24 New pathways for innovative ESD (Part 2)

Dr John Morrissey discussed how the Department of Geography at MIC is advancing ESD through research-led teaching, trans-disciplinarity, and applied problem-solving. Though small in size, the department maintains diverse expertise—ranging from political ecology to geospatial science—which feeds directly into teaching and aligns with SDGs including 4 (Quality Education), 11 (Sustainable Cities), 12 (Responsible Consumption), and 13 (Climate Action).

Dr Morrissey highlighted the department’s investment in postgraduate research, with PhD and MA students contributing cutting-edge scholarship on climate change education and climate justice. This research is directly integrated into undergraduate teaching, ensuring students engage with live debates and emerging findings rather than static content.

At postgraduate level, two new masters programmes highlight MIC’s innovative ESD pathways: the MA/MSc in Environment, Society and Culture, which explores interactions between human and natural systems, and the MA in Climate Justice and Sustainability, jointly delivered with the Department of Philosophy. This latter programme combines environmental ethics and climate justice with geographical expertise in transitions and sustainability, embodying a transdisciplinary model.

A distinctive feature is the Environmental Consultancy module, in which students work with external partners (such as Adare Manor and community organisations) on real-world sustainability projects. This provides hands-on experience, builds transferable skills, and demonstrates how theoretical knowledge translates into applied solutions.

Dr Morrissey concluded that MIC’s geography department exemplifies how research integration, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and real-world application can create meaningful new pathways for ESD in higher education.

About the author

name: Dr John Morrissey

institution: Mary Immaculate College

Dr John Morrissey is an Associate Professor in Geography at Mary Immaculate College.