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 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
Upon completion students will be able to:
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.
| 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.
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/
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: Yes
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:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | T427 Graduate Certificate in Life Cycle Assessment for Sustainable Materials and Energy Graduate Certificate Part-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught |