Application Deadline:  14th September

Duration:  29th September 2026 - 7th May 2027

As businesses strive to meet the challenges and demands of global warming and climate change, there is an increased requirement for qualified individuals with the knowledge and competencies needed to develop and adapt business models, and meet sustainability targets and best practice. This postgraduate diploma in Circular Economy Entrepreneurship (Level 9 - 60 credits) was designed to give you the essential skills to make an impact in this growing area of business.

What will I study?

This part-time Level 9 course is designed to create critically aware and skilled business people who have an in-depth of understanding of the circular economy – its roots and its potential for the future.

It is a practical, hands-on course with all assessments being project based. During the programme you will be asked to work on your own circular economy business idea.

This innovative programme will provide students with valuable insights into emerging sectoral practices in the circular economy both in Ireland and internationally using current research and relevant best practice.

The need for this area of study is supported by the trends and incentives to use less materials while still fulfilling the demands of the global economy.

What is the Circular Economy?

The European Union produces more than 2.1 billion tonnes of waste each year. In response to this, the EU wants to promote a shift to a more sustainable model known as the circular economy. This means finding ways to produce and consume goods and services while minimizing environmental impact and resource depletion. The principles of a circular economy, such as reduce, reuse, recycle, are increasingly relevant in addressing these challenges. 

Circularity and sustainability must be incorporated in all stages of a value chain to achieve a fully circular economy: from design to production and all the way to the consumer.

On completion of the programme students will be able to:

• Articulate an in-depth understanding of the theories, concepts and methods pertaining to business as it relates to the development of the circular economy.
• Critically evaluate the interrelationships between business, sustainability and the circular economy.
• Analyse complex business environments using a circular economy lens.
• Design and develop a digital marketing strategy for a sustainable business concept.
• Use a variety of tools to develop solutions to problem based learning challenges pertaining to the circular economy.
• Synthesise complex information and draw out decision making, policy and ethical implications as they relate to business and the circular economy.
• Design, research and develop a circular business model for your chosen concept.

Springboard+ is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, via the National Training Fund, and the European Union.

Springboard+ is a Government initiative offering free and heavily subsidised courses at certificate, degree, and masters level leading to qualifications in areas where there are employment opportunities in the economy.

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