Ecology and the Environment QQI Level 6

Who is this course for?
This course, leading to a Minor Award in Level 6 Ecology and the Environment, is for anyone with an interest in the area. We particularly welcome applications from Senior Cycle students, school leavers, higher education students from any discipline, and professionals with an interest in the area.

Why should I take this course?
The field of ecology is continually growing and developing, with knowledge that is applicable to a wide range of areas.
This course will develop your knowledge and skills relating to ecology and will provide opportunities to learn through practical tasks and field trips.

When can I start this course?
The next intake of this course will be:

Intensive Option (2 weeks, 9:00-17:00): August 10, 2026

Part-Time Option (10 weeks of weekly sessions 17:30-20:00, and x5 Saturday fieldwork days): September 16, 2026

What do I need to be accepted into this course?
-You must be able to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and competence associated with Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (Leaving Certificate standard)
-You must have a competent level of spoken and written English
-You must have a PPS number -Applications must include a brief statement explaining why you would like to take part in this course.

What will I learn?
On successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:  

• Learners will be able to: Review policy framework for environmental and biodiversity protection in Ireland including International Union for -Conservation of Nature (IUCN) designations for species, site designations, codes of good practice for fertiliser use, pesticides, tree establishment and felling, landscape and heritage protection, European Union (EU) and national legislation including water protection legislation, water framework directive, nitrate directive, wildlife act and habitats directive
• Appraise the role of statutory and voluntary organisations in environmental protection
• Examine techniques available for the management of sites to promote biodiversity
• Evaluate factors influencing population dynamics and community composition including relevant tools and techniques for monitoring populations and communities
• Examine habitat restoration techniques including consideration of impact of everyday work practices on the natural environment
• Report on a range of environmental features such as: vegetation survey, Braun-Blanquet scale, quadrats and linear survey elements, hedgerow assessment including structure, species composition, connectivity, diversity and associated features, water quality assessment to include invertebrate biodiversity, Q values and chemical indicators such as pH or P, epiflora of walls, colonisation of waste ground, succession on disturbed ground
• Apply practical techniques for the recognition of semi natural habitats and habitat features in the field to include blanket bogs, woodland types, coastal habitats to include fixed dunes, dune slack, salt march and semi natural grassland
• Identify invasive species of plant and pest
• Devise a management plan to control an invasive species
• Ensure implementation of procedures to create and maintain a safe working environment including safety standards regarding lifting, carrying and handling plants, tools and equipment.

What will I do?
Participants in this course will: 

-Participate in classroom sessions to build core knowledge
-Learn through practical tasks at diverse sites through several field trips

How will this course be delivered?
The course will be delivered in-person at ECO-UNESCO’s office at 9 Burgh Quay, Dublin, as well as through field trips to sites accessible by public transport from central Dublin.
Intensive Option (2 weeks, 9:00-17:00)
Part-Time Option (10 weeks of weekly sessions 17:30-20:00, and x5 Saturday fieldwork days)
Independent work will also need to be completed. 

Fees:

The cost of this course is €500. Fee assistance may be available; please contact ECO-UNESCO if you have any questions.

Ecology and the Environment

Award Type: Minor
Awarding Body: QQI
Code: 6N3645
NFQ Level: 6
Credit Value: 15
Duration: Over 2 weeks (Intensive Course Option) or 10 weeks (Part-Time Option)