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Postgraduate Diploma in Science in the Decarbonisation of the Built Environment (L9, 60 ECTS)

  • Status: Apply Now

  • Location: Moylish, Limerick City

  • Fees: DASBE funded. See Fees Section below.

  • Level 9

  • Course Type Flexible and Professional Learning

  • Study Mode Part Time

  • Department Built Environment

  • Start Date 15/09/2025

Course Overview

The aim of the Post Graduate Diploma in Science in the Decarbonisation of the Built Environment programme is to up-skill building professionals to develop knowledge and skills that allow them to plan, deliver and manage high quality, sustainable developments, with emphasis on decarbonising the built environment for medium to large sites, districts and community collectives. This will place the learners in a position to contribute to meeting Ireland’s climate action and energy targets in relation to the decarbonisation of the built environment.

Graduates will be employed as climate and decarbonisation experts and advisors within the engineering, construction, and decarbonisation industry.

General Queries

Flexible Learning

Email: flexible.midwest@tus.ie

Telephone: (061) 293802

Academic Queries

DASBE

Email: info@DASBE.ie

What are the entry requirements?

An honours degree (level 8) in a cognate (e.g. Engineering, Architecture, Building Services, Construction Management etc.,) discipline or approved equivalent qualification
Or
An honours degree (level 8) in a non-cognate discipline with minimum 4 years relevant work experience and/or ability, evidenced by an RPL portfolio of prior experience and learning
Or
Equivalent Qualifications. Applicants with equivalent qualifications on the European and International frameworks will also be considered. International students must evidence a proficiency in English language for example IELTS 6.5.

Special Case Registrations: Prospective participants who do not meet the entry requirements for the programme detailed above, but who may qualify for admission by meeting certain other equivalent criteria, including workplace experience, should apply to the Department of Flexible Learning Office using the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) procedure for consideration.

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 minimum score of 5.5 in an IELTS exam is required. For postgraduate courses, a minimum of 6.0 is required. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure their English proficiency meets these requirements.

 

  • Module 1: Decarbonisation Strategies and Options in the Built Environment (10 credits)
    1. Introduction to the Decarbonisation in the Built Environment
    2. EU and National Policy Frameworks for Decarbonisation
    3. Passive and Sustainable Approaches for Decarbonisation
    4. Building Resilience and Sustainable Urban Planning

     

    Module 2: Decarbonisation Analysis & Solutions in the Built Environment (10 credits)
    1. Designing Net-Zero Carbon Buildings and Systems
    2. Carbon Management and Storage Technologies
    3. Technological Innovation for Decarbonisation: AI, IoT, and Big Data

     

    Module 3: Low Carbon Tools And Assets (5 credits)
    1. Life Cycle Thinking
    2. Strategies and Frameworks for Low Carbon Verification
    3. Analysis of Digital Tools

     

    Module 4: Sustainability and Biodiversity Assessment (5 credits)
    1. Understanding sustainability rating systems
    2. Application of Sustainability and Biodiversity in Practice
    3. Infrastructure projects scheme

     

    Module 5: Building Information Modelling And Whole Life Cycle (10 credits)
    1. Carbon and Cost Reporting Frameworks
    2. Domain Standards and Guidance documentation
    3. Integration of Digital Tools and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
    4. Simulation Modelling Tools for Sustainability

     

    Module 6: Decarbonisation Planning (5 credits)
    1. Circular Economy and its application to the built environment
    2. Decarbonisation pathways and frameworks
    3. Decarbonisation Planning Methodologies

     

    Module 7: Business And Investment (5 credits)
    1. Business Plan process
    2. Cost Classifications as an aid to decision-making
    3. Financing Analysis and Budgeting
    4. Investment and long term Green Strategies

     

    Module 8: Sustainable Management AIM (10 credits)
    1. Facilities Fundamentals
    2. BIM Asset Information Management
    3. Sustainability-orientated BIM technologies, processes, and systems

     

     

    2 Options for the Dissertation
    1. Decarbonisation Dissertation:
    This is a capstone module which draws from modules delivered throughout the programme. The aim of the module is to encourage learners to develop integrative learning and critical reflection as they bring together a range of concepts, theories, frameworks and practices within a research setting.
    The module focuses on the preparation of a large-scale research proposal; analysis and synthesis of extant literature at the forefront of the candidates research interest; application of the findings from literature review to the design; testing and execution of an in-depth; primary research study; interpretation and reporting of findings to supervisor, and the application of both secondary and primary findings to the preparation of clear, well justified conclusions which address the original aims and objectives of the research.
    The content includes:
    Research Methodologies and Ethics, Critical Literature Review, Research planning and design, Research Tools and Analysis, Critical Analysis, Interpretation and Reporting of findings.

    2. Decarbonisation Consultancy Project
    This module is a capstone module designed to integrate the learning from the previous three certificates, to integrate the students’ wider contextual analysis, impact assessment, strategic planning and assessment of behavioural norms to provide an action plan and report on the decarbonisation of a site.
    The content includes:
    Research Methodologies and Ethics, Consultancy Planning & Design, Formulating Technical and Industry-level Review, Practice-based Activity, Interpretation and Reporting of findings.

  • Modules are to be delivered over 1.5 yrs (3 semesters) in a blended learning format.

    Tuesday and Thursday evening online lectures 18.30-21.30hrs weekly

    Full day face to face practical workshops and site visits on Fridays or Saturdays (TBC)

    The proposed delivery schedule 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 is continuous assessment and online exams.
    Learners have the option to transfer to a Level 9 Masters in Science in the Decarbonisation of the Built Environment, 90 credits in Semester 2.
    The final 30 credit Masters dissertation is to be completed in semester 3 and semester 4
    For the Dissertation: Assessment is continuous assessment, with a final dissertation and presentation

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Science in the Decarbonisation of the Built Environment (L9, 60 ECTS)

     

  • 22nd of August 2025.

    Places are allocated on a first come first served basis.

    Course will be closed once the maximum number of applicants is reached. Courses run subject to viable numbers.