Online course: Education for Sustainability (February 2026)
The National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education are delighted to announce that the fully online Open Course Education for Sustainability will run from February 2026. This course will be delivered in partnership with Atlantic Technological University, Technological University Dublin and South East Technological University.
This free 6 week course is available to all staff currently working in tertiary education in the Republic of Ireland, subject to availability of places. Additional facilitator training is included so that you can become a facilitator of this course and run it in your own institution. A further commitment of five learner hours will be required for the facilitator add-on, in addition to attendance at two extra webinars over 2 weeks.
Course Schedule
| Education for Sustainability | ||
| Dates | Theme | Facilitator |
| 12th February, from 1.00-1.30pm | Introduction to Open Course | Dr. Mark Kelly (ATU)/Dr. Brian Gormley (TU Dublin) |
| 19th February, from 1.00-2.00pm | Overview of ESD | Dr. Mark Kelly (ATU) |
| 26th March, from 1.00-2.00pm | ESD and the SDGs | Dr. Olivia Freeman (TU Dublin) and Dr. John Scahill (ATU) |
| 5th March, from 1.00-2.00pm | Embodying Sustainability Values | Dr. Lucia Walsh (TU Dublin) |
| 12th March, from 1.00-2.00pm | Embracing Complexity in Sustainability | Dr. Ken Boyle (TU Dublin) |
| 19th March, from 1.00-2.00pm: | Envisioning Sustainable Futures | Dr. Brian Gormley (TU Dublin) |
| 23rd March , from 1.00-2.00pm: | Acting for Sustainability | Dr. Mark Kelly (ATU)/Dr. Nataliya Romanyatova (SETU) |
| 23rd April, from 1.00-2.00pm | Becoming a Facilitator | Dr. Mark Kelly (HEA/ATU) and Dr. Brian Gormley (TU Dublin) |
| 7th May, from 1.00-2.00pm | Facilitator Presentations | All facilitators |
Learning Outcomes
- Reflect on the role of education for sustainability in the context of global, national, and local drivers.
- Engage with education for sustainability concepts, contexts, principles, and practices.
- Examine the EU Sustainability Competency Framework through the lens of embodying sustainability values, embracing complexity in sustainability, envisioning sustainable futures, and acting for sustainability.
- Explore how to redesign elements of your teaching and learning practice by embedding education for sustainability principles.
Learning Activities
- The course includes asynchronous work, weekly live sessions, and peer group learning.
- Individual pre-work typically comprises short videos, reading and quizzes to be completed ahead of the weekly live webinars.
- Interactive 1-hour live webinars focus on specific topics and include case studies, guest speakers and group discussion.
- Peer Triads allow you to learn from, and work with, your peers.
Registration
For more information, email facilitator Dr. Mark Kelly (Mark.Kelly@atu.ie).