Program Overview

The Climate Crisis and Local Government - Continuing Professional Development Certificate - Cert

Course Fact File

Course Outline

The climate crisis is here. Recently we have seen it accelerate with record-breaking temperatures, heatwaves, and wildfires. This course will examine these issues focusing on local government and sustainability. Such a dynamic and transitioning world requires governance at all levels, including local, to be responsive, proactive, and future-looking in finding solutions to address the complex intersecting issues we will all face as the global heating unfolds.

The course will introduce council staff and councillors in how Ireland aims to become a climate-resilient, sustainable, and low carbon economy and society in the coming decades. The course will examine how government aims to mitigate and adapt to the challenges brought on by our changing climate in the process. In doing so it will look at, amongst other concerns the issues of urban and rural resilience, sustainability practices, the pathway to zero carbon, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and climate justice.

The course will also examine the wider economic and political context at the macro level, the Paris climate agreement of 2015 for instance, and community leadership and the need for a dynamic political response across a subject which has not only local and national but global implications.

Course Modules

• AD1095: Understanding the Impact of the Climate Crisis
• AD1096: Environmental Protection and Sustainability

Course Practicalities

This course will be delivered part-time to facilitate adult learners who already have a multitude of professional and personal responsibilities.

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE FOR COUNCILLORS

Owing to the nature of the Councillor role, we have designed this programme in such a way to allow for flexibility for Councillors to complete this programme in line with their other duties and commitments.

TIMETABLES

Each module on this course will comprise 18 hours of lectures, including both recorded lectures and live online and in-person classes delivered over 6 weeks.

Lectures will be delivered on Wednesdays or Thursdays (19:00) using a blended approach with pre-recorded material released on a weekly basis prior to a live lecture and/or interactive discussion class with the subject lecture. Lectures can be viewed at any time, from anywhere, and as often as desired. Detailed lecture notes will accompany each lecture as well as recommended reading.

In addition, there will be a full day (Saturday) fieldtrip/workshop.

PEER-TO-PEER LEARNING

Both online and offline delivery of this programme allows for students from around Ireland’s 31 county and city councils to interact with each other through peer-to-peer learning, with a view to building relationships and networks between participants, and expertise in the issues related to the climate crisis.

Why Choose This Course

This unique programme aims to develop student’s knowledge and skills base with a view to support their effectiveness in their professional role. The wide-ranging content, subject specific material, peer-to-peer learning and sharing of practice in this course also act as a strong foundation for students to further their professional and academic development in the crucial subjects of global warming, sustainability, and the environment more generally.

Skills and Careers Information

This course is the only university bearing credit CPD programme of its kind in Ireland offering a recognised qualification in this sector. Its purpose is to provide a unique opportunity for councillors to upgrade and upskill their professional & academic qualifications. The online and field trip component is designed for local government staff to interact with each other with a view to building relationships and networks between participants from across the local government sector in Ireland.

Requirements

• Candidates must be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application
• Leaving Certificate (or equivalent qualification)/FETAC Level 5 qualification
• Candidates who do not have a Leaving Certificate or FETAC Level 5 but are over 21 years of age may be deemed suitable. Applicants will have at least 2 years prior experience in a suitable area (local government, social studies, community work or other related subject area).
• Applicants will be asked to submit a Personal Statement detailing their motivation to take this course and any work or life experience relevant to the subject.

Fees and Costs

Total course fees are €850.

For local Councillors, AILG will part-fund €350 of this fee per participant. The remainder of course fees (€500 per participant) is paid by the student themselves when applying for the programme via the UCC Apply platform.

In the event that you are able to secure sponsorship from your organisation for the remainder of the fee, you should contact the training department of your county/city councils directly.

How To Apply

Applicants will additionally require basic computing proficiency skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office software such as Word, PowerPoint, and Teams.

During your online application you will be required to upload the following documents:

• Birth Cert or Passport
• Passport Photograph
• Candidates will be asked for a brief 200 word summary outlining their reasons for applying for this course.
• English Language Test Report [if applicable]