Overview

The MSc in Design Thinking for Sustainability at University College Dublin responds to a global economy changing rapidly due to the effects of climate change. As a result, employers need people who are agile and innovative, who understand sustainability challenges and crucially, are capable of taking action.

Students learn the Design Thinking process, a human centred problem solving methodology that originated in Stanford University, to create innovative, sustainable solutions to complex, real-world problems. In tandem, students develop a sustainability mindset through sustainability literacy including a working knowledge of sustainability systems, issues and tools, framed by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The MSc in Design Thinking for Sustainability introduces key concepts such as the circular economy, decarbonisation, and just transition. Students also learn how to embrace their creative and entrepreneurial side to lead change, embed sustainability, and address complex challenges.

Everything students learn is put into practice with a project to look at real-world sustainability challenges. These will be set by our industry partners, who have previously included ESB, Oxfam, Dublin City Council, and SuperValu.

In the final component of the MSc students apply their learnings to a project of their own choosing - an opportunity to lead a project with real world impact, offering an ideal springboard for the next step in your career.

The MSc in Design Thinking for Sustainability offers students an opportunity to apply, test and master their learnings individually with a high degree of autonomy in a high stakes, real world context. Students must design innovative implementation plans and individually lead a complex and ambitious sustainability project, managing multiple stakeholders and competing needs to deliver an actionable solution.

As a result of the highly applied nature of this MSc in Design Thinking for Sustainability, students may leverage the project for future career opportunities.

Career Opportunities

By the end of this MSc students are ready to reposition their career for the emerging green economy.

Where is the Class of 2025 working now?

• ECO UNESCO
• Bash Fashion
• Williscroft & Co
• Vivid Edge
• Tik Tok
• Freelance Makeup Artist
• O'Briens Wine
• Better Homes
• Our Story Visual Comms & Storytelling
• The Rediscovery Centre
• National Print Museum
• Dublin Pride
• Meath LEADER