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Courses
Courses
Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
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About University of Galway
About University of Galway
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At University of Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Corporate Environmental Planning (Specialist Diploma)
Course Overview
This is a new practice-based course developed by University of Galway and Next Level Skillnet. This course provides an overview of the evolution of environmental planning and management and its relationship to society and industry today. Drawing on contemporary examples, this course will explore the roots and principles of environmental planning and management in practice, introducing students to a range of conceptual and practical approaches. It will prepare students with the knowledge and skills to be leaders and decision makers in developing solutions for contemporary environmental issues in industrial and commercial environments. It will also provide students with an understanding of waste legislation, the key issues and practical implications in relation to waste management and focus on lean processes and waste prevention.
This specialist diploma award is particularly suitable for students requiring medium-term upskilling for career advancement in the area of environmental policy and leadership to strengthen their capacities as efficient environmental managers and effective environmental leaders in their organisations.
The content and learning outcomes of this course focus on the following SDGs: 4, 7, 11, 13 & 15. You can find out more about SDGs at University of Galway here.
Mode of Study: Online Learning
This course has been approved by both Next Level Skillnet and Galway Executive Skillnet for a fees subsidy of up to 40% for students whose company is a member of their networks. For more information, contact:
Next Level Skillnet – Sue Davies at: sue@nextlevel.ie
Galway Executive Skillnet – Eamonn Molloy at: info@galwayexecutiveskillnet.com
This course is also available through Springboard, find out more here.
Applications and Selections
Applications open from 1st April 2024.
Applications are made online via the University of Galway Applications System. This course is listed under Adult Learning Undergraduate\Postgraduate, CPD, Micro-credentials & Summer School Applications.
Please visit our How to Apply page for Application tips and Supporting Documents information.
NB: Applicants should have a Diploma at NFQ Level 7 of 90 ECTS minimum, in a Science, Engineering or Technical area, or otherwise prove that they satisfy the prerequisites of each of the modules as listed in the course outline section.Who Teaches this Course
Requirements and Assessment
The course is delivered online on a part-time basis, through learning activities, eBooks and other digital resources and online module guides. Each module is individually assessed by assignments completed throughout the semester. The major assignment for each module will be the development of a plan for the participant’s workplace. The course requires attendance online for approximately 10 hours per module, mainly on Saturdays.
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have a Diploma at NFQ Level 7 of 90 ECTS minimum, in a Science, Engineering or Technical area, or otherwise prove that they satisfy the prerequisites of each of the modules as listed in the course outline section.
Entry requirements for part-time students can be found here (i.e. age, english language requirements etc.).
Additional Requirements
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Duration
1-year, part-time
Next start date
September 2024
A Level Grades ()
Average intake
25-30
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
NFQ level
8
Mode of study
Online Learning
ECTS weighting
30
Award
CAO
Course code
Course Outline
The Corporate Environmental Planning (Specialist Diploma) consists of 6 inter-related taught modules giving a total of 30 ECTS, to allow individuals to up-skill in a highly focused area of interest. See module descriptions below:
Environmental Science
This module aims to enhance the learner's understanding and appreciation of environment-related disciplines. It covers facts and attitudes that help the learner to understand and evaluate current environmental issues critically, evaluate technological advances, and put environmental issues into a legal perspective.
Energy Management
Improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints and energy costs is a priority for many organisations. An Energy Management System (EnMS) can play a lead role in achieving these aims. An EnMS is a process for continually improving energy performance. Suitable for all organisations, whatever the size or sector, it is particularly beneficial in organisations operating energy intensive processes. This module will provide the student with a general introduction to energy, its generation, distribution and usage in industrial and commercial environments and provide a conceptual and technical foundation in energy management. The module will focus on conducting energy audits, creating energy budgets and assessing ISO 50001 requirements.
The Lean Organisation and Technology
The concept of Lean is to provide increased value to the organisation and the customer through eliminating waste in production and operations. Lean can be applied in every commercial and industrial environment as a way of thinking and acting for an entire organisation. This module will provide students with an overview of Lean principles and the 8 wastes or lean defects it deals with: excess processing, overproduction, waiting, inventory, movement, motion and non-utilised talent. This module will focus on contemporary Lean practice, tools for Lean and emerging technologies, and how they can assist in the modern Lean organisation. The module will include the practical application of knowledge and skills through the development of a Lean strategy for the students’ organisations or departments.
Environmental Leadership in Organisations
While environmental protection is a global issue, environmental activities occur at all levels with industrial and commercial environments playing a lead role. This module will explore local and global sustainability issues and their implications for industrial and commercial environments and examine case studies of environmental leadership in practice. The module will provide students with a conceptual and practical foundation in methods of fostering teamwork, leadership and communication for effective environmental leadership in their organisations.
Environmental Compliance
Knowledge of current minimum legal expectations for environmental compliance is fundamental to achieving good environmental management in industrial and commercial environments. This module is aimed at professionals and will provide students with a practical foundation in the principles of compliance and risk management for compliance in Ireland. Topics will include the structure of environmental law in Ireland (EU directives, regulations, licensing etc.), current and future environmental legislative requirements, and how to ensure legal compliance for their organisations.
Environmental Management for Organisations
Drawing on contemporary examples, Environmental Management for Organisations will explore the roots and principles of environmental planning and management in practice, introducing students to a range of conceptual and practical approaches. The module will focus on processes, scale and case studies in environmental management and planning in industrial and commercial organisations and lays a solid foundation for the other modules. Environmental planning and management will be explored in an interdisciplinary context applicable to a variety of backgrounds, such as manufacturing, operations and environmental engineering, environmental and quality science, health and safety, social geography, business and management, regulations and compliance.
NB: the following modules can be taken as micro-credentials:
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
This course is aimed at technicians, operatives, engineers, middle or senior managers who wish to move into specialist environmental and resource management roles, develop organisational systems, and advise senior management.
The course would also suit those who are interested in environmental entrepreneurship, new service or product development, emerging models, consulting roles etc.
Who’s Suited to This Course
The specialist diplomas are primarily intended for students who already have a Science or Engineering related diploma or degree and are working in an operations, design, lean or regulatory compliance role in their companies.
Learning Outcomes
Transferable Skills Employers Value
In addition to developing content knowledge this programme aims to develop useful skills, known as Professional Transferable Skills (PTS). The importance of PTS is now widely recognised in the workplace. The following nine skills are considered to be the most important in the context of this course and are particularly advantageous at management levels:
- problem-solving
- critical thinking
- decision-making
- oral communication
- written communication
- team-working
- networking
- customer-centric skills
- creativity, innovation & entrepreneurship
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
Fees: Tuition
Fees: Student levy
Fees: Non EU
NB: EU Fees are comprised of Tuition + Student Levy.
*Next Level Skillnet and Industry 4.0 Skillnet funding are available for this course. You also may be eligible for the Adult Learning Tuition Scholarship, find out more here.
Find out More
For academic information and application details contact:
Centre for Adult Learning & Professional Development, University of Galway
Tel: 091 494060
Email: sciencetech@universityofgalway.ie
What Our Students Say
Boris Kristof | Student
I recently completed the Corporate Environmental Planning programme through Springboard, and I couldn't be more satisfied with my experience. The course content was not only insightful but also highly relevant to today’s environmental challenges. I appreciated the flexibility it offered, making it ideal for working professionals and those with family commitments. The tutors and support staff were exceptional, providing guidance and encouragement throughout the journey. I highly recommend this programme to anyone looking to advance their career in environmental planning!
Emma Court | Graduate
The Diploma in Corporate Environmental Planning enabled me to develop the skills and the confidence to transition into a sustainability-focused role. The course offers an excellent foundational understanding into environmental science and key sustainability issues, then moves into practical environmental management principles. The course lecturers are excellent, and drew on their real-world experience, which greatly helped me understand how these principles can be applied. The course modules, including Environmental Science, Environmental Management for Organisations, Environmental Leadership in Organisations, Environmental Compliance, Energy Management, and The Lean Organisation and Technology, provided me with a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues and management strategies. This diploma not only expanded my technical expertise but also strengthened my leadership capabilities, enabling me to contribute significantly to my organisation's climate goals.
Colette Horgan | Student
I applied for the Specialist Diploma in Corporate Environmental Planning through Springboard+ funding. I have worked for 10 years in the Pharma industry and 13 years in the Environmental services industry, and most recently I have held a senior management position in a training and consultancy services firm. Continuous improvement and compliance have been key focus points throughout my career. I decided to do a Springboard+ course as I became unemployed and found that while I had gained much knowledge & experience in environmental management throughout my career, I lacked the formal qualifications to get a job. I had also decided I wanted to move away from commercial performance & profit-making concerns and find something with a greater sense of purpose more aligned with my core values. The course was intensive and required a good deal of time and effort. Drawing on my work experience and successful completion of this course, I am now better prepared to pursue job opportunities and will take up a new role as an Inspector with the EPA soon. I would highly recommend this course.