Program Overview

Design for Sustainability and Circular Economies (Certificate, L9,10 ECTS)

Course Overview

The Design for Sustainability and Circular Economies Certificate will facilitate and support design professionals in their practice-based enquiry into design for sustainability.

Course Details

• Level: 9
• Course Type: Flexible and Professional Learning
• Study Mode: Part Time
• Department: Design
• Start Date: 21/01/2026
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Fees: €1,400 – €939 via Design Skillnet

Entry Requirements

• Honours (Level 8) Degree: in a Design discipline or appropriate RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning)
• English Language: Applicants who do not have English as their first language must ensure they satisfy English Language requirements. For entry to undergraduate courses, a score of 5.5 in an IELTS or equivalent exam is required. For postgraduate courses, a score of 6.0 in an IELTS or equivalent exam is required.

Course Content

Semester 1

• Introduction to Sustainable Development (SD) inc. Case Studies, Best Practices in Design for Sustainability (DfS)
• Approaches, philosophies, and guiding principles in SD, DfS and CE
• Practical DfS strategies for designers
• Circular Economy (CE) Principles and application
• Policy, Legislation, Standardisation and Certification in DfS
• LCA (Life Cycle Assessment), Overview of LCA tools, simplified applied LCA for designers
• Material Flow and Production
• Social Corporate Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental Responsibility
• Marketing ‘Sustainable Design’ and managing customer / user expectations
• Business Model Design and Procurement for CE
• Packaging and Waste considerations for designers
• Regenerative Design Practice
• Sustainable Product Service Systems (SPSS)

Delivery

• Blended Learning: 10 weeks of online studio (3 hours per week) on Wednesdays from 2-5pm commencing Wednesday 21st January 2026.
• In-Person Days: 2 full in-person days at LSAD (dates to be confirmed).

Assessment

• Continuous Assessment: + Final Project.

Qualification

• Certificate in Design for Sustainability and Circular Economies (Level 9, 10 ECTS)

Application Deadline

• Monday 5th January 2026. Places are allocated on a first come first served basis. Course will be closed once the maximum number of applicants is reached. Courses run subject to viable numbers.