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5. AD5007 Introduction to Climate Psychology

Course Fact File

Code	AD5007
Duration	12 Weeks
Teaching Mode	Part-Time
NFQ Level	Level 8
Fees	€1,500 – 80% fee subsidy available See Fees and Costs for full details.
Closing Date	Fee subsidy applications: 31 July 2026
Credits	10
Start Date	14 Sep 2026

Outline

The Introduction to Climate Psychology microcredential aims to provide knowledge, skills and tools related to the role that psychology plays in understanding the impacts of the climate and environmental crises, and, importantly, in promoting positive sustainable actions at the individual and collective level.

The 12-week standalone course provides participants with an applied skillset intersecting psychology, behaviour change, and sustainability. These capabilities are increasingly in demand across sectors responding to climate and environmental challenges. As organisations expand their climate action strategies, employers require staff who can interpret human responses to climate change, design effective behaviour change initiatives, and support wellbeing and resilience. This course develops labour market relevant competencies suited to roles in community development, environmental education, health and social care, sustainability coordination, corporate social responsibility, public sector planning, and NGO or advocacy work.

This microcredential directly supports key national and European skills priorities by equipping learners with psychological, behavioural and sustainability related competencies essential to Ireland’s climate transition. By developing learners’ capabilities in behaviour change strategies, climate communication and climate related wellbeing, the course addresses the talent needs identified in national climate action skills analyses, ensuring that the workforce can support organisational, community and governmental climate objectives.

Practicalities

Lecture Schedule: The course runs for 12 weeks with mainly online lectures, 2 half-day workshops and 1 half-day field trip.

The course structure includes

• An introductory lecture
• 4 blocks of main topics organised across two weeks (2 hours live online lecture + 1-2-hour online asynchronous learning)
• 1 half-day fieldtrip
• 2 half-day workshops
• The course will close with a 2-hour reflective online session.

The course will involve experiential learning through engagement with real life case studies (potentially through visits, where possible), hands-on activities in class, and references to existing academic and non-academic resources.

Students will be encouraged to work in small peer groups for the duration of the course.

The course is informed by Education for Sustainability frameworks, including the GreenComp and SDGs, as well as key theories and academic evidence from psychology.

Who teaches this course: The course is led by a team of lecturers with expertise in Environmental Psychology, Ecopsychology and Behavioural Sciences. Some classes will have external guest lecturers.

Assessment: There is no formal written examination. Students are evaluated through Continuous Assessments, which includes a personal project proposal, group presentation and personal learning reflection.

Why Choose

Climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation are human-driven crises that pose huge social, health and economic challenges, impacting people, animals, plants and our whole society. Bold actions are required at all levels of society to ensure a sustainable future.

Despite the wealth of knowledge, now more than ever, there is a gloomy perception of climate change and its impacts. As this crisis is a wicked problem, it can be difficult for individuals, communities or organisations to feel knowledgeable and empowered to make positive change.

Climate psychology plays a key role to help understand not only the impacts that the climate crisis has on mental health and wellbeing, but also, crucially, how psychology can be leveraged to foster positive climate action both at the individual and collective level.

This course will provide foundational knowledge about key theories and frameworks on the psychological and behavioural dimensions of the climate crisis, and on psychological strategies, knowledge and tools that can be applied in a personal or professional capacity to support agency and positive change.

As a transversal programme, it develops competencies across psychology, communication, systems thinking, behaviour change methods, emotional resilience, and collaborative problem-solving skills, relevant across multiple job sectors and crucial for Ireland’s green and just transition.

Requirements

Programme Entry Requirements: 
•    At least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application.
•    Candidates must have a Level 7 Qualification. 

English Language Requirements: 

All applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency. See the UCC English language proficiency requirements. 

Recognition of Prior learning: 

Applicants who do not hold a level 7 qualification (but are over 21 years of age) may be eligible to apply through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). See information on RPL here. 

To be considered, applicants should have at least two years’ relevant work or life experience in areas including, but not limited to, environmental or social studies. As part of the application, candidates will be required to submit: a 500-word Personal Statement outlining your motivation for applying and detailing relevant work or life experience. Any other relevant supporting documentation evidencing your prior learning. View the RPL for applicants guide here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/ace/helphub/ .

Fees and Costs

The fee for this programme is €1,500. 

Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy (80% Funding)

There are a limited number of places available on this programme funded by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).

• Those eligible for funding will receive an 80% fee subsidy.
• Jobseekers and returners will be given priority.
• If awarded HEA funding, these applicants will need to pay the remaining 20% fee (€150) on registration (non-refundable).
• If an applicant's organisation wishes to pay their fees in part or in full, the applicants must pay the 20% on registration and any arrange any reimbursement with their employer/organisation directly.

To apply for this fee subsidy, please visit: https://springboardcourses.ie/details/15950/introduction-to-climate-psychology 

How To Apply

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