Courses
Water and Waste Water Operations
Higher Certificate in Science
Course Details
| Course Code | SG_SWATE_C06 |
|---|---|
| Level | 6 |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Credits | 120 |
| Method of Delivery | Online |
| Campus Locations | Sligo |
| Mode of Delivery | Part Time |
Course Overview
In collaboration with Uisce Éireann and the Local Authority Services National Training Group, this Level 6 part-time online and flexible Higher Certificate in Water & Wastewater Treatment Operations is tailored to address the increasing and demanding needs of Drinking Water and Wastewater treatment plant operations.
The programme is available to operatives in Local Authorities, Uisce Éireann and Private Sector Water organisations.
Approved Local Authority and Uisce Éireann employees will have their fees fully funded to undertake these programmes.
Stage 1 focuses on developing a greater understanding of computer applications, health and safety, flow measurement and controls, as well as law and compliance.
Stage 2, the focus is on specific specialist topics in the wastewater area including preliminary, primary and secondary treatment as well as sludge treatment and plant maintenance. Advanced wastewater treatment is also included in stage 2.
Attendance Requirements
Two one day workshops will take place each semester in ATU Sligo. Attendance at the workshops will be compulsory.
Examination and Assessment
Note: Where assessment on the programme involves examinations, these are held on campus or at another exam venue in the Republic of Ireland. There are typically two exam periods: January and May. Times scheduled for examinations (face to face / online exams ) are in GMT.
Students who are resident overseas and those with extenuating circumstances may apply to take examinations online with an external online invigilation service (online proctored exams), where this is available. Places are limited for this service.
On-Campus Attendance Requirement
Note: Check programme Examination and Assessment requirements, as they may involve examinations to be taken on campus.
Progression
On completion of this Higher Certificate in Water and Wastewater Treatment Operation (120 Credits) students can apply to progress to our Level 7 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management with onward progression to out Level 8 BSc (Hons) in Environmental Management
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
A Level 5 qualification (e.g. leaving certificate) or equivalent is required for entry to this programme.
Applicants with other qualifications and with relevant work experience may also be considered through ATU Sligo’s Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) process. RPL is a process that may allow you to gain admission to a programme or to receive exemptions / credit from some parts of a programme based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study or through your work and career. Further information is available through www.atu.ie/recognition-of-prior-learning which our dedicated RPL portal.
Applications for entry to this programme are also accepted from graduates of either of the following two programmes who have completed the necessary 60 Credits in those programmes
Careers
Graduates will be qualified to work in Drinking Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants as operators to the expected industry standard. This qualification may become the standard that the major operators in the Water Industry in Ireland will come to expect from their operators.
The treatment of Wastewater occurs in a variety of sectors. Treatment plants not only exist for the processing of public drinking water and wastewater but are located in industries such as Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture and Food processing forming an integral part of their manufacturing systems which is some cases are licenced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Further Information
Who Should Apply?
This programme is suitable for existing water and wastewater plant operators and managers in local authorities, Irish Water/Uisce Éireann and private sector water organisations as well as those looking to work in this area in the future.
Application Closing Date
14th August 2026
Start Date
September 2026
