You will develop systems thinking and apply sustainability assessment tools and ethical engineering practices. With hands-on experience through design projects and professional work experience, you will be prepared for careers in the circular bioeconomy, sustainable energy, climate adaptation, and food innovation, transitioning to a low-carbon and sustainable future.
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This course is available through the following application route(s)
The Sustainable Systems Engineering programme equips graduates to address global challenges across food and biosystems, energy and the environment. You will explore cutting-edge technologies in renewable energy, water, waste, and environmental management, alongside sustainable food production and processing for the circular bioeconomy.
About This Course
Length of Course: 4 Years (BE) + 1Year (ME)
First Year
Engineering students follow a common first year curriculum. Modules include: Calculus • Chemistry • Creativity in Design • Electrical/ Electronic Engineering • Energy Engineering • Engineering • Computing • Linear Algebra Mathematics • Mechanics • Physics
Second to Fifth Year
Modules may include: Sustainable Systems Design • Food Physics • Waste to Energy Processes & Technologies • Bioeconomy • Life Cycle Assessment • Thermodynamics & Kinetics • Hydraulics, Calculus • Statistics • Sustainable Engineering Research Trends • Applied Programming • Modelling and Simulation • Heat Transfer & Fluid Mechanics • Biorefinery processing • Hyperspectral imaging • Food Process Engineering • Water and Wastewater Engineering • Professional Engineering studies (management and finance)
Each week, students engage in lectures, tutorials, hands-on design challenges, laboratory work, group projects, and independent study. Assessment combines end-of-trimester exams with continuous evaluation. In the final year, students complete a major research and design project in their chosen area.
Progression Requirements
At the end of year 3, students can choose either to pursue a 4-year BE or a 5-year integrated ME degree pathway, subject to meeting grade requirements.
Professional Work Experience
Professional Work Experience (PWE) is incorporated during the summer between stages 3 and 4 and can be based in Ireland or internationally with industry, research institutes, or government agencies. Three-month potential industry internship opportunities include the following employers: Glanbia, Sanofi, Royal Oak Distillery, Diageo/ Guinness, Abbott, PM Group, Rowan Engineering Consultants, Green Generation, Maria Lucia Bakes, and Takeda Ireland.
Students have the opportunity in their third year to spend either one or two trimesters studying abroad at a partner University. Studying in countries such as Belgium, France, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, Singapore, Germany, and Switzerland is an option.
Graduates of this programme will drive innovation in sustainable energy, bioresource and environmental management, and food engineering. Exciting opportunities exist in renewable energy development, water and waste management, and sustainable food production. You could work on improving food safety, designing low-carbon technologies, or developing circular economy solutions. Careers span industries such as climate adaptation, environmental consulting, and food innovation, with opportunities in research, policy, and engineering firms. You can also pursue graduate study internationally and pursue further study, including ME and PhD programmes in Ireland and abroad.
Accreditation process
The ME Programme is accredited by Engineers Ireland. The BE is currently seeking accreditation as a new programme.
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 2 Core Modules |
BSEN20060 | Food Physics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
BSEN20170 | Python for Circular Bioeconomy and Agricultural Systems | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
CHEN20030 | Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics & Kinetics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
CVEN20130 | Hydraulics I | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
MATH20290 | Multivariable Calculus for Eng | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
BSEN20210 | Sustainable Systems Design | Autumn and Spring (separate) | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
BSEN20040 | Sustainability Engineering Research Trends | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
BSEN20190 | Intro to Carbon and Energy Footprinting | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
CVEN20120 | Construction Practice | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
STAT20060 | Statistics & Probability | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of: All Stage 2 Sustainable Systems Engineering students may select two Elective Modules, one in each Trimester to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester. However, if preferred, students may select other Modules related to Engineering by choosing one or two of the following ADDTIONAL OPTION Modules, to give a total workload of 30 credits per Trimester. |
BSEN20180 | Intro to Env Footprinting | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of: All Stage 2 Sustainable Systems Engineering students may select two Elective Modules, one in each Trimester to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester. However, if preferred, students may select other Modules related to Engineering by choosing one or two of the following ADDTIONAL OPTION Modules, to give a total workload of 30 credits per Trimester. |
IA20010 | Creative Thinking & Innovation | Autumn and Spring (separate) | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of: All Stage 2 Sustainable Systems Engineering students may select two Elective Modules, one in each Trimester to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester. However, if preferred, students may select other Modules related to Engineering by choosing one or two of the following ADDTIONAL OPTION Modules, to give a total workload of 30 credits per Trimester. |
BSEN20200 | Alternative Proteins for Sustainable Food Systems | Summer | 5 |
As the Head of School, I’m excited to invite you to join UCD’s new BE in Sustainable Systems Engineering. This innovative degree equips you to tackle global challenges across food, energy, climate, and the environment. With hands-on projects, professional experience, and international opportunities, you’ll graduate with real-world skills and a sustainability mindset. If your passion lies in renewable energy, sustainable food systems, the circular bioeconomy, or climate solutions, this programme empowers you to lead the transition to a more sustainable future. You will learn how to apply sustainability concepts and lead and manage sustainability, decarbonization and energy management initiatives. Come shape tomorrow—your journey starts here!
Prof Paula Bourke
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Sustainable Systems Engineering:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceInt | NUS1 Bachelor of Engineering Bachelor of Engineering Full-Time Commencing September 2026 Undergraduate Degree (Non EU) Non EU Undergraduates |
| showAudience-audienceEU | DN150 Bachelor of Engineering Bachelor of Engineering Full-Time Commencing September 2026 Application through CAO |
* you can change options at the top of the page
Additional special entry route(s) to Sustainable Systems Engineering:
These options have additional eligibility requirements to cater for specific applicant cohorts. You should not apply via these routes before consulting the requirements or contacting the responsible UCD office.
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceInt | NUS1 Bachelor of Engineering Bachelor of Engineering Full-Time Commencing September 2026 Access Progression Pathway Access Progression Pathway Application to this Non-EU Access Progression Pathway is by invitation only. If you are not currently enrolled on an Access programme at UCD, your application will be marked as invalid. If you are not a current Access student, but you are a non-EU applicant seeking admission to an undergraduate degree, please submit an application via the "Undergraduate Degree (Non-EU)" course type. |