| Code | CCPDCG |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Teaching Mode | Part-Time |
| Qualifications | Cert |
| NFQ Level | Level 7 |
| NFQ Award Title | Special Purpose Award |
| Fees | See fess section below. See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Closing Date | 22 Jan 2025 |
| Next Intake | Feb 2025 |
| Venue | Online/Blended |
| Start Date | 5th Feb 2025 |
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 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.
For more information on programme content, contact lucia.hermidagonzalez@ucc.ie
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, and the upcoming general election, we have designed this programme in such a way to allow for flexibility for Councillors to dedicate time and effort to the upcoming election.
On announcement of the election date, classes will immediately cease and will reecommence 4 weeks post election. This will allow Councillors sufficient time to participate and engage in all election activities, pre and post election.
TIMETABLES
Each module on this course will comprise 18 hours of lectures, including both recorded lectures and live online classes delivered over 6 weeks.
Lectures will be delivered using a blended online approach with pre-recorded material released on a weekly basis prior to a live interactive discussion class with the subject lecturer on Mondays from 7pm-8.30pm. 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 level 7 certificate has been designed specifically for county councillors in local government in Ireland, and it will cover up to date policies and initiatives such as the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act and the Climate Action Plan, amongst other pressing climate related issues. 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. Students who successfully complete this course will also as a recognition of prior learning gain exemption from module AD 1082/1085 Perspectives on Climate Change and Sustainable Development (10 credit module) within the Diploma in Environment, Sustainability and Climate. https://www.ucc.ie/en/ace-devsc/
Skills and Careers Information
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.
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. 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.
For more information see the email and flyer from AILG or email lucia.hermidagonzalez@ucc.ie
How To Apply
UCC identifies the following technical requirements checklist for students registering in 2024/25:
1. You will need access to a laptop or desktop computer running a modern supported operating system with all software updates.
2. Some of UCC’s services (e.g. the Canvas Virtual Learning Environment) Links to an external site. Also have mobile apps for iOS and Android Devices that you may wish to use as part of your studies. However, we recommend using your desktop web browser for submission of assessments and exams.
3. You should always use the most current version of your preferred browser. In general, we recommend the Chrome Web browser (Important Note: Internet Explorer will not work with Canvas).
4. We recommend a reliable broadband connection with at least 2Mbps or more.
5. You will require an Office suite of software (Microsoft Office or equivalent) and a PDF reader. You should always use the latest version of this software. All UCC students have access to Office 365.Links to an external site. By going to https://portal.office.com/account/Links to an external site. you can download and install the latest version of Microsoft Office, which includes software such as Word/PowerPoint etc.
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]
To apply, please contact the Programme Coordinator: lucia.hermidagonzalez@ucc.ie
Year 1 Modules
- AD1095: Understanding the Impact of the Climate Crisis (5 credits)
This module examines the difficult and complex problem of climate change with interrelated local and global ramifications across different sectors. It introduces this multifaceted challenge which will require multiple policy and socio-economic responses. Students will learn about the 2015 Paris Agreement, subsequent international scientific reports, case studies and the relevant policy and strategies for mitigation and adaptation. Students will learn in a contextualised manner with relevant applied explanations and case studies, the importance and role of the UN Sustainable Development Goals for the impacts of the climate crisis and environmental justice for society, the economy and the environment at local, national and global level. - AD1096: Environmental Protection and Sustainability (5 credits)
This module examines the issues and measures that government must implement as we strive toward a zero carbon and more sustainable society in the early 21st century. Students will consider the role of local government, local communities and citizens in achieving the objectives through the lens of climate change policy and governance. Students will critically analyse the impact, affect and sustainable solutions at national and local level. The module provides a basis for pursuing in-depth enquiry at local, national and global level through the UN SDG's.