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Risk, Resilience & Sustainability

MSc (NFQ Level 9)
Sustainable Development Goals

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

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Risk, Resilience and Sustainability are three keywords of our time. A deeper understanding of risk, the ways in which it is generated, experienced and managed is fundamental to addressing many of our pressing societal issues. Concepts such as ‘critical infrastructure’ underpin government initiatives to prepare, and manage for, global challenges such climate change, natural disasters, ecological uncertainty, and extreme social inequity. The concept of sustainability is heavily enshrined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) , which have been widely taken up as a road map for future development around the world. The key objective of the course is to explore how sustainability and resilience work together in the safeguarding of ecosystem services, the economy, construction, transportation and political systems. 

Geography as a discipline offers expertise in the environment (e.g. hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, cyclones, floods and other environmental hazards) and the societal dimensions of risk, resilience and sustainability and is well placed to offer an interdisciplinary framework. It develops the Schools vision of creating cutting edge research-led teaching that works towards ‘shaping the future’ in ways that are not only more environmentally sustainable, but also through addressing issues of critical importance to ‘future proofing earth’.

An overview of our programme is also available on Youtube: https://youtu.be/s35FKezdAdE

About This Course

Knowledge and Understanding

  • core knowledge across a range of disciplines relevant to risk, resilience and sustainability
  • an appreciation of the context and contribution of different disciplines within the broader area of risk and resilience in general.
  • technical and data analysis skills in GIS and Remote Sensing developed through practical experience

Applying Knowledge and Understanding

The programme will seek to prepare its graduates to be:

Academically excellent, having:

  • in-depth knowledge of their chosen academic discipline underpinned by critical thought, analysis and reflection;
  • well-developed understanding of the limits, contradictions and emerging issues within their chosen discipline and also its relationship to other disciplines;

Making Judgements

The programme will help shape Global citizens, having:

  • awareness of their responsibility as active global citizens, including a commitment to social and cultural

diversity, equity and ethics;

  • well-developed skills of citizenship and the potential to contribute to the growth and enhancement of communities in their work and life contexts.

Communications and working skills

  • Articulate theoretical concepts, current debates and research findings to both specialist and non-specialist audiences from a risk, resilience and sustainability perspective
  • Work effectively with peers in learning, research, and presentation

Learning skills

  • Collect or source data using research methodologies taught on the programme
  • Engage in independent research and analysis under supervision

The MSc in Risk, Resilience and Sustainability offers direct employment prospects in environmental protection agencies (e.g EPA), International organisations such as the UN, the European Environment Agency and the European Commission, government departments and state agencies addressing global challenges, NGOs, Advise industries on social and environmental strategies, voluntary sector, government, civil service, as well as further academic study. Beyond this, understanding Risk, Resilience and Sustainability and the intellectual and practical skills developed are designed to enable graduates to understand the world in order to change it.

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
 GEOG40390 Research Design Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOL40710 Natural hazards and risk Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOG40520 Dissertation Summer  30
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Choose one fieldwork Module
 GEOG40830 Global South Fieldwork: Vietnam Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Choose one fieldwork Module
 GEOG40940 International Urban Fieldwork Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Choose 40 credits from the modules listed below. Students should check with Programme Director before choosing GEOG40820 or GEOG40870.
 ARCT41310 Geodesign for Urban Futures Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Choose 40 credits from the modules listed below. Students should check with Programme Director before choosing GEOG40820 or GEOG40870.
 GEOG40820 GIS Principles and Applications Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Choose 40 credits from the modules listed below. Students should check with Programme Director before choosing GEOG40820 or GEOG40870.
 GEOG40860 Practical Environmental Assessment Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Choose 40 credits from the modules listed below. Students should check with Programme Director before choosing GEOG40820 or GEOG40870.
 GEOG40960 Coastal Risks Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Choose 40 credits from the modules listed below. Students should check with Programme Director before choosing GEOG40820 or GEOG40870.
 GEOG40990 INFOMAR marine seabed data Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Choose 40 credits from the modules listed below. Students should check with Programme Director before choosing GEOG40820 or GEOG40870.
 GEOG41000 INFOMAR marine survey data Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Choose 40 credits from the modules listed below. Students should check with Programme Director before choosing GEOG40820 or GEOG40870.
 GEOG41090 Urban Data Analytics Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Choose 40 credits from the modules listed below. Students should check with Programme Director before choosing GEOG40820 or GEOG40870.
 GEOG41170 Citizen Science Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Choose 40 credits from the modules listed below. Students should check with Programme Director before choosing GEOG40820 or GEOG40870.
 GEOG41240 Stewardship for Sustainability Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Choose 40 credits from the modules listed below. Students should check with Programme Director before choosing GEOG40820 or GEOG40870.
 GEOG40870 Advanced GIS Applications Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Choose 40 credits from the modules listed below. Students should check with Programme Director before choosing GEOG40820 or GEOG40870.
 GEOG40890 Remote Sensing Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Choose 40 credits from the modules listed below. Students should check with Programme Director before choosing GEOG40820 or GEOG40870.
 GEOG41060 Geostatistics and Programming for GIS Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Choose 40 credits from the modules listed below. Students should check with Programme Director before choosing GEOG40820 or GEOG40870.
 GEOG41070 Risk, Resilience and Sustainability Internship Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Choose 40 credits from the modules listed below. Students should check with Programme Director before choosing GEOG40820 or GEOG40870.
 GEOG41190 Advanced Qualitative Methods Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Choose 40 credits from the modules listed below. Students should check with Programme Director before choosing GEOG40820 or GEOG40870.
 GEOG41230 Applied hydromorphology Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)40CR:
Choose 40 credits from the modules listed below. Students should check with Programme Director before choosing GEOG40820 or GEOG40870.
 GEOG41250 RRS Internship Spring  10

UCD is strongly committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), embedding sustainability in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement. Sustainability principles are integrated into this programme, ensuring students graduate equipped to address global challenges. UCD’s leadership in this area is internationally recognised, ranking 49th globally and 1st in Ireland in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2024. UCD also leads impactful research in areas such as climate action, clean energy, and social equity, supported by a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy focused on reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering a sustainable campus culture.

Here are the SDGs which align more visibly with this programme:

SDG6 SDG 11 SDG 13 SDG 14 SDG 15

“I wholeheartedly recommend the Master’s program in Risk, Resilience and Sustainability at the UCD School of Geography. The program went beyond the basics, offering an exploration into crucial topics needed to better understand our rapidly changing world, such as geographic information systems, coastal risks, natural hazards, remote sensing and fieldwork both onshore and offshore Ireland as well as abroad. These modules have prepared me for the complexities of understanding the risks, building resilience and moving towards a sustainable future. The professors at the school weren’t just instructors; they were mentors. Their expertise and guidance were invaluable throughout the program, and I will be forever grateful for their immense interest in their students. This program challenged me to think critically and pushed me beyond my comfort zone. With graduation on the horizon, I feel equipped with the skills and knowledge to make a real difference in the world. ” 

Siofra Handibode, 2023-24 Graduate

MSc Risk, Resilience & Sustainability (W464) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 9330
nonEU    fee per year - € 22600

MSc Risk, Resilience & Sustainability (W465) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 5600
nonEU    fee per year - € 11300

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on www.ucd.ie/fees. Please note that the costs of travel and subsistence for some fieldwork modules are borne by the student. 

UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD masters programme. Please see www.ucd.ie/global/scholarships/ or https://www.ucd.ie/geography/study/scholarships/ for further information.

  • A primary degree with at least GPA 3.08 (2.1/2H1) or international equivalent in Geography or a related discipline.
  • We would encourage applicants from those with at least a GPA 3.08 (2.1/2H1) in a related area that provides appropriate background to the programme.
  • In certain circumstances,  we will consider students who have a GPA 2.48 (2H2) and some relevant work or other experience. Contact geography@ucd.ie This includes students returning to study after a break.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element) or equivalent
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.

Full Time option suitable for:

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

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No


This Masters is ideally suited to anyone who is seeking deeper understanding of risk, resilience and sustainability as  they relate to both the natural world through hazards such as flooding, sea level rise, and human vulnerability.  This understanding is fundamental to addressing many of our pressing societal issues. While Geography is central to this understanding, no prior experience of Geography is required and students with backgrounds in Earth and Biological Sciences, and Social Sciences are welcome to apply.



Please be aware that the modules for the part-time route are only available during working hours, from Monday to Friday. This course is not offered in the evenings or online. Instead, it is designed to spread your learning requirements over two years, which is ideal for those who are currently employed and can only attend campus for one day per week. If you are worried about managing your work and study commitments, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Risk, Resilience & Sustainability:

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W464
Risk, Resilience & Sustainability
Master of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
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W465
Risk, Resilience & Sustainability
Master of Science

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Graduate Taught
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