Course Summary
The MSc in Design Thinking for Sustainability is a unique programme that bridges sustainability knowledge and skills, ensuring students begin to affect change within the programme and are ready to quickly transition to new roles and opportunities upon graduation.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
• A minimum honours degree (Level 8) qualification. Please provide a copy of your academic transcript. If you have previously studied at UCD, please provide your UCD student number on a Word document / pdf. If you do not have a Level 8 you may be eligible to apply under Recognition of Prior Learning. Please contact [email protected] first for further guidance.
• Letter of motivation & CV
• An English language qualification if English is not your first language.
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 at: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/ Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
Application Details
Online Application.
Who Should Apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes
F252: Master of Science in Design Thinking for Sustainability Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Fees
MSc Design Thinking for Sustainability (F252) Full Time
EU fee per credit - € 113.78
nonEU fee per credit - € 221.67
***Fees are subject to change
Please read the information below carefully as there are two entry options available to this programme.
Option1 - Pathway: If you are currently a full time resident in the Republic of Ireland and meet the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1 funding eligibility requirements (view here), you may apply for a funded place to the Graduate Diploma in Design Thinking in Sustainability directly via the Springboard+ website and on completion, apply for the MSc module pathway option. Do not apply here via this portal.
100% or 90% funding is available for the Graduate Diploma in Design Thinking for Sustainability component of this programme for eligible applicants through the Human Capital Initiative (Pillar 1). 2024 /25 is the final year for this funding.
Fees: MSc final module €3,250 (EU) €6,500 (non EU).
There is currently no funding for the final MSc module for those students who choose to take it.
Please speak to one of our recruitment advisors who will explain this application route in more detail.
Option 2 - Full MSc: If you are currently not resident in the Republic of Ireland or you are resident in the Republic of Ireland but do not meet the HCI Pillar 1 funding eligibility requirements, you may apply directly by submitting an application below. Please see the Entry Requirements section for application documents required.
Fees: Full MSc (8 modules 90 ECTS) €9750 (EU) €19,500
Funding options are available. Please get in touch via the ‘Ask a question’ button and a member of the team will be in touch with you very shortly.
For more information, please visit our website.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Naturalist
Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.
Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
The MSc in Design Thinking for Sustainability is a unique programme that bridges knowledge and skills, ensuring students begin to affect change within the programme and are ready to quickly transition to new roles and opportunities upon graduation.