Graduate Diploma / MSc in Management for Sustainable Development

This Postgraduate Programme recently participated successfully in the accreditation process conducted with DCU Business School by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the world's oldest and most prestigious global accrediting body for business schools. AACSB accreditation is widely recognised as the hallmark of excellence in business education and has been earned by less than five percent of the world's business schools.

Introduction

Participating online, learners will cultivate professional skills from a sustainable management perspective. They will develop an understanding of the theoretical, practical and legal aspects of modern environmental practices. During their studies, learners will examine the key management functions required in business, including strategic management, project management, entrepreneurship and risk assessment.

This programme will enable learners to carry out research on a range of focused topics, involving data collection, critical analysis, and interpretation and to present them in a report format. Management for Sustainable Development’s main philosophy is that for business to be sustainable in the long-term, a manager must effectively manage the whole of the business’ resources, including environmental, economic and social resources, from a sustainable, global perspective.

This programme will be of particular relevance to those working or aspiring to work as an environmental/sustainable development manager in a business, industry or service, and is particularly suited to those who wish to develop and implement best practice and sustainable strategies.

Programme

Degree Information:

The overarching aim of the programme is to provide a Master’s programme for graduates who wish to develop their professional skills from a sustainable management perspective through part-time study and at a distance. This programme is a Level 9 programme on the NFQ framework. The programme's main philosophy is that for business to be sustainable in the long-term, a successful manager must effectively manage the whole of the business' resources, including environmental, economic and social resources, from a sustainable, global perspective.

This programme aims to:

To provide students with an understanding of the theoretical, practical and legal aspects of modern environmental practices.

To develop in students an understanding of the key management functions required in business, including strategic management, project management and risk assessment. To enable students to carry out research on a range of focused topics, involving data collection, critical analysis, interpretation and to present them in a report format.

How the programme is delivered:

Open Education's postgraduate programmes are provided through distance learning, which means that a working professional can achieve a deeper understanding in a specialist area and provide a sound basis for their long-term career, without disruption to their career or other commitments. For each module you undertake, you are given access to a specially written module text. While some modules have none, most modules require that you acquire one (and sometimes two) textbooks. You also get access to the vast range of academic journals and other resources provided by DCU Library and increasing use is being made of these resources on the course.

Tutorial support on this programme is provided online through the use of discussion forums in a virtual learning environment called Loop. In addition, tutorials will be provided using a web-based tutorial system. Students can partake in web-based tutorials at home, work or anywhere with a reasonable internet connection. Additionally, because the tutorial sessions are recorded, for those who are unable to attend the live tutorial session, they can be viewed later, at a more convenient time for you, the student.

How the programme is assessed:

All modules are assessed via continuous assessment. There is no end of year examinations. For the taught modules, the continuous assessment normally takes the form of three assignments per module which have to be submitted at predefined points during the academic year. For the dissertation element, you are required to submit a 15,000-word document which is largely self-directed, but with the guidance of a research supervisor.

Why DCU

Dublin City University has been offering postgraduate level education at a distance since 1990. Our programmes are targeted at working professionals, who wish to achieve a deeper understanding in a specialist area and to provide a sound basis for their long-term career, without disruption to their career or other commitments. As a graduate of our programmes, you will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and flexibility for suitable senior managerial positions in your chosen specialist area.

The Masters of Science programme, awarded by DCU, is at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications. All modules are taught online in a virtual classroom, Loop, where you can interact with your fellow students and tutors through email, chat, skype, at whatever time suits you. Assessment is continuous with no examinations.

IT Equipment and Skills required:

You should have regular access to a computer (with Microsoft Office), a broadband Internet connection, a printer and a basic headset and a webcam. Specifically, you will need access to Microsoft Word, Excel and Access.

Careers

The blend of skills developed in this programme ensures graduates are suitable for any role in which Sustainable Development is important, which today is almost every sector of the economy. As a graduate of this programme, you will have a thorough understanding of best practice in the rapidly growing area of Sustainable Development and will have the knowledge and skills to develop and implements best practice and sustainable strategies in both the public and private sectors.

Admission Requirements

General Entry Requirements

There are five entry routes to the programme:

A Level 8 or higher degree in a relevant discipline (Engineering, Science, Business or Information Technology) from a recognised higher education institution.

Chartered membership of an institution such as the Institute of Engineers of Ireland or a professional body such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

A Level 7 qualification in a subject in a relevant discipline or non-chartered membership of a professional body, along with at least three years relevant managerial work experience.

A level 8 qualification in a non-relevant discipline along with at least three years relevant managerial work experience.

Evidence of substantial relevant managerial work experience. Such applicants will be required to submit a CV and Personal Statement in support of their application and may be required to attend for interview.

In the case of all applicants to Dublin City University evidence must be provided of competence in the English language. The English Language requirements of DCU can be found here.