Turas Learning Programme

The Turas Learning Programme is a new upskilling activity developed by IKC3. In 2023, the programme will be delivered by Munster Technological University in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin, and is state funded by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).

The Turas Learning Programme equips participants with up-to-date knowledge on contemporary climate change challenges in terms of adaptation, mitigation, science, and policy. The programme allows participants to work actively and collaboratively through their insights and apply them in a practical, meaningful way within coherent ecological, social, economic, and societal contexts. Transferable skills, personal development, and leadership development are key focus areas of the programme.

Kicking off on April 24^th, the Turas Learning Programme has four separate core components which are spread through the calendar year between April and October 2023. These activities are designed to fit around work, education, and caring commitments, and are aimed at training or upskilling citizens and professionals or adding value to primary degree areas.

The four core components are:

Monthly personal development sessions with a dedicated group of professionals. These sessions are designed to help participants strengthen their leadership skills towards solving complex societal challenges related to climate change.
Online thought-provoking lectures and workshops for future-oriented skills development. Learners will have the possibility to virtually meet and network within the IKC3 and partner universities communities, whilst being inspired by innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought These activities will be run on selected evenings throughout the programme.
A week-long residential summer school held in Co. Kerry from July 17th – 21st inclusive. Working in multidisciplinary teams, learners will develop a group project focused on systems innovation and climate leadership. There will be additional online workshops to complete the Summer School throughout July. After the summer school, learners will work on an individual impact project. This activity will be supported by two dedicated professional coaches, and local coordinators from IKC3. During this phase participants will start planning how to drive change in a local context.
Digital Community Summit/Graduation Ceremony (October 23^rd and 24^th). This is an opportunity for networking and citizen outreach where all participants and programme contributors meet at a final event. The event will focus on learner success stories, common sensemaking, understanding and sharing of experiences, reflection, and planning of next steps.

Except for travel to and from the summer school, costs are fully covered through the Higher Education Authority and IKC3. .

Webinar Series

Applications are now closed for the 2023 Turas Learning Programme. However, the monthly webinars are open to anyone interested in expanding their knowledge on sustainability and climate change. To sign up for registration details for each webinar please provide your email below.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any further queries, don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing turas@ikc3.ie

How many participants will there on the programme?

There are 40 places available on the programme, successful applicants will be offered a place as soon as possible after the deadline of 24^th March.

What are the eligibility requirements for the programme?

The programme is open to final year students, postgrad/PHD students, recent graduates, early to mid career professionals, both employed and self employed, people who are unemployed or people who have caring duties in the home and want to upskill.

Participants don’t need to have academic experience working in this area to take part and there is an aspect of recognition to prior learning and experience.

If you are really interested in the area of climate change and sustainability, regardless of your background or education level, we would encourage you to submit an application.

What if I can’t attend the residential summer school?

The residential summer school is an essential requirement, we require participants to commit to all aspects of the programme.

Will I gain ECTS credits or is the programme credit bearing?

Successful participants will receive the equivalent of 10 ECTS credits at a postgraduate level on completion of the programme from Trinity College Dublin.

What will the workload be like, how many hours per month is the programme?

There will be monthly workshops and group coaching sessions in April, May, June, July, September and October (there will be a break in August). The week-long residential summer school will take place from 17th – 21st July.

The monthly webinars are approximately 2 hours in the evening.

The monthly small group coaching sessions vary depending on the stage of the programme but are approximately 1-2 hours in the evening.

There will be assignments required for assessment after the summer school, there is 1 group project, 1 individual project and an individual reflection piece.

The programme has been designed to fit around busy lifestyles, workshops will be recorded and can be accessed if participants aren’t available at the time of the live workshop. There is a certain level of self-driven learning outside of the workshops, coaching sessions and summer school.

Will the programme run more than once?

We hope to run the Turas Learning Programme each year.

The area of climate action is a committed and engaged space where progress takes time, effort and commitment. Committing one’s career to this essential work requires both endurance and resilience for the fight. This programme, in particular the residential school, provided a wonderful opportunity for me to recharge my resilience and restore my endurance for the task at hand. From becoming reacquainted with systems thinking models to analyse and assess the complex interconnection of climate challenges and solutions, to the time spent growing my personal network of like minded, yet diverse climate activists, struck a wonderful balance of the people, systems and solutions that we need to make serious progress in climate change mitigation and adaptation. I am grateful for the opportunity offered to me.

The programme is a great opportunity for learning how your day-to-day studies or job can be linked through systems thinking approach to climate challenges and opportunities. It widens your perspectives and critical thinking through workshops, field visits, lectures, and by collaborating with individuals from diverse career backgrounds. I would recommend everyone to explore this opportunity for identifying and learning some of the requirements for tackling climate and social issues.

The Irish Bioeconomy Foundation (IBF) is a proud associate partner of the Turas Learning Programme. We believe that this programme is an excellent opportunity for students looking to enrich their knowledge base and degree value by gaining system thinking skills to tackle sustainability challenges. It is also great for industry partners seeking to provide their staff with the latest knowledge on climate-change related challenges, practical competencies, and leadership abilities to leverage business opportunities while participating in the transition to a low carbon and sustainable society.