Skip to main content

Course Search

Courses

Admissions & Support

Faculty Areas

Course Search

Our Campuses

Our Services

Our Community

Course Search

Governance

Professional Services

Discover More

Community Energy Development (Certificate, L6, 20 ECTS)

  • Location: Blended

  • weeks: 24

  • Fees: €1,900

  • Level 6

  • Course Type Flexible and Professional Learning

  • Study Mode Part Time

  • Department Built Environment

  • Start Date 09/09/2026

Course Overview

The aim of the programme is to develop the knowledge and skills of learners to be able to identify and develop appropriate sustainable energy investment opportunities in their communities, by developing their knowledge of sustainable energy technologies/solutions, relevant funding opportunities and project development techniques. This programme is aimed at people from (urban/rural) communities interested in the development of sustainable energy projects and those who are involved in supporting communities to develop sustainable energy projects.

 

More Information

  • Introduction to Community Sustainable Energy (10 ECTS)

    • Energy Systems
    • Energy Principles
    • Energy Efficiency Principles
    • Renewable Energy Systems

    Community Sustainable Energy Project Development (10 ECTS)

    • Policy and Legislation
    • Planning and Consultation
    • Project Finance and Organisation
    • Project Management
    • Stakeholder Engagement and Mobilisation

     

  • Mature applicants (i.e. aged 23 years on 1st January of year of entry for admission in September)

    Or

    Leaving Certificate: A minimum of 5 Passes in Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English/Irish.

    Or

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) 
    If you do not meet the academic entry requirements listed above but would like your application assessed under RPL please select YES on the online application form. Please include any relevant work experience/further information relevant to your application under the ‘Additional Information’ section.

    English Language: Applicants who do not have English as their first language must ensure they satisfy English Language requirements. For entry to undergraduate courses, a score of 5.5 in an IELTS or equivalent exam is required. For postgraduate courses, a score of 6.0 in an IELTS or equivalent exam is required. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure their English proficiency meets these requirements. Please note that we do not request proof of English language qualification or proficiency.

  • Tues 7pm to 9pm – (fortnightly) and 5 on site visits per semester

    2 Semesters = 24 weeks

    All applicants will require use of a laptop for the programme.

    The above is an indicative schedule and is subject to change.

  • Each 5 credits will normally equate to approximately 100 Total Learning Hours. Total Learning Hours includes the time you spend in class (lectures, tutorials, practical elements) and the time you spend completing work outside of college. The balance between these two varies by discipline, and by level of study. You should bear in mind that the workload will increase at particular times e.g. when assignments are due.

  • Assessment will be through a range of continuous assessments, which will involve:

    • Case studies
    • Online quizzes
    • Project reports
    • Final project

  • Certificate in Community Energy Development (Special Purpose Award, Level 6, 20 ECTS)

  • €1,900

  • Applications will close 2 weeks before the listed start date or once the maximum number of applicants is reached.

    Places are allocated on a first come first served basis.

    Programme run subject to viable numbers.