Sustainable Development

Advertisement

This course, which includes a work placement, provides a broad knowledge and understanding of sustainable development including the issues, techniques, management and applications relevant to the living and working environment.

The course is a one year full-time course based on a structure of individual course modules. Each course module is a multiple of 15 contact hours and is delivered by a module coordinator.

Award Graduates are eligible for the award of MSc in Sustainable Development of the Dublin Institute of Technology.

Career Opportunities Graduates are eligible for a wide range of posts in Irish and International enterprises, both public and private, in both the manufacturing and service sectors. Generally students tend to seek or get employment with the skills they developed in their primary degree but with the added advantage of having an in depth understanding of the process and application of sustainable development to environmental, economic or social sectors. With work placement and a suitable research dissertation you could develop the skills needed to help focus your career in a sector that is of particular interest to you.

General Structure

The MSc Sustainable Development is a full time course that runs over 15 months at the DIT. Lectures take place on Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays in semesters 1 and 2. Mondays and Tuesdays are allocated to work placement.

The Programme is structured to provide a first semester of modules which ensure that all candidates are exposed to the most current thinking about the core topics of sustainable development such as ecology, the socio-economic environment, environmental law and institutions etc while a techniques module ensures that candidates are aware of the research and writing standards necessary for participation in an MSc programme.

The first Semester is also used to prepare the candidate to select a Dissertation topic largely though the Research Conference. Two modules Case Studies (semester 1) and Sustainability and Public policy in a European Context (semester 2) provide opportunities to visit and experience examples of best practice both in Ireland and abroad.

The second semester consists almost entirely of optional modules that provide the candidate with exposure to subjects they feel will develop an expertise in a particular aspect of sustainable development.

In the first semester of the programme students have an intensive and in depth introduction to and review of sustainable development as applied in Irish, European and global economies.

In semester 2 students develop an element of specialisation. Students are asked to select 4 modules worth 5 credits from the suite of modules available to the programme (See Optional modules for DT118 for module summaries.)

CORE MODULES DT118 MSc in Sustainable Development

These modules run in the first semester unless indicated otherwise. A link to the module descriptor on DIT Coursewise pages is provided with each module outline below.

Society and Sustainable Development (5 credits) Introduces the learner to the socio-political and ethical issues integral to the study of sustainable development. The module introduces the learner to the key concepts and theories of politics, ethics, sociology, social policy and evaluates the role of social equity for the practice of sustainable development.
Research Techniques (5 credits) Provides the skills to understand sources of information, data analysis and computation relevant to research. It also prepares the student for writing the dissertation
Transport and Urban Development (5 credits) An overview of strategies and tools available to develop a comprehensive policy framework aimed at achieving sustainable mobility patterns and an accessible urban environment. The module also provides insight into the reflexive relationship between transport infrastructure, real estate investment and urban development.
Ecology (5 credits) Provides an awareness and understanding of various areas of human activity and processes and how these impact on the natural environment.
Environmental Law and Institutions II (5 credits) Provides a proper understanding of environmental legislation and its impact on the process of monitoring and guiding the development process
Sustainability and Public policy in a European Context (5 credits) This module is a forum for exploration of contemporary issues in sustainability and regional development through site visits in Europe.
Case studies in Sustainability (5 credits) A series of lectures from practitioners in the field of sustainable development. The module includes field trips based in Ireland
Economy and Sustainable Development (5 credits) An introduction to the concepts and theories of economics. The module uses contemporary examples in Ireland and internationally to analyse the relationship between economics and sustainable development.
Dissertation (25 credits) Semester 1 and 2 This is a self directed learning module which is reported in a dissertation between 15,000 and 20,000 words. The dissertation will be an original piece of work by the student on a research topic relevant to the theme of Sustainable Development.
Progress and Placement (5 credits) Semester 1 and 2 Each student is required to spend a minimum of 14 hours per week for 16 weeks in an approved and monitored work placement.
Work Placement

Each student will spend a minimum of 14 hours per week (Monday and Tuesday) over a minimum of 16 weeks in an approved and monitored work placement. The dissertations are generally based on his placement.

For information on some of the host organisations who have participated in the work placement programme please click here . This list is by no means exhaustive as the placements change from year to year to reflect the student's interests.

Elective Modules in Sustainable Development

Students select 4 of these modules for semester 2

Sustainable Construction (5 credits) The module aims to familiarize the learner with documentation and construction techniques commonly used by the construction sector and provide an understanding of key issues, relating to energy conservation techniques.

Environmental Management Plans II (5 credits) The students work as a team or teams to develop a management plan of an extensive habitat or network of habitats that considers a number of scenarios such as intensification of tourism or agriculture or strict protection of habitats.
Environmental Design and Management (5 credits) This module presents a holistic and integrated approach to design, at household, settlement, city or regional level. The module explores new ways in which resources can be used more effectively and efficiently.
Climate Change Systems and Models (5 credits) This module addresses the basic principles of systems analysis and environmental modelling. The module introduces the student to the fundamental principles of system dynamics, the theoretical context of model development, the modelling process and the general approach to model construction.
Entrepreneurship (5 credits) To make development happen is often dependent on local business initiatives the success of which is usually because of shrewd appraisal of market opportunities, ability to take risks, and use of supporting structures. The module explores the key issues in bringing ideas into successful business concepts.
EU Policy (5 credits) Examination of theories and practice of regional development.
Local Development and Project Appraisal (5 credits) A critical evaluation of how local and regional developments are implemented having regard to the principles of sustainable development.
Management Studies (5 credits) The module provides an introduction to managerial effectiveness and behaviour which will assist the student improve their organisational performance through the better use and the management of human resources.
Spatial Data Assessment (5 credits) The module presents an overview of methods for the assessment of spatial data including geographic information systems and related technologies to enable the learner to appreciate their usefulness in the complex and multifaceted task of sustainable development.
National and Regional Planning (5 credits) This module provides an understanding of economic forces underlying urban development and an awareness of Irish and international spatial planning practice and strategic policy making at metropolitan, regional, national and transnational levels.
Urban Economics II (5 credits) The module examines the relationship between changing socio-economic forces and their impact on the built environment through the planning and development process.
Law for the Community (5 credits)

Honours degree in any relevant discipline at 2.2 grade or higher, or equivalent. Eligible candidates may be interviewed where work/career experience is being considered in lieu of academic qualifications.Note: Due to the considerable competition for our postgraduate programmes satisfying the minimum entry requirement is not a guarantee of a place. Applications will be assessed based on your academic grades and may also take into account your work/life experience. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 80 (Grade A) TOEFL paper-based test score : 550