Ecology & Practical Fieldwork Skills - Applied Ecology
This course is highly practical and focuses on the key skills and knowledge necessary for working in an ecologically based role. Learners will be able to demonstrate strategies and practices to help foster a more environmentally-friendly society.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
39 weeks.
Entry Requirements
What are the entry requirements?
Minimum:
• Applicants must have reached the current statutory school leaving age (16+).
• Leaving Cert, LCVP, LCA or QQI Level 4 Major Award is essential.
• Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
• Competent written and spoken English (CEFR B2 or Higher).
• Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
Additional:
• An interest in ecology, sustainability and biodiversity.
• Good numerical skills.
• Basic Computer IT/Skills.
• Leaving Cert Biology or equivalent is desirable.
• A driving licence is desirable.
• Garda vetting is a requirement for this programme and participation is subject to a satisfactory outcome of the Garda vetting process.
Careers / Further progression
What are the progression opportunities?
Graduates may be eligible to apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to a range of higher certificate and degree programmes at Institutes of Technology and Universities.
Such courses include:
• University College Cork (UCC) – BSc in Applied Plant Biology, Earth Science, Ecology & Environmental Biology, Environmental Science or Zoology
• Munster Technological University (MTU) – Tralee – BSc in Wildlife Biology or the BSc in Environmental Outdoor Learning.
• Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) – Applied Bioscience
• Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) BSc Forestry
• Dublin City University (DCU) – Environment Science and Technology
• National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway- BSc Marine Science
• University of Limerick (UL) – BSc Environmental Science & Climate
Additionally, learners may choose to progress directly into the job market and bring their ecological knowledge to the works and practices of any sector. This type of expertise will hopefully see the decisions made in all sectors centred around the sustainability of our environment.
What are the employment opportunities?
Learners may seek employment with organisations such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service as general operatives, gardeners, horticultural assistants or rangers. The Office of Public Works and other organisations that manage estates, gardens and historic sites as general operatives, horticultural assistants also offer potential for employment. Learners from this course could work with ecological consultants assisting with field surveys, habitat assessments, flora & fauna surveys & monitoring. Additionally, one could become a self-employed carrying out ecological surveying and recording. Another avenue for employment is with Coillte and the forestry sector in tree nurseries and woodland management. With a variety of environmental organisations working on sustainability initiatives for communities (both rural & urban) a learner is sure to find employment suited to their newly acquired skills and knowledge.
Further information
Start Date: 07/09/2026.
Applications for all full-time and part-time programmes should be made online - via the Kerry College website. Your application will be processed using our FETCHCOURSES system.
If you haven't signed up for a FETCH account, you'll need to do this first. It's free and a one-time setup.
Why should I apply?
If you are interested in working outdoors and have an interest and passion for the natural environment, this is the course for you. This course gives you the foundation needed to pursue a career in Ecology, Botany, Wildlife Management, Forestry, Conservation, and other related industry sectors. Governments worldwide have declared “climate change and biodiversity loss” a global emergency and this course will support you in becoming a contributing member to the solution of this global emergency.
In Ireland in recent years, with increases in environmental awareness and realisation of some of our obligations to environmental issues, the scope for employment in the environmental and ecological fields has increased dramatically. Additionally, we have recognised the importance of this type of knowledge in all sectors. As a learner on this course, we will give you the skills and knowledge to apply environmental principles and knowledge to any of the sectors you may end up working in.
Successful participants on the course could also progress to a range of higher certificate and degree programmes.
This course is a path to explore the different educational and employment opportunities in the environmental sector.
Where will I study?
This unique course will be delivered at in Killarney, with many of the practical elements delivered in the variety of habitats of the National Park or close by on the peninsulas of Iveragh, Dingle and Beara or in the Burren. Being in the heart of Ireland’s premiere National Park will provide an ideal location for the Level 5 Ecology course.
What's the certification?
QQI Level 5 Major Award Certificate in Applied Ecology (5M5028).
What will I study?
Biological Diversity (5N1568)
Biology (5N2746)
Ecological Field Methods (5N1439)
Permaculture Design (5N1617)
Plant Identification & Use (5N2527)
Plant Science (5N2528)
Sustainable Water Management (5N5027)
Team-working (5N1367)
Work Experience (5N1356)
5M5028 - Applied Ecology.
For information on the qualification, the course or the fieldwork activities, contact Killorglin Campus by telephone on 066 976 9244 or email outdoors@kerrycollege.ie
For information on how to apply, contact our Kerry College Admissions Offices by telephone on 066 714 96 96 or 064 662 25 93 by email: info@kerrycollege.ie