Online course: Education for Sustainability (February 2026)
2026-02-12 13:00 - 2026-05-07 14:00 UTC
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).

Name*

First Name

Last Name

Email Address*

Institution*Atlantic Technological UniversityDublin Business SchoolDublin City UniversityDun Laoghaire Institute of Art and DesignDundalk Institute of TechnologyGriffith CollegeHibernia CollegeMarino Institute of EducationMary Immaculate CollegeMaynooth UniversityMunster Technological UniversityNational College of Art & DesignNational College of IrelandUniversity of GalwayRoyal College of Surgeons in IrelandRoyal Irish AcademyTU DublinTrinity College DublinUniversity College CorkUniversity College DublinUniversity of LimerickSouth East Technological UniversityTechnological University of the Shannon: Midlands MidwestOtherOther Institution*Position*Do you require accommodations for a disability or difference?

Yes
Accessibility Requirements*e.g. captions for webinarsConsent* I agree to the privacy policy.
