This course is available through the following application route(s)
This part time online programme offered by UCD is designed to meet the growing demand for professionals who can assess carbon emissions in line with national and international climate policies.
This certification directly supports SDG 13 (Climate Action) by providing expertise in carbon footprinting (BSEN40820), GHG accounting (BSEN40810), and sustainability strategies (BSEN40720). It also integrates sustainability and circular economy principles, enabling graduates to address carbon reduction challenges within their organisations.
This program is open to a diverse range of learners, including students, recent graduates, and those looking to build new skills in response to the evolving job market. It is particularly relevant for individuals seeking careers in corporate sustainability, environmental consulting, engineering, policy-making, and carbon management, but is equally valuable for students in any discipline who want to incorporate sustainability and climate knowledge into their studies or future careers.
The course is comprised of 30 credits, taught modules. 15 credits in the Autumn trimester and 15 in the Spring trimester. It is designed for the professional worker via: Online delivery of modules, with live calls in the afternoon and evening (*as per below schedule), and the opportunity to follow the programme through online recordings.
*Autumn: Tuesday 12pm and Wednesday 10am -12pm
*Spring :Tuesday 11am and Thursday 10am-12pm
If you are unable to attend at the above times, online recordings will be available
Upon completion students will be able to:
Upon completion, graduates will be well-prepared for careers in sustainability strategy, environmental compliance, carbon footprinting, and GHG accounting across corporate, consultancy, governmental, and non-profit sectors. It is particularly relevant for individuals seeking careers in corporate sustainability, environmental consulting, engineering, policy-making, and carbon management, but is equally valuable for students in any discipline who want to incorporate sustainability and climate knowledge into their studies or future careers.
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 1 Core Modules |
BSEN30650 | Circular BioEconomy Principles | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BSEN40720 | Carbon & Sustainability | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BSEN40820 | Carbon Footprinting | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BSEN30610 | SustainabilityDesign Challenge | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BSEN40810 | GHG Accounting | Spring | 10 |
This certification directly supports SDG 13 (Climate Action) by providing expertise in carbon footprinting (BSEN40820), GHG accounting (BSEN40810), and sustainability strategies (BSEN40720). The inclusion of Circular Economy and Bioeconomy Principles aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), promoting sustainable resource management.
“I chose to study the Graduate Diploma in Carbon accounting and Life Cycle Assessment as I wanted to upskill on my return to work following a Career break. The Programme covers a number of methods to assess climate impact and I enjoyed the variety of teaching and learning approaches employed. The diverse backgrounds and support from my fellow students added to the positive experience. I found the programme both challenging and stimulating and it has given me the skills, knowledge and confidence to incorporate aspects of sustainability into my day to day work. One other highlight for me was the support provided by the course tutors and college as a whole.”
Ita White, senior Research Officer, Teagasc Food Research Centre
UCD Graduate, Graduate Diploma in Carbon Accounting & Life Cycle Assessment
Applicants should hold a NFQ Level 8 (or International equivalent ) Bachelor's Degree with minimum 2:1 award (NFQ level 8) or international equivalence in engineering, physical science or an environmental related degree programme.
Minimum English language requirements will apply. The English language requirements for degree courses at UCD are listed at http://www.ucd.ie/international/study-at-ucd-global/ucdenglishlanguagerequirements/
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: Yes
This part time programme is delivered online, allowing participants to join from across Ireland and abroad.
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Graduate Certificate in Carbon and Climate Assessment:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | T423 Graduate Certificate in Carbon and Climate Assessment Graduate Certificate Part-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught |