The following courses are available in this area:
Why UCD Sustainability and Environment?
The following courses are available for students interested in Sustainability and the Environment:
Our World faces immense challenges; climate change, mass migration from the countryside to mega cities, food shortages, excess consumption, food waste and pollution. Through the sustainable cultivation of plants and an increase in plant-based diets, many of these challenges can be overcome. Plants provide the oxygen we breathe, the food we eat, our shelter and medicines.
This course covers the sciences, environmental studies, business, management and communication skills related to growing food and non-food plants. You will also study the science behind developing and maintaining Ireland’s designed landscapes, golf courses, tennis courts and sport pitches.
Sustainability is the great challenge of our time. It is enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals and achieving it will require an integrated approach to the protection of the Earth and its inhabitants. This unique course combines the economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainability, enabling specialisation in one of those dimensions complemented by knowledge and skills from the others.
Core modules provide a global perspective on sustainability and include interdisciplinary research, a professional placement, field work in Ireland and Europe and guest lectures from leading researchers, advocates and practitioners.
About Sustainability and Environment
First year experience in Sustainability
The Sustainability course reflects the integrated interdisciplinary approach required in sustainability research, policy and practice. First Year is structured so that students are able to progress into one of the following degree subjects in Second Year:
- Sustainability with Environmental Sciences
- Sustainability with Social Sciences, Policy & Law
- Sustainability with Business & Economics
First Year Experience in Horticulture
You will study core science subjects in first year, and then develop your horticulture knowledge with specialist modules.
Students spend an average of 40 hours a week attending, lectures, tutorials and laboratory practicals, as well as participating in industry site visits, field and greenhouse workshops, and undertaking independent study and research.
Graduates will enjoy careers as consultants, managers and advisers in large organisations and private businesses. An interdisciplinary education in sustainability theory, policy and practise will equip you to work in areas such as renewables, clean technology management and energy efficiency, or advise industries on social and environmental strategies. Many opportunities also exist in international organisations such as the UN, the European Environment Agency and the European Commission, government departments and state agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Parks and Wildlife Service and in local authorities and Non-Governmental Organisations.