Risk, Resilience & Sustainability

University College Dublin

Ireland, Dublin

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Home/Ireland/Dublin /University College Dublin/Risk, Resilience & Sustainability

University College Dublin

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Credit point

90 Points

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines25-Sep-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 22,600 / year

Next Intake 25-Sep-2026

Risk, Resilience & Sustainability

About

Risk, Resilience and Sustainability are three keywords of our time. A deeper understanding of risk, the ways in which it is generated, experienced and managed is fundamental to addressing many of our pressing societal issues. Concepts such as ‘critical infrastructure’ underpin government initiatives to prepare, and manage for, global challenges such climate change, natural disasters, ecological uncertainty, and extreme social inequity. The concept of sustainability is heavily enshrined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) , which have been widely taken up as a road map for future development around the world. The key objective of the course is to explore how sustainability and resilience work together in the safeguarding of ecosystem services, the economy, construction, transportation and political systems.

Geography as a discipline offers expertise in the environment (e.g. hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, cyclones, floods and other environmental hazards) and the societal dimensions of risk, resilience and sustainability and is well placed to offer an interdisciplinary framework. It develops the Schools vision of creating cutting edge research-led teaching that works towards ‘shaping the future’ in ways that are not only more environmentally sustainable, but also through addressing issues of critical importance to ‘future proofing earth’.

An overview of our programme is also available on Youtube: https://youtu.be/s35FKezdAdE

Requirements

Entry Requirements

A primary degree with at least GPA 3.08 (2.1/2H1) or international equivalent in Geography or a related discipline.
We would encourage applicants from those with at least a GPA 3.08 (2.1/2H1) in a related area that provides appropriate background to the programme.
In certain circumstances, we will consider students who have a GPA 2.48 (2H2) and some relevant work or other experience. Contact geography@ucd.ie This includes students returning to study after a break.
Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element) or equivalent

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. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

English Program Requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Taught Master's: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

Research Programmes: A minimum overall score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

IELTS Indicator: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band. This test will be accepted for 2022/23 and 2023/24 intake.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Taught Master's: A minimum score of 100 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Research Programmes: A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

TOEFL iBT Home: A minimum score of 100 is required with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Duolingo Test of English (DET)

UCD has approved the use of the Duolingo Test of English (DET) for the 2024/25 intake.
An overall score of 130 will be accepted with no section below 110.

Please note that this does not apply to the CEMS MiM / MSc in International Management. In the case of the CEMS MiM the Duolingo English Test will not be accepted.

Career

The MSc in Risk, Resilience and Sustainability offers direct employment prospects in environmental protection agencies (e.g EPA), International organisations such as the UN, the European Environment Agency and the European Commission, government departments and state agencies addressing global challenges, NGOs, Advise industries on social and environmental strategies, voluntary sector, government, civil service, as well as further academic study. Beyond this, understanding Risk, Resilience and Sustainability and the intellectual and practical skills developed are designed to enable graduates to understand the world in order to change it.