DL927-Postgraduate Diploma in Business Circular Economy
Entrepreneurship
Springboard+ is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, via the National Training Fund, and the European Union.
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.
Modules:
- Circular Economy – Using world-class CE experts to share fresh insights on CE research and future business developments | Understanding SDGs and application to CE business
- Circular Finance + Investment – Characteristics of sustainable finance | The business and financial case for adopting a circular economy model
- Digital Marketing + Branding – Building a business case for sustainability using digital marketing tools | The role of digital marketing and branding in promoting the circular economy
- Circular Economy Case Studies – Exploring the business models and case histories of the most interesting companies in the circular economy
- Sustainable Entrepreneurship – Critically evaluate the challenges of entrepreneurship in the circular economy | Explore real world scenarios that are rooted in the circular economy
You will take part in field trips over the course of the programme, including a visit to the the Rediscovery Centre. You will also engage with companies who are actively developing businesses in the area of sustainability and the circular economy.
Future Careers
Careers in sustainability encompass a wide range of roles focused on environmental protection, resource management, and promoting sustainable practices across various sectors. These roles can be found in fields like environmental consulting, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and corporate sustainability management.
“A great Level 9 programme that combines circular economy principles with practical business strategy, making it perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs and those in the Circular Economy sector. Its project driven approach prepares you to launch and grow businesses in both private and public contexts. By integrating coursework with your own vision, you’ll develop skills relevant to entrepreneurship and the expanding Circular Economy field. This course is ideal for anyone aiming to make an impact in sustainable business, entrepreneurship, and consultancy.” – Brendan Reid, Circular Economy Entrepreneurship Graduate 2025