Program Overview

Overview of the Sustainable Development for Business Program

The Sustainable Development for Business program is designed for mid-level and senior executives from across the private sector, public sector, and third sector. This program addresses the increasing pressure organizations and their decision-makers are under to balance environmental and societal impacts with maintaining competitive advantage and profitability.

Program Details

• Program Type: Postgraduate Certificate
• Duration: 1 year part-time
• Number of Places: 10-40
• Next Intake: September 2025
• Course Coordinator: Jane Flanagan
• Course Director: Professor Maximilian Schormair
• Closing Date: 18th September 2025

Admission Requirements

The program is open to graduates with a degree (or equivalent) and a strong academic record in any discipline from a recognized third-level institution. Applicants without a degree are welcome to apply provided they can show a proven managerial track record. All applicants are required to have a minimum of three years of professional or managerial work experience.

• English Language Requirements: All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Structure

This Postgraduate Certificate program is 30 credits delivered over a 9-month period from October to June. The five modules are delivered over a series of workshops (three per module) held in-person on a Thursday evening and all day Friday, once a month, to minimize interference with busy work schedules.

Course Content

The program has five modules delivered over two twelve-week semesters within a 9-month period:

• The Sustainable Green Organisation
• Sustainability Measurement and Reporting
• A Practical Toolkit for Sustainable Business
• Purpose-Driven Systemic Change
• Sustainability in Action Project

Participants are assessed on a module-by-module basis through a variety of practical assignments combining group work and individual work. The emphasis throughout the program is focused on the practical application of knowledge to benefit the participant, their team, and their organization. The program culminates in an action learning project where participants will work to blueprint a sustainable business project within their organization or a participating project company.

Career Opportunities

This course allows executives to examine their organization’s environmental and societal impact, and gain an understanding of how they can impact real environment change within their own organizations. This course tackles the increasing need for sustainable strategy in business by giving participants the tools to create long-lasting change in their organizations.

Course Fees

For a full list of postgraduate fees, please refer to the relevant section of the university's website.

Program Objectives

The Sustainable Development for Business program is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to address important sustainability challenges by becoming purpose-driven business leaders, understanding the wider socio-economic impact of their business, and developing smart strategies for implementing sustainable business. The program seeks to promote increased dialogue between leaders in business, government, academia, and NGOs to work towards a zero-carbon economy and to deliver on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.