Sustainability with Business & Economics
BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Course Video
Curricular information is subject to change.
Open AllSustainability is a way of thinking about the future in which environmental, social and economic dimensions intertwine. The Sustainability with Business & Economics pathway shines a light on the business and economic dimensions of sustainability – understanding how systems and resources work, and building the knowledge, skills and practices of working with people and strategy to get things done.
This pathway focuses on supporting you to better understand the world of business and economics, and make interdisciplinary connections to all aspects of sustainability. It offers flexibility to enable you draw on a range of modules from relevant disciplines in the social sciences, humanities, business and law or choose to become more focussed on particular aspects of sustainability in business such as global supply chain management, design of environmental economic policies, corporate responsibility, or sustainable business practices and working in interdisciplinary teams.
Sustainability with Business & Economics is one of the degree subjects available through the common entry Sustainability DN240 course.
Students study a common first year for the three Sustainability degree subjects and at the end of first year, students choose their degree major. Assuming students meet all the academic requirements, students are guaranteed their degree major, which they study in second, third and fourth year.
Each year has a range of interesting core (compulsory) modules related to each of the three areas of sustainability, as well as option modules in your degree major. Indicative modules included are as follows:
First Year:
In first year you study core modules focusing on sustainability concepts and skills, along with core and option modules from each of the three degree subjects. Modules include:
- Introduction to Sustainability
- Sustainability Challenges
- Principles of Scientific Enquiry
- Mapping a Sustainable World
- Environmental Change and Policy
- Business in Society
- Economics
Second Year:
- Sustainability Research Tools
- Careers and Innovation in Sustainability
- Introduction to Quantitative Economics
- Principals of Microeconomics
- Marketing: An Introduction
- Foundations of Finance
- GIS for Sustainability
- Chemistry
Third Year:
In third year, you will participate in an international field course and have opportunities including an overseas exchange for one trimester and/or a substantial internship.
- Sustainability In Action (Field Course)
- Intermediate Microeconomics
- Economics of the Environment
- Sustainable Operations & Supply Chain Management
- Business Across Borders
- Consulting with NGOs
- Principles of Environmental Biology & Ecology
- Development Geographies
Fourth Year:
- Internship in Sustainability
- Sustainability Interdisciplinary Project
- Business Strategy
- Public Economics
- Business and Sustainability
- Entrepreneurship in Action
There will be opportunities to apply for exchange programmes and an international field trip is a core component of the third year experience. Students will also have the opportunity to research and apply for international internships with relevant industries and employers. Placements are secured through a competitive process.
An interdisciplinary education in sustainability theory, policy and practise will equip you to work in areas such as renewables, clean technology management and energy efficiency within organisations, or advise industries on social and environmental strategies.
Many opportunities also exist in global professional service firms and consultancy, and international organisations such as the UN, the European Environment Agency and the European Commission, government departments and state agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Parks and Wildlife Service and in local authorities and Non-Governmental Organisations.
A wide range of graduate opportunities and pathways include further specialisation through for example MSc Business, Economics, or Sustainability Policy or Practice.
“Studying Sustainability has been and continues to be a unique and rewarding experience. During my first two years, I have had both a broad introduction to sustainability and the opportunity to specialise within it by choosing the Business and Economics degree subject. Choosing Sustainability gave me the ability to select from a wide choice of modules offered, which reflects the multidisciplinary nature of the course. I have found that this course and its students are especially well supported by its director and coordinators. The combination of systems and future-focused thinking that exists at the core of this degree is a huge advantage for sustainability students both in university and the wider world.”
Colm Flanagan, Student
Associate Professor Maeve Houlihan
UCD Lochlann Quinn School of Business
Tel: +353 1 716 2389
email: sustainability@ucd.ie
