BSc Sustainability

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Next Intake TBA

Course Overview

The BSc Sustainability at University College Dublin is your pathway to understanding and addressing the complex environmental, social, and economic challenges of our time. This interdisciplinary undergraduate degree is designed for students eager to contribute to critical research, policy, and practice in sustainability. You will explore core concepts and skills, gaining a foundational understanding that prepares you to specialise in areas such as Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences, Policy & Law, or Business & Economics from your second year onwards. This programme equips you with the integrated knowledge necessary to drive meaningful change.

You will study this programme on campus full-time over four years, engaging with a curriculum that balances core sustainability modules with specialised subject matter. Your learning experience will include practical skills development, with opportunities for an international field course in your third year, potential overseas exchange programmes, and substantial internships. In your final year, you will undertake a significant research project, applying your accumulated knowledge to a real-world sustainability challenge. Upon graduation, you will be prepared for diverse career paths in environmental management, policy advising, sustainable business, and research, equipped with the analytical and practical expertise demanded by global sustainability initiatives.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This Bachelor of Science in Sustainability program offers a comprehensive exploration of environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability. Across four years, students will engage with foundational principles, research methodologies, and practical applications. The curriculum progresses from introductory concepts and scientific inquiry to advanced topics such as global environmental change, waste management, and ecological systems, culminating in an internship and a major research project.

1 First Year

Introduction to sustainability
Sustainability challenges
Principles of scientific enquiry
Practical statistics
Mapping a sustainable world
Environmental change & policy
Business in society
Economics

2 Second Year

Sustainability research tools
Careers & innovation in sustainability
Mathematics
Chemistry
Global environmental change
Life on Earth
Weather, climate and climate change
GIS for sustainability
Animal behaviour
Principles of microeconomics

3 Third Year

Sustainability field trip
Working with biological data
Waste management
Systems ecology
Wildlife conservation and fisheries management
Geoscience for sustainability
Social policy, social justice and the environment
Marketing: an introduction

4 Fourth Year

Internship in sustainability
Sustainability research project
Global change ecology
Environmental assessment
Geomaterials and geoenergy
Life cycle assessment

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 30,397.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 30,397.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 30,397.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 30,397.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 121,589.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 349.00 - USD 849.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,930.00 - USD 5,613.00
Transport USD 842.00 - USD 1,965.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,404.00 - USD 2,105.00
Estimated Total USD 6,176.00 - USD 9,683.00

Living cost estimates are based on Belfield campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

99%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Adult & Continuing EducationAgricultural Marketing & SalesCorporate Training & DevelopmentEdTech & E-LearningEnergy Equipment & ServicesGovernment & Regulatory AgenciesMining Technology & InnovationOil & Gas Exploration & ProductionSecondary & High School EducationSurface & Underground Mining

Top Employers Hiring for this course

ESB

RPS

Sustainable Energy Authority Of Ireland

Teagasc

Trinity College Dublin

University College Dublin

Why Study BSc Sustainability at University College Dublin

What makes this program stand out

Top 20 in UK For Computer Science

Exeter's Computer Science department consistently ranks among the top 20 in the UK for both teaching quality and research output.

Fast Offers Quick turnaround

Exeter typically responds to applications within 2-3 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Flexible Intakes September start

Primary intake in September with January start available for some pathways through the INTO foundation program.

Accredited Industry recognized

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, meeting requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status.

Life at University College Dublin in Ireland

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BSc Sustainability at University College Dublin

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours during breaks in Ireland. No separate work permit is necessary as long as you’re enrolled full-time in a qualifying program.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English proficiency, accepted tests include Duolingo with an overall score of 120, TOEFL with a minimum overall score of 90, or IELTS with a minimum overall score of 6.5. Ensure you meet these requirements to apply.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue roles such as Sustainability Consultant, Environmental Analyst, Policy Advisor, Business Sustainability Manager, and Corporate Social Responsibility Officer.

What will I actually study in this course?

The Sustainability course takes an interdisciplinary approach, covering topics such as Environmental Sciences and Social Sciences. In the first year, students can choose a specialization for their second year.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BSc Sustainability course has an intake in September each year. Make sure to prepare your application ahead of time to secure your spot.
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