Urban environments and their buildings are placing unprecedented stress on earth system processes, while simultaneously being critical sites for climate action. The MSc in Architecture, Urbanism and Climate Action (MAUCA) programme equips graduates and returning professionals with specialist skills to respond to the challenge of planning, designing, and realising a resilient and sustainable built environment. The School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy (APEP) brings together four key disciplines to provide a unique graduate learning experience.

Core modules are specifically designed to enhance knowledge of climate science and policy, GIS, systems thinking, and environmental ethics, as well as to develop skills for low carbon, sustainable and inclusive building and urban design. Optional modules have been selected from a wide range of schools across UCD, including Architecture, Planning, Environmental Policy, Geography, Biosystems Engineering, Economics and Law. Students undertake a Linked Research Project in the summer trimester that offers 3 options: developing individual research studies through a thesis; a placement on a prestigious EU or nationally funded collaborative research project within UCD on a relevant topic; or a placement with a company leading the agenda on low-carbon, sustainable building and urban design. Many students have continued to work for their placement research projects or companies after graduating.