Environmental Planning & Legislation - Extended Campus
The Programme will expand the knowledge of learners in order to equip them with the requisite knowledge and competencies to effectively operate within a planning, housing, roads, community and environment function.
| Award Name | Special Purpose Certificate (Level 7 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Special Purpose |
| Awarding Body | South East Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 7 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Purpose Certificate (Level 7 NFQ) | Special Purpose | South East Technological University | Level 7 NFQ |
Duration
This programme will be delivered using a hybrid approach which is a learner-centred process involving digital, printed, live and recorded class activities and facilitated by SETU Carlow's virtual learning environment Blackboard collaborate.
Entry Requirements
This programme is typically aimed at mature learners or those working within the Environmental sector.
Applicants under the age of 23 must meet the following entry criteria
A pass in the Leaving Certificate; 5 grades at O6/H7 including English or Irish and Mathematics or international equivalent.
Applicants over the age of 23 years are classed as mature students and can apply on a case by case basis. There is no defined entry criteria for matures entering this programme. All programmes are mapped to the SETU Carlow Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy and applicants who wish to apply using this route can request the specific RPL for their programme.
RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning)
All programmes are mapped to the SETU Carlow Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy https://www.itcarlow.ie/resources/quality/quality-policies-procedures.htmand applicants who wish to apply using this route can request the specific RPL for this programme.
SETU Carlow's RPL Policy offers clear pathways to the learner for recognition of previous learning undertaken and offer every credit to the learner in completing such learning.
The Programme Board will be responsible for the assessment of entry standards and applications as part of any RPL Process.
Further information
Next Intake September 2026
FAO Applicants Resident in Ireland: Springboard+ Funding
This course has been funded under the Irish Government’s ‘Springboard+’ programme, for more information on the fee structure please head to the Springboard+ website here. To be eligible you need to be:
Resident in Ireland - either with a valid social welfare claim in place for unemployed people; or, for employed people, proof of having been resident here for 3 out of last 5 years.
Non-EU Irish residents must have ‘Stamp 4’ residency immigration status or above in order to be eligible.
Recent Graduates of full-time level 8 degree programmes are not eligible for Springboard+ funding for one year after graduation date but may apply as fee-paying students.
The funding is not open to people who are not resident in Ireland. Please see further information on Springboard+ eligibility.
The Springboard+ application closing date is Thursday, 24 September 2026.
What is this Programme about?
Validated by SETU, the Level 7, 10 credit, Special Purpose Award Certificate in Environmental and Planning Legislation is offered as a blend of online (Topics 1, 5) / on site (Topics 2, 3, 4) delivery.
The programme will commence in September and the on site delivery, in conjunction with the Local Authorities, will take place in the five regional training centres located in Cork, Dublin, Mayo, Donegal and Tipperary.
Programme details
The principle aim of this programme is to provide a minimum competency for personnel who are responsible for compliance with, and regulation of the following EU Environmental Directives in their area of work:
Environmental Impact Assessment Directive
Habitats Framework Directive
Water Framework Directive.
Enhancing this skills-set will ensure the proper monitoring, inspections and protection of the environment, as well as the better integration of environmental issues in the planning, design and delivery of public projects within the sector.
The Programme will expand the knowledge of learners in order to equip them with the requisite knowledge and competencies to effectively operate within a planning, housing, roads, community and environment function.
Applications are welcomed from those employed by the Local Authority as:
Planners
Scientists (various)
Engineers
Administrators
Community and Economic Development staff.
This programme will be delivered using a hybrid approach which is a learner-centred process involving digital, printed, live and recorded class activities and facilitated by SETU Carlow's virtual learning environment Blackboard collaborate. The structured manner will facilitate students in their learning process to reach programme and module learning objectives. Learners will also be required to complete project work in order to achieve certification.
Attendance at each of the topic days is mandatory.
Who is this Programme for?
The primary target learner groups are those employed by the Local Authority in the following areas with a role impacted by Environmental and Planning Legislation:
Roads
Planning
Housing
Environment
Water Services
Online Support
Students will have full access to a range of supports available online and through Blackboard, our virtual learning environment. These include our new online programme, PACE, which is designed to support students to access and effectively use library resources in order to complete assignments. Additional supports include an Academic Writing Centre and Maths Support Centre, freely available to all students.
Extended Campus
Extended Campus (EC) at SETU Carlow works with organisations in the design, development and validation of customised programmes relevant to industry and employer needs. Programmes are often designed to bridge a gap that currently exists and or to support the future needs of an organisation and are offered through flexibly delivered timetables that fits into work life and avoiding long commutes to and from the classroom.
Relevant curricula give organisations the opportunity to stay competitive and current in the changing workplace with industry-focused programmes that deliver job-ready skills. All programmes are delivered by experienced industry experts. Students who have relevant learning (formal or informal) may make application under recognition of prior learning (RPL) for advanced entry or exemptions on certain programmes.
For further details contact extendedcampus.cw@setu.ie or phone 059 9175286