MSc in Sustainable Cloud Computing
Powering Tomorrow’s Cloud, Responsibly.
Cloud computing has transformed industries, yet its energy demands are growing at an unsustainable rate. In a world increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure, the environmental cost of progress is no longer an afterthought – it’s a priority.
The MSc in Sustainable Cloud Computing fuses advanced cloud architecture, automation, and AI-driven data engineering with sustainability principles, and is designed for forward-thinking professionals ready to lead the next wave of cloud innovation – without compromising our planet.
Developed in close collaboration with leading tech companies and designed by Technological University Dublin’s (TU Dublin) School of Enterprise, Computing & Digital Transformation, this innovative 2-year part-time Level 9 Master’s programme blends advanced technical learning with deep sustainability insight. You will gain practical, industry-aligned skills in cloud architecture, automation, and AI operation, all through the lens of sustainable digital transformation.
Coordinated by Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet, companies such as Fidelity Investments, Liberty IT, Ericsson, IBM, Cisco, HP assisted in the design and development of course content.
The MSc in Sustainable Cloud Computing is tailored for professionals who are ready to lead with purpose and impact.
Whether you’re advancing within your current role or transitioning into a new one, this course will empower you to become a driver of sustainable innovation in your organisation.
- Experienced IT professionals seeking to evolve their cloud capabilities with a focus on sustainability.
- Cloud architects, site reliability engineers, DevOps engineers, and systems administrators aiming to future-proof their skills.
- Professionals working in infrastructure, data, or platform roles who want to deepen their expertise in energy-efficient and ethical cloud practices.
- Graduates in computing, information systems, engineering, or STEM-related disciplines who wish to specialise in sustainable cloud solutions.
- Technical leaders who wish to integrate sustainable development goals into cloud strategy, architecture, and deployment.
- Individuals working in sectors such as finance, healthcare, telecommunications, or public services where cloud innovation and compliance with green policies are priorities.
The MSc in Sustainable Cloud Computing is a two-year, part-time programme delivered primarily online, using a flexible blended learning model that fits around your professional life.
Key features include:
- Four semesters over two years (90 ECTS total)
- Online-first delivery with occasional in-person workshops
- Hands-on learning aligned with industry needs
- Capstone research project supported by TU Dublin faculty and Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet partners
The programme consists of four semesters combining technical excellence with sustainability insight, culminating in a major applied research project. Each semester is structured to build your expertise in areas such as cloud architecture, automation, digital strategy, and sustainable data practices.
Working closely with industry has ensured that the modules deliver a blend of advanced cloud computing skills with an in-depth understanding of sustainability, preparing graduates to lead the way in creating greener, more sustainable technologies and solutions.
Semester 1
Cloud Architecture (10 credits)
- Fundamentals of Public Cloud Architecture
- Designing Scalable & Resilient Public Cloud Systems (Networking/Security)
- Cost Optimization & Resource Efficiency
- Automation and DevOps
Digital Technology Strategy (10 credits)
- Role of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) in modern business
- Business Cases & Legal Requirements for Sustainability
- IT Financial & Value Assessment methods
- Managing/Aligning People, Process & Technology
Semester 2
IT Infrastructure & Automation (10 credits)
- Technical & sustainable considerations associated with managing IT infrastructure
- Design & implement the physical/virtual architecture of the Cloud (Public/Private)
- Performance, H/W Efficiency & Resource Telemetry considerations in Infrastructure
Human and Organisational Issues (10 credits)
- Manage human interactions with a range of organisation stakeholders/ team collaboration
- Leadership – make decisions, negotiate solutions, develop culture, communicate change
- Creative problem solving and innovation practices
Semester 3
Cloud Native (10 credits)
- Build, Deploy & Manage modern Apps in Cloud
- Containers; Orchestration (K8s), Deployment to cloud native, testing & sustainability
- Cloud Native philosophy: APIs, microservices, serverless, managed data services
- DevOps philosophy: CI/CD, version control, building pipelines, release strategies
Sustainable Data Engineering and AI Operations (10 credits)
- Efficient Data Science considerations (prepare, analyse and visualise)
- Data Analytics with abstract Machine Learning (ML) Cloud Services
- Use-Case scenarios with a sustainable perspective
- Scaling considerations for Datasets
Semester 4
Research Methods and Proposal Writing (5 credits)
- Conduct a literature review, academic writing, designing a research methodology, interpreting data, deriving conclusions, write a research proposal
Research Project (25 credits)
- Formulate a research question (RQ) relevant to sustainability in cloud computing, design a research methodology to address RQ, conduct the research, capture / analyse the results & writing up the work in a thesis.
- Research areas: Comparing, contrasting & evaluating emerging technologies, practices and services for implementing sustainable applications in the cloud (encompassing infrastructure, code and data)
This MSc goes beyond conventional cloud training by embedding environmental, ethical, and strategic insight into every module, ensuring that you graduate with a uniquely future-focused skillset.
Upon successful completion of this programme, you will be equipped to:
- Design and manage sustainable cloud solutions that balance performance, cost, and energy efficiency using industry-standard platforms and Cloud Native technologies.
- Leverage automation, data engineering, and AI operations to optimise cloud environments and drive responsible digital transformation.
- Analyse and reduce the environmental impact of digital infrastructure through strategic, energy-conscious architecture and operational practices.
- Communicate technical concepts clearly and ethically, collaborating across disciplines and with non-technical stakeholders to drive sustainability initiatives.
- Apply advanced cloud principles to develop secure, scalable, and high-performing systems aligned with sustainable development goals.
- Evaluate emerging trends and make informed decisions based on the latest innovations and challenges in sustainable cloud computing.
Academic Eligibility
Prospective participants must either be
(a) Honours graduates (Level 8) with a major in computing or information technology, at a minimum award level of second class grade two honours (2.2). Computing and Information Technology graduates with a lower grade of level 8 award and some years of suitable experience may also qualify.
or
(b) Honours Graduates (Level 8) in Equivalent Cognate Fields with an award at 2.2. or higher.
Applicants with an Honours Bachelor’s Degree (Level 8) or equivalent in a relevant field – such as science, mathematics, engineering, or business IS/MIS – at a minimum 2nd class honours grade 2 (2.2) level will be considered for entry if their prior work experience provides a suitable foundation for the programme. Candidates with a Level 8 qualification below 2.2 may also be eligible for admission if they have sufficient relevant experience.
Applicants who do not qualify as standard applicants will be assessed on a case-by-case basis based on TU Dublin’s policy on Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
For applicants whose first language is not English, please note the English language entry requirements.
Fees
Full course fee: €5,000 per year
Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet grant: €1,505 per year
Subsidised course fee: €3,495* per year
Subsidised fees are only available to eligible* applicants.
*Funding Eligibility
Applicants must be working in a private or commercial semi-state organisation registered in the Republic of Ireland (Business, Consultant, Freelancer) to avail of the grant-aided fees. As a government-funded training network, we can only support those meeting these criteria.
Applicants who do not meet our funding criteria may be able to apply directly to the college and pay the full course fee of €5,000 (per year) if there are available places.
Once you have received your offer of a place on the course, please be aware that we have a limited number of subsidised places available. Due to high demand, we cannot hold places without payment. To ensure fairness, priority for these places will be granted to those who have both completed full payment of the subsidised fee and are deemed eligible by the college or training provider.
Please enquire to be notified about the January 2026 intake
Complete the enquiry form on this page to receive automatic updates when details for the January 2026 intake are announced and applications open.