17.4.2 Canadian University Dubai — Dedicated Courses and Degree Programmes Addressing Sustainability and the SDGs
Institutional Commitment
Canadian University Dubai (CUD) offers dedicated undergraduate and postgraduate education in sustainability and subjects directly relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The University recognises that progress towards sustainable development requires graduates with specialist knowledge of environmental management, public health, clean energy, climate action, responsible innovation and resource efficiency.
CUD therefore provides formal, credit-bearing degree programmes and courses that equip students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to address these challenges.
Its sustainability education portfolio includes undergraduate qualifications in environmental health and renewable energy engineering, postgraduate study in circular economy design, and further courses covering environmental science, climate policy, ethics and social responsibility.
These offerings are supported by published academic programme structures, course descriptions and learning outcomes.
1. Overview of Dedicated Sustainability Education
CUD provides sustainability education through specialised degrees, required programme courses and elective courses.
Sustainability-Focused Qualifications Documented for 2025
| Degree Programme | Qualification | Main Sustainability Focus | Relevant SDGs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Environmental Health Management | Undergraduate | Environmental health, pollution, water and waste management, climate policy | SDG 3, 6, 11, 13 |
| Bachelor of Science in Power and Renewable Energy Engineering | Undergraduate | Renewable electricity, solar and wind power, energy storage, smart grids | SDG 7, 9, 13 |
| Master of Science in Design Innovation for Circular Economy | Postgraduate | Circular economy, lifecycle assessment, regenerative design and climate-responsive innovation | SDG 8, 9, 11, 12, 13 |
In addition, CUD offers sustainability-related general education courses and entrepreneurship courses addressing sustainability and responsible innovation.
These programmes and courses constitute formal educational offerings rather than standalone awareness events.
2. Dedicated Degree — BSc in Public Health and Environmental Health Management
Qualification: Bachelor of Science
Programme Duration: Four years
Total Credits: 129
Government Accreditation: 26 January 2023
Relevant SDGs: SDG 3 — Good Health and Wellbeing; SDG 6 — Clean Water and Sanitation; SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 12 — Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 13 — Climate Action.
Programme Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Environmental Health Management examines how environmental conditions influence human health and community wellbeing.
The curriculum combines public health, environmental sciences, management and policy to prepare students to identify, assess and address environmental health challenges.
Students examine environmental risks associated with pollution, water, waste, climate change, food safety and occupational conditions.
The programme provides formal study of sustainable environmental management and the protection of population health.
Dedicated Sustainability Courses
| Course Code | Course Title | Sustainability and SDG Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| ENV 201 | Principles of Environmental Science | Introduces environmental systems and human interaction with the natural environment |
| ENV 220 | Introduction to Environmental Health | Examines how environmental conditions affect health |
| ENV 321 | Management of Domestic and Hazardous Wastes | Waste reduction, safe management and environmental protection |
| ENV 326 | Indoor and Outdoor Air Pollution | Air quality, pollution sources, exposure and environmental health |
| ENV 330 | Hydrology and Water Waste Management | Water resources and wastewater management |
| ENV 413 | Marine Pollution | Environmental threats affecting marine ecosystems |
| ENV 423 | Environmental Management: Theory and Practice | Application of environmental management approaches |
| ENV 424 | Impacts of Climate Change Policy on Environmental Management | Climate policy and its implications for environmental management |
| ENV 410 | Applied Research in Environmental Health Management | Research methods and investigation of environmental health issues |
Environmental Management and Climate Policy
ENV 424 provides a dedicated example of education concerning climate policy.
The course examines the relationship between climate change policy and environmental management, helping students consider how policy frameworks influence environmental protection and practical management decisions.
Applied Learning
The programme includes applied research and internship-related requirements, supporting practical engagement with public health and environmental management.
Sustainability Learning Outcomes
The University's published programme learning outcomes include the ability to:
- Identify and analyse environmental health problems.
- Apply recognised methodologies in environmental health management.
- Develop solutions addressing public health and environmental challenges.
- Understand the legal, economic, ethical and societal dimensions of public health.
- Develop environmental management systems informed by relevant standards.
These outcomes demonstrate that sustainability-related knowledge and practices form a substantive part of the qualification.
Official Programme: https://www.cud.ac.ae/programs/undergraduate/public-health/bachelor-of-science-in-public-health-environmental-health-management
3. Dedicated Degree — BSc in Power and Renewable Energy Engineering
Qualification: Bachelor of Science
Programme Focus: Power and renewable energy engineering
Relevant SDGs: SDG 7 — Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 13 — Climate Action.
Programme Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Power and Renewable Energy Engineering provides specialised technical education relating to electricity systems, renewable energy and sustainable engineering technologies.
Students study the principles and applications of solar power, wind energy, smart electricity systems and energy conversion.
The programme connects fundamental engineering knowledge with technologies relevant to the transition towards lower-carbon energy systems.
Dedicated Sustainability Courses
| Course Code | Course Title | Sustainability and SDG Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| DES 320 | Design for Sustainability | Sustainability considerations in engineering design |
| PRE 362 | Solar Energy | Solar photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies |
| PRE 471 | Wind Energy | Wind power systems and renewable electricity generation |
| PRE 473 | Energy Conversion and Storage | Energy conversion and storage technologies |
| PRE 474 | Power Transmission and Distribution | Electricity network infrastructure and distribution |
| PRE 481 | Smart Grids | Intelligent power networks and modern grid technology |
| PRE 482 | Power Systems Quality | Technical quality and performance of electricity systems |
Solar Energy Education
PRE 362 provides dedicated instruction in solar energy technologies.
The course addresses the role of solar energy in power generation and the engineering principles necessary for its application.
Wind Energy Education
PRE 471 focuses on wind energy and the technical foundations of wind power systems.
It provides knowledge relevant to renewable electricity generation and energy diversification.
Energy Conversion and Storage
PRE 473 addresses technologies for converting and storing energy.
Energy storage is important to the integration of variable renewable electricity sources and the development of resilient energy systems.
Smart Grids
PRE 481 addresses intelligent power networks and modern grid technology.
Smart grids are relevant to energy efficiency, renewable integration, electricity distribution and reliable infrastructure.
Academic Evidence
CUD's published programme viewbook and academic study plan identify these courses as formal components of the degree.
The dedicated renewable-energy content demonstrates the University's provision of specialised, credit-bearing sustainability education.
Official Programme: https://www.cud.ac.ae/programs/undergraduate/electrical-engineering/bachelor-of-science-in-power-and-renewable-energy
4. Dedicated Postgraduate Degree — MSc in Design Innovation for Circular Economy
Qualification: Master of Science
Total Credits: 33
Government Accreditation: 25 March 2025
Academic School: Architecture and Interior Design
Relevant SDGs: SDG 8 — Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 12 — Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 13 — Climate Action.
Programme Overview
The Master of Science in Design Innovation for Circular Economy prepares students to address sustainability challenges using design, systems thinking, circular economy methods and interdisciplinary problem-solving.
The programme explores alternatives to linear models of resource extraction, production, consumption and disposal.
Its educational approach focuses on the development of regenerative and resource-efficient solutions for products, services, buildings and urban systems.
The qualification provides advanced study in sustainability-related design and policy.
Programme Curriculum
| Course Code | Course Title | Role in Sustainability Education |
|---|---|---|
| DCE 611 | Design-Out Climate | Examines how design decisions contribute to climate challenges and possible solutions |
| DCE 612 | Principles of Circular Economy | Circular systems, resource regeneration, product lifecycles and waste reduction |
| DCE 613 | Design Futures | Future-oriented design thinking and innovation |
| DCE 614 | Research by Design | Research methods supporting design-led problem-solving |
| DCE 621 | Lifecycle Assessment and Circular Metrics | Methods for assessing environmental impacts and circularity |
| DCE 622 | Regenerative Buildings and Cities | Sustainable and regenerative approaches to built environments |
| DCE 623 | Sustainable Design Policy and Governance | Policy, regulation and governance relating to sustainable design |
| DCE 630 | Applied Research Project | Extended research project applying programme knowledge |
Elective Sustainability Courses
The programme includes electives addressing topics such as:
| Course Code | Elective |
|---|---|
| DCE 624 | Design Industry Revolution |
| DCE 625 | Applied Environmental Science |
| DCE 626 | Impacts of Climate Change Policy on Environmental Management |
| DCE 627 | Technical and Scientific Methodologies in Circular Economy |
| DCE 628 | Smart Technologies and AI for Circular Economy |
Lifecycle Assessment and Circular Metrics
DCE 621 provides education on evaluating the environmental impacts of products and systems across their lifecycles.
Lifecycle assessment and circularity metrics support evidence-based decisions about resource use, product design, waste and environmental performance.
Regenerative Buildings and Cities
DCE 622 addresses the application of regenerative design principles to buildings and urban environments.
Students explore approaches that consider environmental impacts and the long-term sustainability of built systems.
Sustainable Design Policy and Governance
DCE 623 focuses on the policy and governance dimensions of sustainability.
It connects design innovation with the wider institutional and regulatory frameworks influencing sustainable development.
Reporting-Year Relevance
The Master's programme received government accreditation on 25 March 2025 and is documented in CUD's 2025–26 Academic Catalogue.
Its inclusion demonstrates an accredited sustainability-focused educational offering established during 2025.
Accreditation and published programme structure are separately distinguished from evidence of student enrolment or individual classes delivered during the year.
Official Programme: https://www.cud.ac.ae/programs/masters/architecture/master-of-science-in-design-innovation-for-circular-economy
5. Dedicated General Education Courses Addressing Sustainability-Related Topics
In addition to specialist degrees, CUD offers catalogued general education courses covering environmental, social and ethical dimensions of sustainable development.
These courses provide additional opportunities for students to study issues related to the SDGs.
| Course Code | Course Title | Sustainability-Related Content | Relevant SDGs |
|---|---|---|---|
| GED 125 | Ecosystem and Human Health | Human health, ecological systems, nutrition, environmental health and disease | SDG 3, 15 |
| GED 132 | Science and Technology in Society | Societal impacts of science, innovation and technological development | SDG 4, 9 |
| GED 150 | Foundations for Community Engagement and Social Work | Community wellbeing, inclusion, social work and ethical responsibilities | SDG 1, 10, 16 |
| GED 205 | Psychology in Everyday Life | Psychological wellbeing and human development | SDG 3, 4 |
| GED 324 | Ethical Reasoning for Today's World | Moral decision-making, ethical frameworks and professional responsibility | SDG 16, 17 |
These are general education courses with sustainability-relevant themes. Their inclusion does not imply that each is exclusively devoted to the UN SDGs.
6. Additional University-Wide Courses in Sustainability and Innovation
CUD also requires undergraduate students to complete two courses that establish a foundation in sustainability and responsible innovation.
ENT 141 — Fundamentals of Innovation and Entrepreneurship 1
The course introduces students to sustainability as part of an innovation and entrepreneurship framework.
Documented sustainability-related learning outcomes include:
- Explain the basic concepts of innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability and their value to society and the economy.
- Identify key elements of the sustainability framework in proposed innovative opportunities.
Students learn about the relationship between economic, social and environmental sustainability.
ENT 142 — Fundamentals of Innovation and Entrepreneurship 2
The course builds on ENT 141 and explicitly uses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for social innovation.
Its learning outcomes include:
- Explain the process of innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability.
- Analyse the impact of innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability on society and the economy.
The course applies design-thinking methods to real-life social challenges.
Relationship to Dedicated Sustainability Education
ENT 141 and ENT 142 support CUD's general institutional commitment to education for sustainable development.
They are included here as supplementary examples of formal sustainability-related coursework.
The University's specialised degrees and discipline-specific courses provide the clearest examples of dedicated sustainability education under this indicator.
7. How Sustainability Courses Are Delivered
CUD's dedicated sustainability education combines theoretical study with practical and applied learning.
Published academic curricula identify teaching and learning approaches such as:
- Lectures and seminars.
- Laboratory-based learning.
- Technical coursework.
- Case studies.
- Research assignments.
- Project-based learning.
- Applied research projects.
- Internships and other practical learning opportunities.
These approaches allow students to engage with environmental and social problems through academic knowledge and relevant technical methods.
Application of Learning
Depending on the programme, students may study:
- Renewable energy generation and integration.
- Environmental pollution and management.
- Climate change policy.
- Water and waste management.
- Lifecycle assessment.
- Circular economy strategies.
- Sustainable infrastructure.
- Environmental health.
- Responsible technological innovation.
The content and assessment requirements are specified in the relevant programme curricula and course documentation.
8. Programme Accreditation and Academic Quality
CUD's sustainability education is delivered through formal academic programmes subject to the University's curriculum and quality-assurance arrangements.
The dedicated degree programmes identified for the 2025 reporting period include recognised qualifications in public health and environmental health management, renewable energy engineering, and circular economy design.
Accreditation and Curriculum Documentation
| Programme | Relevant Documentary Evidence |
|---|---|
| BSc in Public Health and Environmental Health Management | Government accreditation dated 26 January 2023; published degree requirements |
| BSc in Power and Renewable Energy Engineering | Published 2024 programme viewbook and official academic course structure |
| MSc in Design Innovation for Circular Economy | Government accreditation dated 25 March 2025; 2025–26 academic programme listing |
The programme documents identify credits, course codes, required subjects and relevant academic expectations.
These records demonstrate that sustainability is addressed through formal educational qualifications and catalogued courses.
9. Subsequent Sustainability Programme Development
CUD has continued to develop its sustainability education portfolio beyond the 2025 reporting period.
Two additional qualifications listed on the University's current sustainability website received accreditation in 2026:
| Programme | Government Accreditation Date |
|---|---|
| BSc in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability | 7 May 2026 |
| MSc in Environmental Artificial Intelligence | 8 April 2026 |
These programmes demonstrate subsequent development of CUD's sustainability education portfolio.
They are identified separately and are not counted as established 2025 degree offerings for the purpose of this evidence page.
10. Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 4 — Quality Education
Dedicated sustainability degrees and courses provide formal educational opportunities to develop specialist knowledge and skills needed to address sustainable development challenges.
SDG 7 — Affordable and Clean Energy
Renewable energy engineering courses address solar energy, wind energy, energy conversion and smart electricity infrastructure.
SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Specialised programmes address engineering innovation, sustainable materials, circular design and technological development.
SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities
Environmental health, circular economy and sustainable design courses examine challenges affecting the built environment and urban sustainability.
SDG 12 — Responsible Consumption and Production
Circular economy and environmental management courses address resource use, waste management, lifecycle impacts and regenerative design.
SDG 13 — Climate Action
Climate-related coursework provides specialist education on climate policy, environmental management and lower-carbon technologies.
SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals
Sustainability education supports the development of skills and knowledge required for interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral cooperation.
Institutional Commitment
Canadian University Dubai provides dedicated, catalogued education relevant to sustainability and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
During the 2025 reporting period, the University's academic portfolio included specialised education in public health and environmental health management, power and renewable energy engineering, and design innovation for the circular economy.
These qualifications contain formal coursework on environmental health, pollution, water and waste management, climate change policy, solar and wind energy, smart grids, lifecycle assessment and circular design.
CUD also provides general education courses and mandatory undergraduate courses addressing sustainability, social responsibility, ethical reasoning and innovation.
The University's published curricula, course descriptions and accreditation records demonstrate that sustainable development is addressed through substantive degree-level and credit-bearing educational content.
Primary Evidence: Formal programme curricula, 2024 programme viewbook, 2025–26 academic catalogue, and published course descriptions.
Relevant Academic Areas: Public Health, Engineering, Architecture and Design, and General Education.
Sustainability Contact: sustainability@cud.ac.ae
Primary Reporting Period: 2025, with subsequent 2026 programme developments clearly distinguished.