Trinity College Dublin is delighted to announce the launch of its new Master of Science (MSc) in Climate Adaptation Engineering, a pioneering one-year programme aimed at equipping students with the technical expertise and practical skills necessary to tackle the urgent challenges posed by climate change. The launch coincides with International Climate Action Day, reinforcing Trinity’s leadership in global climate resilience and sustainable development.

To mark the occasion, Trinity hosted a panel discussion titled "Navigating Climate Futures: Academic Contributions to Global Climate Action." The event brought together leading academics from across the university’s three schools, focusing on how academia can deliver on climate action. Panellists explored the critical role of research and education in addressing climate change, proposing multidisciplinary solutions that include policy, technology, and community-based interventions.

The MSc in Climate Adaptation Engineering integrates engineering, applied science, and sustainability, providing students with a holistic understanding of climate adaptation. The programme’s curriculum recognises the importance of addressing the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring students develop the skills to produce innovative solutions to real-world climate challenges while considering the sustainable management of both our built and natural environments, in a world of finite available global resources.

Dr. John Gallagher, Course Director for the MSc in Climate Adaptation Engineering, highlighted the programme’s relevance:

"Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and adaptation will be key to ensuring a resilient and sustainable future. This programme will give students not only the technical and analytical skills to address this head on, but also the ability to lead efforts in delivering climate-resilient solution across different critical sectors of our economy. Our goal is to empower the next generation of leaders in climate adaptation, who can take both scientific and policy-driven approaches to these global issues."

 CRH Chair of Climate Science at Trinity College Dublin, Professor Karen Wiltshire , underlined the importance of the programme to Ireland and the international community:

"Ireland, like the rest of the world, is already feeling the impacts of climate change, from more frequent extreme weather events to rising sea levels. The MSc in Climate Adaptation Engineering is a vital addition to both national and international efforts to mitigate these effects. By training a new generation of experts with the skills to develop sustainable adaptation strategies, we are not only helping Ireland meet its climate targets but also contributing to the global fight against climate change."

Key Programme Features:

  • Industry-Led Professional Project: Students will work directly with industry partners to develop practical solutions to real-world climate adaptation challenges.
  • Multidisciplinary Approach: The curriculum integrates engineering and applied sciences to prepare students to collaborate between and across disciplines.
  • Global Career Opportunities: Graduates will be well-equipped for leadership roles in climate adaptation, environmental consulting, infrastructure planning, and sustainability, both in Ireland and internationally.

To view our programme video please click here...

To download our programme brochure MSc in Climate Adaptation Engineering

The MSc in Climate Adaptation Engineering begins in September 2025, with applications open until 31st June 2025. Full programme details, including the curriculum and application process, are available on the Trinity College Dublin website