SDGs and People

Certificate

Course Details

Course Code	GA_ESPEG_N06
Level	6
Duration	1 semester
Credits	5
Method of Delivery	Online
Campus Locations	Mayo
Mode of Delivery	Full Time, Part Time

How to Apply

Course Overview

This module provides an introduction to the SDGs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) focussing on the theme of PEOPLE and the importance of regional context in achieving the goals.

The focus of SDG1 Zero Poverty is on ending poverty in all its forms everywhere.
The focus of SDG2 Zero Hunger is on ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture.
The focus of SDG3 Good Health and Wellbeing is on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
The focus of SDG4 Quality Education is on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
The focus of SDG5 Gender Equality is on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.

In this module these topics are examined within a regional context. The module provides the learner with insight into how global challenges can be tackled at a local level, with the aim of empowering individual learners to become informed and responsible global citizens.

Course Details

Year 1

Semester	Module Details	Credits	Mandatory / Elective
1	SDGs and PEOPLE This module provides an introduction to the SDGs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) focussing on the theme of PEOPLE and the importance of regional context in achieving the goals. The focus of SDG1 Zero Poverty is on ending poverty in all its forms everywhere. The focus of SDG2 Zero Hunger is on ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture. The focus of SDG3 Good Health and Wellbeing is on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. The focus of SDG4 Quality Education is on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. The focus of SDG5 Gender Equality is on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. In this module these topics are examined within a regional context. The module provides the learner with insight into how global challenges can be tackled at a local level, with the aim of empowering individual learners to become informed and responsible global citizens. Learning Outcomes 1. Articulate the aims and purpose of the SDG theme PEOPLE 2. Outline the application of the SDG theme PEOPLE in a regional context 3. Demonstrate knowledge of the inter-relationships between the SDGs in the theme of PEOPLE 4. Advocate the SDGs relevance and implications inan applied setting	05	Mandatory

Recommended Study Hours per week

Online lessons: 1 hour
Online Exercises: 2 hours
Independent Study: 6.5 hours

Examination and Assessment

Assessment for the module will be carried out using two instruments.
The first will require the learner to complete a brief online exercise on each of the five SDGs. The exercise will comprise a quiz and/or a multiple-choice style examination. Each exercise will constitute 5% of the overall module marks (25% in total).
The remaining 75% of the module assessment will be made up of a single presentation exercise which the learner will design. The presentation will be created for an imagined audience which could be community, business, or, ideally, the classmates in the learner’s undergraduate programme.

On-Campus Attendance Requirement

No on-campus attendance required.

Progression

On completion of this microcredential students are eligible to apply for entry to the Certificate in The Sustainable Development Goals, Partnership, People, Planet and Prosperity and apply for an exemption from this module.

Download a prospectus

Undergraduate Prospectus Online, Flexible & Professional Development Prospectus

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements are those stated by the university in its Access, Transfer and Progression Policy at any given time. At present they are a Grade O6/H7 or better in five Leaving Certificate subjects including English or Irish and Mathematics with a minimum of 160 points. Maths at F2 is acceptable to meet the minimum Maths entry requirement. Irish at F2 is acceptable to meet the minimum language requirement.

OR
Five different subjects at GCSE grade C or better to include English/Irish and Maths with a minimum of 160 points.

OR
Equivalent qualifications and scores from other countries which will be assessed and scored by the university.

OR
A Pass in any QQI FET Major Award at level 5 or 6. (Programmes with specific Leaving Certificate Maths requirements should include the following or similar: QQI FET applicants for engineering programmes in ATU must have completed awards including a Mathematics module (5N1833, 6N3395, 5N18396, 5N0556 or 5S2246) or LC maths.)

OR
A Pass in a QQI FET Foundation Certificate, the University of Galway/ATU Foundation Certificate or any Foundation/Access Certificate delivered by the regional cluster (ATU or University of Galway).

Mature Applicants
Applications from mature applicants (aged 23 on or before 1st January of the course commencement year) are welcomed by ATU. A quota of places is reserved for mature applicants. These applicants do not have to meet the Leaving Certificate entry requirements and are considered on an individual basis (previous education, work experience, and demonstration of ability and competence to undertake the programme).

English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements will be as determined by ATU and as published in the Access, Transfer and Progression Policy. The current requirements are as follows:

Non-EU applicants who are not English speakers must have a minimum score of 5.5 (with a minimum of 5.0 in each component) in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or equivalent. All results must have been achieved within 2 years of application to ATU.
EU applicants who are not English speakers are recommended to have a minimum score of 5.5 (with a minimum of 5.0 in each component) in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or equivalent.

Recognition of Prior Learning
In accordance with its policies ATU is committed to the principles of transparency, equity and fairness in recognition of prior learning (RPL) and to the principle of valuing all learning regardless of the mode or place of its acquisition. Recognition of Prior Learning may be used to:
i. gain access or advanced entry to a programme at Stage 2 or higher, subject to available places. (Stage 1 entry to undergraduate major awards is through CAO).
ii. gain credits and exemptions from programme modules after admission.

Applications
Applications for year one of this programme are made directly to ATU.

Selection
Applicants will be offered places in decreasing order of performance until all available places are exhausted following the initial application deadline. Thereafter, if additional places remain unfilled, offers will be made to eligible applicants until all places are filled.

Fees

Total Fees EU: €66.67

Further information on fees

Careers

This micro-credential will provide a pathway for those seeking to develop knowledge and skills in supporting the SDG framework both professionally and personally.

Further Information

Application Closing Date

This course has closed for applications for September 2025.

Start Date

September 2025

Who Should Apply?

This course will appeal to those seeking to adapt their thinking on their personal stake in supporting the SDG framework on totality; and by doing such, further consider their professional and personal practice
to embed sustainable practices in their work and in their lives.