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During this programme, you will: 

• Analyse and interpret climate data to design, test and implement impactful solutions to complex climate-related issues. 

• Use scenario planning, foresight, and futures methodologies to inform long-term decision-making. 

• Develop professional versatility through research-led teaching, hands-on projects, and industry-relevant modules. 

• Be guided by Climate Action Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 – ‘Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.’ 

Key information: 

• Complete full-time in one year 

• Blended Delivery 

• Modules taught during autumn, spring and summer semesters  

• Submit a research project at the end of the summer semester. 

You will learn through a blend of:  

• Lectures, workshops, self-guided and lab-based learning, and hands-on activities  

• Reflective practice and guided research  

• Regular feedback from faculty and peers 

Autumn Semester 

• Explores the scientific, social, and ethical dimensions of climate change to develop critical sustainability thinking for real-world decision-making. 

• Examines major climate-related hazards and the strategies used by societies to anticipate, manage, and respond to climate risks. 

• Investigates how urban ecosystems provide essential services that support human wellbeing, resilience, and sustainable city planning. 

• Focuses on how organisations integrate sustainability principles into strategy, governance, and operations to create long-term value 

• Develops practical skills to assess and manage the landscape and visual impacts of development projects in line with planning and environmental regulations. 

Spring Semester 

• Analyses climate policies across different political systems to understand how governance, power, and institutions shape climate action. 

• Provides hands-on training in using geospatial data and GIS tools to analyse environmental change and support evidence-based decision-making. 

• Futures focus thinking  Explores approaches to identifying, assessing, and building resilience to climate risks across communities, organisations, and systems.
   
•   Introduces futures and foresight methods to help anticipate uncertainty and support strategic thinking in complex environmental and societal contexts. 

• Equips students with the skills to design and plan robust interdisciplinary research addressing complex sustainability and environmental challenges. 

Summer Semester

• Provides prospective students a multifaceted academic experience with an industry partner or industry related or defined project.  

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.   

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s  

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree ( Level 8) with at least a second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) in a relevant discipline such as Geography, Environmental Science, Chemical Sciences, Architecture, Engineering, Urban Planning.
• The university may shortlist and invite you to an interview.   

Other Entry Considerations: 

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, as long as you can show that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for the programme. 

At UL, we value all kinds of learning and support different ways to qualify through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. 

Candidates applying through RPL will need to submit a portfolio to demonstrate their technical and/or management experience. 

International students:  

• For details on country-specific qualifications visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students. 

Checklist of Documents: 

• *Academic transcripts and certificates, translated if needed.
  • UL graduates only need to provide their student ID.
• Copy of your birth certificate or passport 

English Language: 

• English Language Competency certificate 

• For details on accepted language qualifications visit English Language Requirements 

Guidelines on Completing your Application  

• To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
  • Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist.
  • Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.
• *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date, you don’t need to have finished final exams before applying. 

EU - €7,995  

Non- EU - €18,600

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.  

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie).  
 

Funding 

Find further information on funding and scholarships.

The MSc Sustainability and Climate Futures can lead graduates to the following sectors and careers:     

• Sustainability or climate policy analyst
• Climate risk or resilience consultant
• ESG and sustainability strategy professional
• Researcher or PhD candidate
• Roles in government, NGOs, international organisations, finance, or the private sector
• Climate futures, adaptation, or transition planning roles 

Still Curious?  

The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.