Download or Print

1. Study
2. Adult Continuing Education
3. Study At ACE
4. Certificate
5. Climate Crisis and Local Government - CPD Cert

Course Fact File

Code	CCPDCG
Duration	12 weeks
Teaching Mode	Part-Time
Qualifications	Cert
NFQ Level	Level 7
NFQ Award Title	Special Purpose Award
Fees	See fees section below. See Fees and Costs for full details.
Closing Date	4 Dec 2026
Venue	Online/Blended
Start Date	January 2027

Course Outline

The climate crisis is already reshaping the communities we represent, with rising temperatures, extreme weather events and wider environmental, social and economic impacts. Responding effectively will require strong leadership at every level of government, with local government playing a vital role in translating national and international climate ambitions into meaningful local action.

Councillors and local authorities are uniquely placed to lead this transition. Through their democratic mandate, policy-making responsibilities and direct connection with communities, elected members can help shape priorities, influence investment, build public understanding and ensure that climate action is practical, fair and responsive to local needs.

This course will examine climate action and sustainability through a local government lens, including climate mitigation and adaptation, urban and rural resilience, sustainable development, the pathway to net zero, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and climate justice.

It will also consider the wider political and economic context, including the Paris Agreement, while placing a strong emphasis on the leadership role of councillors in shaping policy, supporting community action and helping to build resilient, sustainable communities.

Course Modules: 

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 council role, we have designed this programme in such a way to allow for flexibility for Councillors and council staff to complete this programme in line with their other duties and commitments.   

TIMETABLES

Lectures will be delivered on Wednesdays (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 level 7 certificate has been designed specifically for county councillors and council staff 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

Programme Entry Requirements:

Applicants must:

• Be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application
• Hold a Leaving Certificate (or equivalent qualification)/QQI Level 5 qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applicants who do not hold a Leaving Certificate or QQI Level 5 may be eligible to apply through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). See information on RPL here.   

To be considered, applicants should be over 21 years of age and have at least 2 years prior experience in a suitable area (local government, social studies, community work or other related subject area). 

• If you wish to apply via RPL, you must select “Yes” to the RPL question when completing your application in UCC Apply.
• A Personal Statement outlining your motivation for applying and detailing relevant work or life experience.
• Any other relevant supporting documentation evidencing your prior learning - please refer to the RPL Learner Guide for details on appropriate evidence.

Fees and Costs

The fee for this programme is €850. 

Funding for this programme

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.

Sponsored Applications

If your organisation chooses to pay the full fee, or part of the fee, this is called sponsorship. Organisations may sponsor non-funded applicants. Organisations can also sponsor the remainder of the fee payable for applicants in receipt of the funded applicants.

You should contact the training department of your county/city councils directly to enquire about potential sponsorship available from your organisation. If you are availing of sponsorship, you will need to review the sponsorship guides in advance of your application. Please see HERE. 

Applications are also accepted from council staff (non-councillors) but these applicants are not eligible for the AILG fee subsidy.

How To Apply

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

• Proof of Identity (Birth Cert, Passport or Driver's Licence).
• Passport-style Photograph.
• Motivation statement (200-words) 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