Introduction to Sustainability and Climate Transformation *

Given the widespread interest in policy, business and academia in relation to sustainability and climate change, there is a lack of current understanding of concepts and tools to take action in organisations. There is a strong need for further interdisciplinary education on the topic of sustainability, climate change and related disciplines.

This module aims to gives students from diverse backgrounds a foundation in broad sustainability and climate transformation. Current state of the art in sustainability knowledge including EU policies and their targeted impacts will be studied in detail. This module will equip students with the relevant knowledge needed to critically monitor and respond to a rapidly evolving business and policy landscape via the lens of sustainably and climate action and organisational transformation.

The module will incorporate current state of the art in knowledge from the scientific community. with practical guest case studies from enterprise, innovation and NGO communities. It will incorporate an interdisciplinary approach and will appeal to sustainability managers, climate change officers, national/local governmental officials, supply chain officers and people with a general interest in transitioning to a more sustainable society.

What will I learn?

Students who complete this module successfully will be able to: 

Critically evaluate the foundations of climate change, sustainability, systems change, ethical and social aspects of international business and their connection to climate justice and development of a more equitable, fair and sustainable society globally.
Analyse interdisciplinary sustainability challenges and reflect on why change away from a linear economy is needed and how sustainable business models can help accelerate sustainability and climate progress in business and society.
Understand international sustainability frameworks and critically assess your current organisational sustainability performance, integrate knowledge from international best practice and apply these to your own role in your organisation and community.
Devise a feasible sustainability plan, using the materiality matrix and stakeholder engagement to improve your current societal/environmental performance.
Evaluate your organisation’s global impact on people, planet, profit (triple bottom line) by transforming your sustainability strategy and building collaborative partnerships to address climate change.
Critically reflect on limitations on your sustainability strategies, future skills needed, need for collaboration and continuous improvement opportunities.

Entry Requirements

This programme is designed for those who have reached NFQ level 7 degree in any relevant degree area. The University’s policy in relation to recognition of prior learning (RPL) also applies. Further information on RPL can be found here.

Course Information

AWARD TYLE: NFQ Level 8
DELIVERY MODE: Online
DURATION: 12 weeks, once a fortnight, part-time, evening sessions
START DATE: January 2025 (TBC)
COST: TBC

*Subject to Approval

Applications will open shortly
Register your interest to be notified when applications open.

HCI LEARNER FEE SUBSIDY

Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria may qualify for an 80% fee subsidy (subject to the availability of places). Details can be found here.