The Postgraduate Diploma in Ecological Assessment is a multidisciplinary programme running over 10 months from the date of first registration for the programme.

Based on availability, places on the modules listed below may be offered to candidates participating in Graduate Research Education Programmes.

Candidates for the Postgraduate Diploma in Ecological Assessment must (1) hold at least a Second Class Honours, Grade II degree in any area and be able to demonstrate considerable knowledge/experience in some aspect of ecological assessment or (2) have reached an equivalent standard through completion of a relevant diploma or other qualification in Biological Sciences and be able to demonstrate considerable knowledge/experience in some aspect of ecological assessment. Bridging programmes may be a prerequisite depending on the background of the individual students.

The number of places is limited and selection will be made based on the candidate's qualifications and experience. Where relevant, candidates will have to prove their proficiency in the English language (spoken and written) by achieving at least a score of 6.5 or higher in an IELTS test (International English Language Testing System).

Students successfully completing the Postgraduate Diploma in Ecological Assessment may be eligible to apply for the MSc (Ecological Assessment) in a subsequent year.

Students take taught modules to the value of 60 credits with lectures, practicals, seminars, workshops, fieldstudy and self-directed learning. Each of the taught modules will be examined by a written paper and/or continuous assessment.

Core Modules
Students take 35 credits as follows:
AE6001 Ecological Site Assessment (5 credits)
AE6002 Plant Identification (10 credits)
AE6003 Habitat Classification and Survey (5 credits)
AE6005 Quantitative Ecological Surveying (5 credits)
AE6006 Legislation and the Natural Environment (5 credits)
BL6022 GIS for Ecological Assessment (5 credits)

Elective Modules
Students take 25 credits from the following:
AE6007 Aquatic Invertebrates (5 credits)
AE6008 Grasses: Identification and Sampling (5 credits)
AE6009 Carabidae: Identification and Sampling (5 credits)
AE6010 Lichens: Identification, Sampling and Biomonitoring (5 credits)
AE6011 Bats: Identification and Survey (5 credits)
AE6012 Professional Ecology Work Placement (5 credits)
AE6013 Bryophytes: Identification and Sampling (5 credits)
AE6016 Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) (5 credits)
AE6020 Birds: Survey and Interpretation (5 credits)
AE6021 Appropriate Assessment (5 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2016 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules 2015/2016.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Diploma in Ecological Assessment (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a sound scientific understanding of the dominant factors governing the species composition of selected natural habitats;
• Demonstrate expertise in the collection, identification and taxonomic context of selected key groups of flora and fauna;
• Conduct a habitat survey at different levels of detail;
• Select and apply appropriate methods for the sampling of biological organisms in a variety of ecosystems;
• Apply different and appropriate methods currently used in Ecological Impact Assessment;
• Critically assess national and international legislation and regulations relevant to habitats and organisms;
• Collect and present ecological data for the purposes of ecological assessment.