Springboard+ is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. Please see www.eufunds.ie for further details
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?
The Certificate in Environmental and Planning Legislation is a Level 7, 10-credit Special Purpose Award validated by SETU. The programme provides learners with the knowledge and competencies required to understand and apply key environmental and planning legislation within local authority and public sector settings.
The programme focuses on the legislative and regulatory frameworks that underpin environmental protection and planning processes, with particular emphasis on the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive, Habitats Directive, and Water Framework Directive. Learners will develop an understanding of the legal and practical considerations involved in monitoring, compliance, inspection, and the integration of environmental requirements into public projects and services.
The programme is delivered using a blended learning approach, combining online and regional in-person workshops delivered in partnership with Local Authorities.
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.
Programme approved for CPD purposes by the Irish Planning Institute: 15 IPI CPD credits
This programme develops knowledge of the environmental and planning legislation that influences decision-making across local authority functions, including planning, housing, roads, environment and water services.
Learners will examine the requirements of key European environmental directives and their application within public sector practice. The programme explores environmental assessment, compliance obligations, environmental protection measures, and the role of legislation in the planning, design and delivery of public projects.
Through project-based assessment, participants will apply their learning to practical scenarios relevant to their professional roles and develop the skills required to support compliance and informed decision-making within their organisations.
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's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy and applicants who wish to apply using this route can request the specific RPL for their programme.
SETU'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.
The programme is designed for professionals working in local authorities and related public sector organisations, including planners, engineers, scientists, administrators, and community and economic development staff.
The qualification supports professional development for those whose roles involve environmental regulation, planning, project delivery, housing, roads, water services or environmental management. It also provides a foundation for further study in environmental management, planning, sustainability, public administration and related disciplines.
The programme is approved for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) purposes by the Irish Planning Institute (IPI) and carries 15 IPI CPD credits.
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Part-time Prospectus
Explore our Part-time Prospectus to see the range of flexible study options available, with detailed course information, entry requirements, and study formats. Download the prospectus to find a programme that fits around your work and other commitments.
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