BSc Sustainability with Business & Economics

The BSc (Hons) Sustainability – Sustainability with Social Sciences, Policy & Law (MAJR STS4) at University College Dublin is a four-year honours degree that examines the social, legal, governance and justice dimensions of sustainability alongside environmental and economic principles. It suits students who want to understand how societies, policies and legal systems interact with environmental and development challenges, preparing them for roles in policy, planning, advocacy and interdisciplinary sustainability practice.

Curriculum structure

First Year – Foundations in Sustainability & Social Contexts

In the first year, students build interdisciplinary foundations with core modules such as Introduction to Sustainability, Sustainability Challenges, Principles of Scientific Enquiry, and modules in social sciences, economics and policy. These courses introduce key concepts in sustainable development, research tools, and the interactions between society, environment and economy, helping students integrate scientific and societal perspectives early in their degree.

Second Year – Social Science, Policy & Legal Frameworks

In the second year, the focus shifts toward understanding governance, law and public policy in sustainability contexts. Students engage with content exploring social systems, regulatory processes, environmental justice, human behaviour, and political economy as they relate to sustainability challenges. Applied modules build analytical and communication skills necessary for interpreting how policy and legal frameworks shape sustainability outcomes.

Third Year – Applied Sustainability Practice & Society

In the third year, learners apply social science and policy theory to real-world sustainability issues through modules involving environmental policy analysis, community engagement, social equity and risk assessment. Work placements or international study options are often supported, helping students gain professional experience in public sector or NGO environments. This stage reinforces the link between academic study and practice in social sustainability and governance.

Fourth Year – Advanced Integration & Research

In the final year, students undertake advanced coursework in sustainability governance, justice, law and interdisciplinary project work, often including a capstone research project or major applied study. This year encourages independent research, critical analysis and synthesis of sustainability, policy and social science knowledge, preparing graduates for professional or postgraduate pathways.

Focus areas (in a string):
Social sustainability, environmental governance, public policy, law and justice, economics of sustainability, interdisciplinary analysis.

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Integrate social science and sustainability concepts; analyse policy and legal frameworks; apply research and communication skills to sustainability issues; engage with community and governance contexts; conduct independent sustainability research.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This honours degree aligns with national university quality standards (NFQ Level 8) and equips graduates with cross-sector competencies for work in policy, planning, environmental advocacy, government, NGOs and sustainability roles.

Reputation (employability rankings):
UCD is ranked among the top universities globally and emphasises sustainability research and interdisciplinary education, supporting strong graduate employability in social, environmental and policy sectors.