by-module basis through a variety of practical assignments combining group work and individual work.



The emphasis throughout the programme is focused on the practical application of knowledge to benefit the participant, their team and their organisation. The programme culminates in an action learning project where participants will work to blueprint a sustainable business project within their organisation or a participating project company.

Admission Requirements

The programme is open to graduates with a degree (or equivalent) and a strong academic record in any discipline from a recognised third level institution. Applicants without a degree are welcome to apply provided they can show a proven managerial track record. All applicants are required to have a minimum of three years professional or managerial work experience.



All applicants should provide two references confirming their programme eligibility which, together with the applicant’s academic performance during their undergraduate years and their CV, will be used to select the most suitable candidates. Telephone interviews may be conducted to clarify applicants’ motivation and interest in the programme.



All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Closing Date: 11th September 2025

1 Year Part-Time

Next Intake: September 2025

Career Opportunities

This course allows executives to examine their organisation’s environmental and societal impact, and gain an understanding of how they can impact real environment change within their own organisations. This course tackles the increasing need for sustainable strategy in business by giving participants the tools to create long-lasting change in their organisations.