SDG Academy and University College Dublin launch new Master’s Pathway in Foundations of Sustainable Development

The SDG Academy and University College Dublin (UCD) have launched a newMaster’s Pathway in Foundations of Sustainable Development, providing flexible access to UCD’s online MSc. in Sustainable Development.

Sustainable development is the most urgent challenge facing humanity. Its fundamental question is: How can the world economy continue to develop in a way that is socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable to face global challenges? A thriving global society relies on the stability of the Earth and its resilience across oceans, ecosystems, waterways, biodiversity, the atmosphere, and more. So, how do we shape sustainability at a global scale? And with the growing demand for “green skills” in jobs around the world, how can professionals drive sustainability in their industries? 

TheMaster’s Pathwayis a partnership between the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s SDG Academy and University College Dublin, one of Europe’s leading universities. It gives learners a flexible, accredited pathway to further education in the field of sustainable development. Students start with the SDG Academy’s(opens in a new window)Master’s Pathway Professional Certificate on edX. They can then apply toUCD’s online Professional Diploma in Foundations of Sustainable Developmentand, if accepted, automatically receive 10 credits. UCD’s 10-credit onlineGlobal Classroommodule rounds out the Professional Diploma.

Once they complete the Diploma, students can continue intoUCD’s online Master’s of Science (MSc.) in Sustainable Development—offsetting 20 academic credits. By staggering the credits in this way, theMaster’s Pathwayprovides flexibility for busy learners, as well as an avenue for learners with nontraditional academic backgrounds to earn credentials in the field of sustainable development. 

“UCD's partnership on the Master’s Pathway expands our relationship with the SDG Academy by providing a unique pathway to upskill for internationally recognised sustainable development educational qualifications,” says Enda Murphy, Professor of Planning in UCD’s Professor of Planning at the School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy.

“The global labour force needs to re- and upskill at speed to put the world on a pathway to sustainable development, and professionals need to understand the intersection of science, policy, and practice,” explains Professor Patrick Paul Walsh, VP of Education at SDSN and Director of its SDG Academy. “That's why University College Dublin and the SDG Academy have created this innovative online Master’s pathway for all learners across government, corporates and civil society to earn a Professional Certificate, Professional Diploma, and/or MSc. in Sustainable Development. You can enter the pathway at any stage, with or without professional experience in the field of sustainable development, and emerge ready to take part in the transition to a sustainable future.”

From learning the interactions between sustainable economic growth and environmental sustainability to understanding activities that drive climate change and the boundaries set by the planet’s natural resources, theMaster’s Pathway in Foundations of Sustainable Developmentwill set learners on a path to tackle challenges locally and globally.  

This is the second collaboration between the SDG Academy and UCD. The two institutions already partner onUCD’s online MSc. in Sustainable Development, combining UCD’s world-class teaching with the SDG Academy’s high-quality online educational resources. 

The SDG Academy(opens in a new window)edX Professional Certificateis available starting July 1, 2023; and theUCD Professional Diplomais currently accepting applications for the September 2023 intake.