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Graduate Certificate in Life Cycle Assessment for Sustainable Materials and Energy

GradCert (NFQ Level 9)
Sustainable Development Goals

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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This part time online programme offered by UCD is designed to meet the growing demand for professionals who are capable of conducting holistic environmental impact assessments

As industries shift towards net-zero emissions, resource efficiency, and circular economy models, decision-makers must consider a broader range of sustainability indicators, including water consumption, resource depletion, energy demand, land use, biodiversity impacts, and social and economic sustainability metrics.

This programme provides a deeper, more comprehensive approach to sustainability assessment compared to traditional carbon footprinting. Participants will gain technical expertise in multi-criteria environmental impact assessments, using internationally recognised methodologies to evaluate trade-offs between climate impact, resource efficiency, pollution, ecosystem degradation, and socio-economic factors. The program provides training in ISO standard methods for Life Cycle Assessment (ISO 14040/44), the EU Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). It integrates circularity metrics, life cycle-based sustainability strategies, and sustainable energy assessments, equipping graduates with the knowledge to support evidence-based decision-making.

The course is comprised of 30 credits, taught modules split across the Autumn & Spring trimesters. 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: Wednesday 14.00 - 16.00
*Spring: Tuesday 12pm and Wednesday :15:00 - 18:00

If you are unable to attend at the above times, online recordings will be available

About This Course

Upon completion students will be able to:  

  • Explain and apply the theory of life cycle assessment (LCA).
  • Collect data and conduct a multi-criteria LCA of an extant product, process or service using ISO 14040/44 standards, including inventory development, impact assessment (LCIA), and interpretation.
  • Use LCA software tools to model and analyse life cycle impacts, compare alternatives, and support data-driven decision-making.
  • Quantify environmental impacts across at least four relevant impact categories, such as carbon footprint, resource depletion, water consumption, and land use, relevant to the company/sector.
  • Evaluate the environmental performance of materials, energy systems, and technologies, including renewable energy sources and sustainable materials.
  • Prepare a report summarising the methodologies used, the sustainability assessment, and recommendations for impact reduction, in line with relevant ISO standards and international best practices.

 

While carbon footprinting is widely recognised as a priority, industries increasingly require specialists who can assess broader environmental impacts, social responsibility, and economic viability. It is particularly relevant for individuals pursuing careers in LCA consulting, sustainability management, environmental engineering, materials science, and corporate sustainability strategy. Additionally, professionals in manufacturing, energy, construction, and supply chain management will gain the skills necessary to evaluate and improve the sustainability of products, processes, and services.

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.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 BSEN30640 Life Cycle Assessment O/L Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 BSEN40480 Sustainable Energy & Environmental Impact Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 BSEN40210 Green Technologies Project Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 BSEN40400 LCA Applications Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 BSEN40620 Biomass innovation, green technology and business O/L Spring  5

This certification plays a key role in SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by covering Sustainable Energy & Environment (BSEN40480) and Green Technologies (BSEN40210). The Life Cycle Assessment (BSEN30360) and Circularity Metrics modules advance SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by ensuring sustainable production and reducing environmental impacts.

“Taking part in the Carbon Accounting and Life Cycle Assessment programme was a turning point in my career. I focused my work on the fashion industry, and this course really propelled me forward – deepening my understanding of the environmental impact of clothing and equipping me with the tools to make real change. It helped me grow my expertise in the life cycle of garments and strengthened my ability to support more sustainable practices across the industry. The course gave me both the knowledge and the confidence to push further in my work and I’m incredibly grateful for that.”

Miriam Keegan: Graduate of the Grad Dip Carbon Accounting and Life Cycle Assessment
Sustainable fashion educator, designer, business strategist and advocate.

 

Graduate Certificate in Life Cycle Assessment for Sustainable Materials and Energy (T427) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 4565
nonEU    fee per year - € 6985

***Fees are subject to change

  • Applicants should hold a NFQ Level 8 (or International equivalent ) Bachelors 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/

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: Yes


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Graduate Certificate in Life Cycle Assessment for Sustainable Materials and Energy:

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T427
Graduate Certificate in Life Cycle Assessment for Sustainable Materials and Energy
Graduate Certificate

Part-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
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