BSc in Sustainability
Friday, 6 March, 2020
BSc in Sustainability at UCD
As we strive towards avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance, sustainable development and climate change are two of the greatest challenges of our time and require attention and action from individuals, organisations and governments. UCD recognises the important role it has to play as a leader in these global challenges. It is enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals and achieving it will require an integrated approach to the protection of earth and its inhabitants.
Our unique level 8 programme, (opens in a new window)BSc (Hons) in Sustainability, CAO code DN240 combines the economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainability, enabling specialisation in one of those dimensions complemented by knowledge and skills from the others. In year one you will learn the foundations of Sustainability, including concepts and research tools, policy, law and economics. In addition, you will get a feel for all subject areas involved, such as Social and Environmental Sciences, Business, Mathematics and other optional modules.
On completing first year, you then choose from two pathways:
- Sustainability: Environmental Science and Engineering
- Sustainability: Social Sciences, Policy and Law
Your chosen pathway will involve a majority of core and elective modules associated with it, as well as a smaller number of modules from the other pathway option.
You will have the opportunity to take part in a competitive process to study abroad as part of international internships with relevant industries and employers. There will also be opportunities to apply for the Erasmus Study Abroad Programmes as well as opportunities for overseas field trips
Graduates of the BSc in Sustainability will enjoy careers as consultants, managers and advisers in large organisations and private businesses. An interdisciplinary education in sustainability theory, policy and practise will equip you to work in areas such as renewables, clean technology management and energy efficiency, or advise industries on social and environmental strategies.
Sustainability with Social Sciences, Policy and Law
Why is this course for me?
This unique programme combines the economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainability, enabling specialisation in one of those dimensions complemented by knowledge and skills from the others. Core modules provide a global perspective on sustainability and include interdisciplinary research, a professional placement, field work in Ireland and Europe and guest lectures from leading researchers, advocates and practitioners.
The Sustainability with Social Sciences, Policy and Law pathway has a particular emphasis on the societal and governance dimensions of sustainability. It has a great degree of flexibility to enable you draw on a range of modules from relevant disciplines in the social sciences, humanities and law or choose to become more focussed on particular aspects such as physical or human geography, global development or climate change and associated policy.
Sustainability with Environmental Science and Engineering
Why is this course for me?
This unique programme combines the economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainability, enabling specialisation in one of those dimensions complemented by knowledge and skills from the others. Core modules provide a global perspective on sustainability and include interdisciplinary research, a professional placement, field work in Ireland and Europe and guest lectures from leading researchers, advocates and practitioners.
The Sustainability with Environmental Science and Engineering pathway has a particular emphasis on the science and technology to understand and address climate change and the degradation of our natural environment. It has a great degree of flexibility to enable you to draw on a range of relevant modules from across the disciplines of science, engineering and agriculture. You may also choose to become progressively more focussed on Earth Sciences including climate change, or Ecology / Environmental Biology including conservation and environmental management or the environmental aspects of Engineering, including transport, waste management and sustainable energy solutions.
Entry requirements for the programme are as follows:
- Leaving Certificate:
- 02/H6 in Mathematics
- 06/H7 in Irish, English, and 3 other recognised subjects
Or see below for equivalent, non-CAO routes:
See UCD’s (opens in a new window)BSc in Sustainability, CAO code DN240 page for more details