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Maynooth University School of Business

Qualification : MICRO-CREDENTIAL (8)

Award Type and NFQ level : MICRO-CREDENTIAL (8)

CAO/MU Apply code : MMC49;MMC51

CAO Points :

Created in collaboration with RES4CITY BoostMySkills, this “Sustainability, Circular Economy and ESG Investing” micro-credential (MC) is designed to meet the evolving needs of professionals navigating the increasingly complex domains of environmental sustainability and financial decision-making. 

The development of this micro-credential arises from the critical recognition that sustainable development and investment are not only moral imperatives but also key drivers of innovation and competitiveness in the modern economy. The urgency of addressing environmental challenges, coupled with the rising influence of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)  factors on investment decisions, underscores the need for a micro-credential that equips participants with the skills to implement sustainable practices and investment strategies. 

The circular economy offers a framework for minimizing waste and optimizing resource use, which is crucial for long-term sustainability. Meanwhile, ESG investing represents a shift in how value is assessed, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in financial performance. This dynamic MC offers an in-depth exploration into the intersections of sustainability, circular economy practices, and ESG investing, tailored for individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact in their professional fields through sustainable practices. 

Participants will gain a robust understanding of the critical theories and practical applications that underpin sustainability in business and investment decisions, focusing on innovative strategies that align with global sustainability goals.

Learning objectives

On the successful completion of the micro-credential, participants will be able to:

  • Contextualise and reflect on environmental world views
  • Comprehend and critically engage with the role of energy use in the circular economy
  • Critically engage with current initiatives regarding energy usage for a circular economy
  • Contextualise theory and relate this to varying societal groups’ ability
  • Gain the motivation and opportunity to enact a circular economy with sustainable energy use and carry out stakeholder mapping and circular economy project planning activities
  • Learn about new product development projects, how to lead them and their typical life cycle
  • Gain an in-depth understanding of change projects in internal processes
  • Understand the management of multi-project environments as complex systems

 

Level: Aligned to NFQ Level 8

ECTS: 5

Fee:  250 EUR

Applicants should hold a minimum National Framework of Qualifications Honours (Level 8) award or an equivalent international qualification.

Applicants who do not hold a primary or higher degree but have sufficient and relevant professional experience are also welcome to apply. Please see our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) webpage for further information. 

Applicants who wish to apply via RPL must submit a completed copy of the RPL form along with any supporting documentation with their application. A copy of the RPL form can be downloaded here. We would expect such individuals to have considerable experience in the financial services or sustainability industry. Such applicants will require an interview to be assessed for their suitability and will be required to complete a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) portfolio.

For more information on the minimum English language requirements, please refer to the Language Competencies section of the Maynooth University Micro-credentials Entry Requirements and the English Language Requirements tab here for the tests and scores that are accepted.

Emmanuel Kypraios

Academic

Department of School of Business


Department of Faculty of Social Sciences


Department of International


Department of ICARUS

Please note that the course content will be available through the RES4CITY BoostMySkills platform. Once the course content has been completed, learners will be required to complete an assessment.

Sections

  1. Fundamental concepts
  2. Introduction to the Circular Economy and Sustainable Energy Use
  3. Sustainable Fashion
  4. Intermediate Exam
  5. Investing in Sustainability
  6. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework and investments
  7. Future and End of ESG
  8. Final Exam

Created and delivered by:

Professor Fabiano Pallonetto, Professor Shivam Agarwal

Course Duration: 12 weeks

This micro-credential in “Sustainability, Circular Economy, and ESG Investing” equips individuals with the foundational knowledge and skills to address global challenges, such as climate change, resource scarcity, and ethical governance. It prepares them for roles in industries ranging from corporate strategy to finance, policymaking, and innovation. These roles enable professionals to make impactful contributions while aligning with the growing demand for sustainable practices across sectors. Careers options upon completing this MC would be enhanced for roles across multiple sectors, such as: 

  • Corporate Sector: Sustainability Manager, CSR Specialist, Sustainable Supply Chain Manager. 
  • Finance and Investment: ESG Analyst, Impact Investment Analyst, Green Finance Specialist. 
  • Consulting and Advisory: Sustainability Consultant, Circular Economy Specialist, ESG Risk Consultant. 
  • Public Sector and NGOs: Policy Advisor (Sustainability), Environmental Program Manager, Sustainable Development Officer. 
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Green Technology Innovator, Founder of Sustainable Businesses. 

These roles span industries and allow individuals to lead and implement sustainability-driven initiatives, creating a positive impact on businesses, society, and the environment.

Online application only. To make an application please click here

The following documents should be uploaded to your online application form:

  • Valid passport / passport card OR birth certificate.
  • Official University Degree Parchment or Transcript (if applying with a qualification). In such cases, the Transcript / Parchment must include full name, name of the qualification, conferring date and name of awarding body.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) application form (if applying as a professional with relevant experience).
  • Proof of English language competency (where relevant).

Note: failure to provide all necessary documents will result in a delay to your application being processed.

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