Expand+Candidates must be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application

Leaving Certificate (or equivalent qualification)/FETAC Level 5 qualification

Candidates who do not have Leaving Certificate or FETAC Level 5 but are over 21 ye...

Hide-Candidates must be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application

Leaving Certificate (or equivalent qualification)/FETAC Level 5 qualification

Candidates who do not have Leaving Certificate or FETAC Level 5 but are over 21 years of age and have a minimum of 2 years relevant experience may be deemed suitable, subject to the approval of the ACE Committee

Candidates may be called for an interview

On successful completion of the second year of the course, participants will be awarded a Diploma in Environmental Science and Social Policy

English Language Requirement: All applicants whose first language is not English must have attained IELTS Level 6 or the equivalent TOEFL score

Expand+Overview
The Diploma in Environmental Science and Social Policy offers an interdisciplinary approach to the environment and issues related, either directly or indirectly, to our use of it. The course is designed to give you a broad knowledge and exp...

Hide-Overview
The Diploma in Environmental Science and Social Policy offers an interdisciplinary approach to the environment and issues related, either directly or indirectly, to our use of it. The course is designed to give you a broad knowledge and experience of the key concepts of environmental science, sustainable development, social policy and economics that shape the world we live in.

This is a cost-effective introduction to environmental science and social policy, as a stand-alone qualification and as a springboard to employment or further study. The course provides you with relevant current environmental knowledge and sustainable social solutions. You will gain a broad understanding of European and national environmental objectives and planning, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA), water and air pollution, environmental legislation, contaminated land, waste management, geology, food and the social issues associated with these topics.

Expand+Year 1 Modules:
AD1871: Environments for Living Organisms (5 credits)
Ecology: niche, competition, tolerance, energy flow, nutrient cycling; Biomes; Biodiversity, Ocean Ecosystem and Atmosphere.

AD1872: The Physical Environment (10 credits)
Ear...

Hide-Year 1 Modules:
AD1871: Environments for Living Organisms (5 credits)
Ecology: niche, competition, tolerance, energy flow, nutrient cycling; Biomes; Biodiversity, Ocean Ecosystem and Atmosphere.

AD1872: The Physical Environment (10 credits)
Earth system, Geology (rock types, minerals), Palaeontology & Earth history, structural geology, geomorphology, geohazards. Practical work - recognition of rock samples, Field trip - Geology of the Burren.

AD1873: Environmental Systems and Resources (10 credits)
Groundwater; alternative energy supplies and its economics; nuclear energy; Hazardous and non-hazardous waste, types of waste treatment technologies (landfill, recycling, MBT, incineration, anaerobic digestion, aerobic composting, pyrolsis, gasification); case studies. Relevant environmental legislation.

AD1874: Development and the Environment (5 credits)
Introduction to economic concepts, trade, border policies, introduction to sociology, Social Psychology and Philosophy.

Year 2 Modules:
AD2850: Social Policy and the Environment (5 credits)
Introduction to Social Policy; Sustainable Energy; housing, poverty; transport and planning; Introduction of the principles of conflict.

AD2851: Analysing and Managing Environmental Change (10 credits)
Environmental Monitoring, Land-water-air Contamination; Environmental Quality Standards; Risk assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment, Strategic Environmental Assessment, Environmental Mitigation.

AD2852: Introduction to Environmental Policies (10 credits)
Energy legislation, REFIT and Government policy regarding renewables; statutory procedures for alternative energy (planning applications, EIS, power purchase agreements); Energy audits and energy regulations; Environmental Legislation; Waste legislation and waste management policies (European, National), regional/county waste management planning, Environmental Health and Safety. Principles of sustainability.

AD2853: Health and Human Needs (5 credits)
Energy rating of buildings, radon, genetically modified agricultural products; European and Irish legislation regarding effluent treatment systems; Organic gardening; AIDS.

Expand+Skills and Careers Information

This course is aimed at people returning to education, people with an existing qualification and seeking to broaden their knowledge of environmental and social issues, people starting out in a career in environmental...

Hide-Skills and Careers Information

This course is aimed at people returning to education, people with an existing qualification and seeking to broaden their knowledge of environmental and social issues, people starting out in a career in environmental science and looking for direction to an area of specialisation, and health and safety officers who wish to broaden their career opportunities in EHS.

Graduates of this course have found employment in the pharmachem sector, in local authorities, hold environmental, health and safety positions and have gone on to graduate with degrees in environmental science.