Environmental Protection - Sligo

This programme offers the theory and practice of environmental protection and is designed for those who have, or who aspire to have, environmental responsibilities but who may lack sufficient formal training in the area. A broad range of environmental topics are addressed and integrated to provide current environmental management, technical and legislative skills to participants covering a range of areas including water quality and supply, ecology, geology, biology, water and waste management and sustainability. The Masters stage requires the learner to pursue research on an appropriate topic in environmental science/management, integrate research findings and articulate the key considerations of the specific investigation.



Who should apply?

Past participants have come from from areas such as industry, services, regulators (EPA, local authority, Uisce Éireann, IFI, EHOs, etc), semi-state bodies, education, consultants, NGOs and individuals who have a keen interest in the environment.



External Accrediting Body

Accredited by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).

Modules:

Waste Management and Resource Efficiency

Energy Systems and Management

Environmental Management

Water Resource Management

Air and Noise Management

Environmental Systems

Applicants require an Honours degree (Level 8) in science or engineering, or other relevant cognate area. Alternatively, applicants may hold a relevant Ordinary degree (Level 7) in science or engineering other relevant cognate area and have obtained a minimum of three years relevant post-qualification experience. Applicants must have achieved merit or greater in the 60 credit Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Protection before progressing to the Masters.



Recognition of Prior Learning: Yes.

When to Apply

There are two major intake periods throughout the academic year, September and January. For January start courses, applications typically open in October, and for September start courses, applications typically open in February. Closing dates for applications are listed on the individual course webpages.

2 years part-time, online delivery.



Study Hours

Students can expect one live lecture per week - lasting approximately 2 hours. Students typically spend 25-35 hours per week on the Dissertation Module. This includes meetings with supervisors, academic research, experimentation/field studies (if applicable), writing and workshop activities.



On-Campus Attendance

At Postgraduate Diploma level, there is one (occasionally two) workshop per subject. The workshops take place on a Friday or Saturday. At Masters level, students may be required to present their progress to peers and supervisors in on-campus workshops (max 2).

Start Date: September 2026.

Progression Pathways

Many of our Masters programmes are structured in a way that includes recognised entry and exit awards. This means that you can apply for part of Masters first and learn at your own pace or if you are unable to complete the full programme, you can still gain a recognised qualification. Our entry and exit awards typically include Postgraduate Certificate award and a Postgraduate Diploma award.



All students will first commence on the Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Protection and if successful may transfer to the Master of Science in Environmental Protection.