Sustainable Tourism Turasóireacht Inbhuanaithe

Tourism is evolving. As destinations, businesses and communities respond to climate change, new technologies and changing traveller expectations, there is increasing demand for graduates who combine business knowledge with sustainability expertise. 

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sustainable Tourism prepares you to shape this transformation. Through hands-on learning, industry projects and real-world experience, you will develop the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to create more sustainable tourism businesses, destinations and visitor experiences. 

Whether your future lies in tourism, sustainability, business or community development, this programme equips you with future-focused skills valued by employers. 

Sustainable Tourism (TU968) is an exciting new programme that will be of interest to students who are interested in a career in tourism, sustainability or business. Using innovative teaching methods and experiential learning students will be immersed in the worlds of tourism and sustainability. Key learning experiences involve real world problems, working with industry partners and developing vital skills and knowledge that are being sought in the sector. 

Why Choose This Programme? 

• Develop future-ready skills: Build expertise in sustainability, responsible business, innovation, leadership and problem-solving. 
  
• Learn through experience: Work on live industry projects, collaborate with tourism organisations and apply learning through practical experiences. 
  
• Gain international and professional experience: Optional Erasmus exchange in Year 2 and professional work placement in Year 3. 
  
• Study tourism, business and sustainability together: Explore regenerative tourism, destination management, sustainable transport, environmental impact, marketing, leadership and enterprise.
• Prepare for growing career opportunities: Graduate with green skills are sought across tourism, hospitality, consultancy, business and community development sectors. 

What Will You Learn? 

• Sustainable tourism and destination management
• Climate action and regenerative practices
• Business, entrepreneurship and innovation
• Marketing and communication
• Leadership, teamwork and project management
• Research, critical thinking, future thinking and problem-solving 

By combining academic learning with practical experience, you'll graduate ready to lead positive change in tourism and the wider sustainability economy.

A wide range of innovative teaching, experiential learning opportunities and assessment strategies are used throughout the programme. Graduates of TU968 will not only have the skills necessary to work in the tourism sector nationally and internationally, as well as in sustainability roles in other sectors, but furthermore they will have the knowledge, outlook, expertise and citizenship to be lifelong learners and contribute to the development of a more sustainable world. 

Study Abroad Opportunities

This programme offers study abroad opportunities on an Erasmus programme in year 2

Work Placement

In Year 3, students undertake a work placement.

Leaving Certificate Requirements

QQI/FET Requirements

In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390. Further details at TU Dublin QQI FET Applicants.

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at TU Dublin Mature Applicants.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. 

Timetables will be available closer to the start date. Contact hours vary from year to year, but are approximately 15 hours of contact lectures/tutorials/workshops per week. Students will also need to allocate time for independent learning.

The tourism industry is changing, and employers are looking for graduates who understand sustainability, have green competencies and can help shape the future of travel. As destinations, hotels, attractions and tourism businesses work towards greener, more responsible practices, demand for sustainability skills continues to grow.

This degree gives you the knowledge and practical skills to stand out in this evolving industry. You'll graduate ready to help organisations tackle real-world challenges such as climate action, biodiversity, sustainable tourism, waste reduction, and create more inclusive visitor experiences.

Graduates can pursue careers in areas such as:

• Sustainable Tourism Management
• Sustainability (ESG - environmental, social and governance)
• Destination Management and Development
• Visitor Experience Management
• Eco-tourism and Nature-based Tourism
• Community Development
• Sustainability Communications
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
• Tourism Planning and Policy
• Sustainability Consulting

You could work in roles such as Sustainability Officer, Sustainable Tourism Manager, Destination Manager, Tourism Development Officer, Sustainability Consultant, Visitor Experience Manager, Community Development Officer, Sustainability Communications Executive, or Sustainability Co-ordinator. Emerging careers are also creating exciting opportunities in areas such as sustainable gastronomy, accessible tourism, food waste management, and responsible travel.

With sustainability now one of the fastest-growing areas of employment, this degree prepares you for a career where you can make a real difference - helping businesses, communities and destinations thrive while protecting the environment for future generations.

Irish/EU Applicants

Applications from all Irish/EU citizens are made through the Central Applications Office (CAO).

Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.

The standard closing date to apply is February 1st. Late applications will close on May 1st. For restricted courses, the closing date is February 1st. Please see important dates on the CAO website. For a detailed guide on how to apply, please visit our CAO Hub.

International Students (Non-EU) 

Applications from international students are welcome for this programme. If you meet any of the following criteria, applications should be made directly to TU Dublin via the “Apply Now – Non-EU” link on each programme webpage.

• You hold Non-EU Nationality, and you live in a Non-EU country.
• You hold EU Nationality, but you have not lived in an EU country for 3 of the last 5 years AND you have not attended 5 years primary/secondary education in an EU country.
• You require a Student Visa to study in Ireland

Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.

For full details on How to Apply, Visa & Immigration Information, Accommodation Information and International Fees, please visit our International Hub.

If students choose to continue their studies they will be eligible for a level 9 masters programme.