Higher Diploma Sustainability and Climate Action for Enterprise

Program Overview

The Higher Diploma in Sustainability and Climate Action for Enterprise is a comprehensive 9-month program designed to equip graduates with skills and knowledge for sustainability leadership in business and enterprise. It emphasizes the principles of sustainability, the circular economy, and sustainable energy, while developing transferable leadership and innovative thinking skills through core and elective modules. The program is delivered through a combination of face-to-face and hybrid teaching methods, and graduates are well-positioned for careers driving sustainability transformation within organizations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Higher Diploma in Sustainability and Climate Action for Enterprise is a 9-month, full-time program designed for individuals interested in achieving real systems change across enterprise and industry. It aims to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead the transition to sustainable business practices. The program emphasizes the importance of sustainability in business strategy, operations, and decision-making, recognizing the growing public awareness and concerns over climate change and environmental sustainability. The program focuses on developing a deep understanding of the principles and theories associated with business, management, and the circular economy. It also emphasizes the development of transferable leadership skills and the identification of business opportunities through innovative frameworks.

Outline:

The program is structured around core modules (50 credits) and elective modules (10 credits).

Core Modules (50 credits):

• CE5010 Progressing toward Sustainable Industry (5 credits): This module explores the transition to a sustainable industry, examining the challenges and opportunities involved.
• CE5011 Environmental Engineering - Wet (5 credits): This module focuses on the principles and practices of environmental engineering, particularly in relation to water resources.
• PE3011 Sustainability and Environmental Protection I (5 credits): This module provides an overview of sustainability and environmental protection, covering key concepts and principles.
• CE5009 Circular Economy Energy & Environmental Systems (5 Credits): This module delves into the circular economy, exploring its energy and environmental implications.
• FE2012 Sustainability in Modern Business (5 credits): This module examines the role of sustainability in modern business practices, exploring its integration into various business functions.
• MG5005 Marketing Ethics and Sustainability (5 credits): This module focuses on the ethical considerations and sustainable practices within marketing.
• EC3156 Environmental Economics: The Problem of Climate Change (5 credits): This module explores the economic dimensions of climate change, analyzing its impact and potential solutions.
• CE4025 Leadership in Sustainability in Enterprise (5 credits): This module focuses on developing leadership skills in the context of sustainability within enterprises.
• NE5003 Sustainable Energy (5 credits): This module explores the principles and technologies of sustainable energy production and consumption.

Elective Modules (choose 10 credits):

• FE5001 Marketing and Communications for Sustainable Food Production and Consumption (5 credits): This module examines the role of marketing and communication in promoting sustainable food production and consumption.
• EV4012 Environmental Impact Assessments (5 credits): This module focuses on the methods and techniques used to assess the environmental impacts of projects and activities.
• SC3029 Sociology of the Environment (5 credits): This module explores the social dimensions of environmental issues, examining the relationship between society and the environment.
• MG5006 Management in Practice (5 credits): This module provides practical insights into management principles and practices.
• MG2003 Consumer Behaviour & Sustainable Consumption (5 credits): This module examines consumer behavior in relation to sustainable consumption patterns.
• EV4002 Environmental Monitoring and Assessment (10 credits): This module focuses on the methods and techniques used to monitor and assess environmental conditions.

Teaching:

The program is delivered primarily through face-to-face lectures, with some elements delivered using a hybrid model, including synchronous online lectures and pre-recorded material.

Careers:

The program aims to prepare graduates for leadership roles in environmental sustainability and decarbonization within business and enterprise. The skills acquired through the program are also highly applicable to other roles within enterprise.

Other:

The program leverages UCC's Sustainability Strategy and the interdisciplinary strengths and capacity developed over 20 years within UCC's Environmental Research Institute. It builds on the success of UCC's Green Campus initiative, which has successfully delivered institutional transformation by embedding sustainability in all university strategies and activities.