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5. EG1803 Leading for Sustainability (Organisational and Personal)

Course Fact File

Code	EG1803
Duration	8 Weeks
Teaching Mode	Part-Time
NFQ Level	Level 8
Fees	1,500 See Fees and Costs for full details.
Closing Date	8th December 2026
Course Delivery Method	Online
Credits	5
Start Date	13th October 2026

Outline

This module examines the theory and practice of sustainability leadership at both organisational and personal levels. Students will explore how organisations become sustainability leaders by embedding environmental, social, and economic sustainability into strategy, governance, and operations. The module critically examines the sustainability journey and characteristics of leading sustainable organisations, including purpose-driven leadership, sustainability culture, and values. A key focus for the module will be to critically examine transition processes that can lead to organisation transformation and systems change.   

Module Content:

1: Five waves of sustainable organisations - laggard to leader

2: Organisation purpose and vision

3: Creating an organisational culture of sustainability

4: Organisational transformation for sustainability

5: Driving organisational transformation

6: Characteristics of sustainability leadership

7: Responsible leadership

8: The sustainability change agent

9: Systems and futures thinking

10: Sustainability values

11: Collaboration and acting

12: Presentation of assignments

Practicalities

Schedule Information:

• This course takes place on Tuesday mornings from 10am-12pm from October to December.
• Sessions will take place online, with a possibility of an in-person session(s) TBC

Venue Information

The online sessions (in 2-hour blocks) will take place over Microsoft Teams.

Course Queries:

• For any further Academic Queries and Course Content Queries not listed in the FAQ sheet above, please contact the Programme Coordinators Dr. Paul Bolger bolger@ucc.ie and Anna Ozolina aozolina@ucc.ie

For Online Application Support please click here.

If you require further assistance with your online application please contact the Programme Administrator

Miriam Fernandez

miriam.fernandez@ucc.ie

Important Notice: Course Registration Deadlines

Once the course has reached full capacity we will no longer be accepting applications.

We strongly recommend early application to secure your place on the course.

Why Choose

Alongside organisational perspectives, the module emphasises the development of individual sustainability competences and leadership capabilities. Students will engage with key competence frameworks related to sustainability, including systems thinking, anticipatory thinking, values-based decision-making, strategic action, collaboration,  and self-awareness. The module encourages students to consider how personal leadership behaviours, mindset, values, and professional responsibility contribute to sustainable organisational and societal outcomes. 

Who Should Apply:

Mid-to-senior professionals and postgraduate students in business, management, or sustainability-related fields who are actively involved in or preparing for leadership roles where driving organisational sustainability strategy and culture change is a core responsibility. 

Policy professionals and entrepreneurs working at the intersection of sustainability and organisational change who seek a rigorous framework for leading systems-level transformation and developing personal sustainability competences. 

Requirements

•    Be at least 21 years of age by the date of commencement of the programme;
•    Hold a Leaving Certificate or QQI Level 5 qualification (or equivalent qualification);
•    Have a minimum of 1 year’s professional experience in a business environment or currently work on a project team or hold a project administrator / junior project manager role.

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 (€300) 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.

How To Apply

You must choose one application route:

• Apply for HEA funding, or
• Apply directly to the programme as a fee-paying applicant

Please note that applicants who have already applied via the direct (fee-paying) route are not eligible to subsequently apply for HEA funding.

If your application for HEA funding is not approved, you may have the option to apply as a fee-paying applicant, subject to availability of places.

Funded Applications:

If you wish to apply for 80% funding for this course, you must do so via the Springboard+ website here: https://www.springboardcourses.ie/details/15945/introduction-to-sustainability-in-business 

Direct Applications:

Direct applications will open soon

Apply Now