Postgraduate Certificate in Climate Entrepreneurship

Module 1: Systems Innovation for Positive Climate Action (10 ECTS)

Who Applies

Our applicants are a diverse and accomplished group of professionals driven by a shared commitment to climate action.

They include experienced entrepreneurs who have founded sustainable businesses, engineers and technical specialists developing innovative climate technologies, senior leaders in logistics, finance, marketing, ESG, and communications, as well as educators, consultants, and change-makers working across corporate, public, and community sectors.

Many bring advanced qualifications and real-world experience in sustainability, supply chains, regulatory affairs, and systems innovation, united by their determination to transition their expertise into impactful climate solutions.

Why They Choose This Course

Applicants are drawn to the Postgraduate Certificate in Climate Entrepreneurship for its practical, action-oriented approach that equips them with the entrepreneurial tools to turn climate-positive ideas into viable ventures.

They value the focus on systems thinking, opportunity identification, creative problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement, which will enable them to develop scalable solutions, communicate impact effectively, and navigate ethical, commercial, and political dimensions of climate action.

Eager to collaborate with peers, academics, and industry mentors, they see this programme as the ideal step to accelerate their contributions to a sustainable, regenerative future.

Message from the course coordinators:

We especially encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including stay-at-home carers, those who have taken an extended career break, and returners eager to refresh and expand their skills.

This course provides a welcoming and supportive environment to:

• update and refresh your existing knowledge,
• rebuild your confidence,
• develop valuable new skills in innovation and enterprise, and
• confidently re-enter or progress further in today’s job market.

This section outlines the entry requirements for the course. We aim to make the information clear and straightforward to help you determine your eligibility.

Funding Eligibility

Funding eligibility is determined according to the guidelines on the Springboard+ website. Please review the official Springboard+ site for full details on available funding and who qualifies.

Academic Qualifications

To be eligible, applicants must normally hold:

• A Level 8 honours degree (or equivalent) with a 2.1 grade or higher (or equivalent GPA) in any discipline from a recognised third-level institution.

References

You are required to submit two references:

• One professional and one academic
• If you graduated more than 8 years ago, you may submit two professional references instead.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

If you do not meet the standard academic entry requirements, you may still be considered through Trinity’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. This allows us to assess relevant academic and  professional experience or other qualifications as equivalent. Applications under RPL will be evaluated in line with Trinity’s official RPL policy and procedures.

English Language Requirements

All applicants whose first language is not English must provide official evidence of English language proficiency. This course requires Trinity Band B (Standard entry).

The accepted tests and minimum required scores are:

Important notes:

1. Test results must be no more than 2 years old at the start of the course.
2. If you have completed a primary degree entirely through English, you may request an exemption. You must provide official documentation from the awarding institution confirming that the degree was delivered wholly in English.
3. For Duolingo, scores refer to Integrated Scores. 

For the most up-to-date information on English language requirements, please visit: https://www.tcd.ie/study/english-language-requirements/

For specific enquiries about the tests, contact the relevant organisation:

• TOEFL: www.ets.org/toefl
• IELTS: www.ielts.org
• Cambridge: www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/

Technical Requirements

All students must have access to:

• A laptop or desktop computer
• A webcam
• A stable internet connection

These are essential for participating in online components of the course. The use of mobile phones is not encouraged.

If you have any questions about your eligibility or the application process, please contact the recruitment team for guidance at springboard@tcd.ie. We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and are happy to discuss individual circumstances.

Attendance and Participation Requirements

Attendance is compulsory for all scheduled classes, both in-person and online. Students are expected to attend sessions live and in real time.

A minimum attendance rate of 80% at live lectures and workshops is required to remain on the course.

Full engagement is essential. Active participation in classes, whether on campus or online, is a core part of the experiential learning approach that underpins the programme.

Assessment and Progression

The course does not use traditional exams.

• Student progress is assessed on a continuous basis through:

  • Group projects

  • Individual assignments

  • Presentations

To progress in the course, students must maintain at least 80% attendance throughout the programme.

Course Fee Coverage

Springboard+ provides significant financial support for eligible applicants who are successful in their application:

• Unemployed applicants: 100% of course fees covered.
• Employed applicants: 90% of course fees covered, with the remaining 10% payable directly by the applicant to Trinity College Dublin during the registration process.
  
  

Eligibility Responsibility

It is the applicant’s responsibility to review the eligibility criteria and confirm their category (employed or unemployed) on the official Springboard+ website before applying.

We're here to answer your questions and guide you forward.

📧 Email: springboard@tcd.ie
📞 Phone: (086) 032 0487

We'd be delighted to assist you!