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Email academic.registry@tcd.ieWaste management, scarcity of resources, minimising emissions and energy use while maximising selective reuse and recycling processes are some of the issues that need to be considered to allow for future economic growth, reduction of negative environmental impacts and to tackle climate disruption.
The 'Circular Economy' concept offers alternative solutions to these problems. The main goal of this approach is to keep products, components, and materials at their highest levels of use and value by closing the loop of product life cycles. This approach requires allowing economic activity to grow while minimising the use of finite resources and waste generation.
The circular model is based on three principles: designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, regenerating natural systems
This course will provide students with core knowledge of the Circular Economy concept as well as the relevant technologies used in the recycling area. Through a blended delivery of modules, this programme will explore topics such as life cycle assessment (LCA), waste management, waste rock reclamation, waters, and sludge treatment as well as recycling, reprocessing, and remanufacturing. It will allow students to develop a unique perspective of the design process to enable the recovery and reuse of materials.
This curriculum is designed to allow students from science and engineering disciplines to gain the scientific and industrial knowledge required to contribute to the sector.
Graduates of this programme will be uniquely placed to work in a wide range of sectors such as manufacturing, environmental and recycling industries. Graduates will provide significant expertise and added value to companies, and support growth and competitiveness across relevant Irish and European industries.
For those interested in pursuing academic research, the School hosts many internationally recognised academics in research. Graduates will also be eligible to pursue further study in other universities where research in this and related fields is carried out.
Trinity provides a distinctive education based on academic excellence and a transformative student experience that encourages students to be active participants in their learning. Through this programme, students will develop a unique range of knowledge, skills and attributes that will enhance their employability and prepare them for their future career journey.
Under the Third Level Graduate Scheme, the Irish Government allows non-EU/EEA students to seek employment in Ireland for 24 months after completing their postgraduate study.
The programme structure includes online components, as well as group work, presentations, and individual research. Teaching will be provided by a multidisciplinary team of experts across the Schools of Chemistry, Physics, Engineering and Natural Sciences, all of whom are active researchers in this cutting-edge area. This course also includes a research project that will be supervised by one of our academic experts across the Schools of Chemistry, Engineering, Physics and Natural Sciences.
This is one of the first programmes of its kind internationally and is distinctive in its structure, offering students a unique opportunity to combine knowledge and research expertise in the area.
The course will consist of eight taught modules delivered either through online or in person teaching. This includes a cross-cutting introductory core module designed to equip students with the foundational information necessary to progress through the remaining modules in the programme.
Course modules include: Introduction to Circular Economy and Materials Science; Introduction to Energy Economics; Plastics, Composites and Plastics Recycling Fundamentals of plastics; Waste Management and Energy Recovery; Sustainable Materials and Environmental Management; Raw Materials Management and Recycling; Engineering for the Environment; Life Cycle Assessment; and a Supervised Research Project.
Discover Trinity College Dublin's Postgraduate Diploma in Circular Economy and Recycling Technologies. This programme equips learners with the knowledge and skills to tackle the challenges of implementing a circular economy in a global context.
September 2025
Professor Iouri Gounko
31st July 2025
This programme is suitable for graduates who have achieved an upper second-class Honours degree (at 2.1 or above) or the international equivalent in either Science or Engineering. Those with an equivalent professional qualification are also encouraged to apply. Exceptions for those with relevant industrial or other experience may be considered and will require the approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies.
All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band B, see the English Language Requirements page here.
Applicants whose first language is not English or who have not completed their undergraduate degree through the medium of English are welcome but may be required to demonstrate a competent level of English through an assessment or interview with the Course Director prior to a final decision on admission. A minimum GPA of 3.0, or equivalent, is required for entry.
Click here for a full list of postgraduate fees.
To apply, click on the relevant Apply Link below
+353 (0)1 8963543
Professor Iouri Gounko (course director) igounko@tcd.ie
www.chemistry.tcd.ie/Study/prospective_students/prospective_PG.php
Register your interest in studying at Ireland’s leading university, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin.
